Section 325.5404. Conditions of operation.

(1) Operation shall comply with the general requirements of rule 317 excluding (2), (5), (6), and (11).

(2)    The output of the x-ray generator should be calibrated initially before use for the treatment of animals. It should also be recalibrated after each tube replacement and after any changes or replacement in the generating apparatus which could effect a change in the x-ray output. Check calibrations should be made on an annual basis and records of all calibration maintained for not less than 5 years.

(3)   Patients shall not be hand-held in position for radiation therapy. Mechanical supporting or restraining devices shall be used if restraint is required.

(4)   A person shall not be permitted in the treatment room when the tube is operated at any potential.

(5)    The x-ray tube of a contact therapy machine as defined in rule 321 (3) shall not be hand-held during irradiation. When practical, a cap of at least 0.5 millimeter lead equivalence should cover the aperture window of the tube housing of such apparatus when the apparatus is not being used. Because the exposure rate at the surface of the window of contact therapy and beryllium window machines may be more than 10,000 R per minute, extreme precautions are necessary to prevent accidental exposure to the useful beam.

(6)   Lead, lead rubber, lead foil and similar materials used for limiting the field, should not transmit more than 5% of the useful beam under the conditions at which the machine is operated for therapy.

History: 1979 AC.