Section 325.5409. Conditions of operation.

(1) An operator shall properly utilize the beam-limiting devices provided to restrict the useful beam to the smallest area consistent with clinical requirements. Particular care shall  be taken  to align accurately the x-ray beam with the patient and film.

(2)   The operator shall insure the presence of adequate filtration before any radiographic procedure.  See rule 405 (2).

(3)    When a patient or film must be held in position for radiography, mechanical supporting or restraining devices shall be available and shall be used unless contraindicated. Proper use of these devices shall permit the operator to stand behind the primary control shield during most  radiographic procedures.

(4)   If the patient or film must be held by 1 or more individuals, each individual shall wear protective gloves and body aprons of  0.5  millimeter minimum lead equivalence  as  well as head and  neck  protection  of 0.25 millimeter minimum lead equivalence.  Each person shall be so positioned that no part of his body will be struck by the useful beam and that his body is as far as possible from the edge of the useful beam.

(5)    Only individuals whose presence is necessary shall be permitted in the radiographic room during exposure. These individuals shall be protected as specified in subrule (4) unless protected by an approved primary barrier.

(6)   If an auxiliary foot switch is provided as specified in rule 405 (12), it shall be used only be a licensed veterinarian and only at times when sufficient personnel are not  available   to permit  use  of  the primary exposureswitch specified in rule 405 (11).

(7)   To protect the feet of the veterinarian or his assistant from the primary beam while restraining patients, the underside of the radiographic table shall be protected by at least 1.6 millimeter (1/16 inch) lead  or equivalent protection approved by the department.

(8)    Personnel monitoring shall be performed in controlled areas for each individual occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation from diagnostic x-ray equipment. Personnel monitoring devices such as  film  badge  dosimeters  or thermoluminescent   dosimeters  shall   be

permanently    assigned     to    each occupationally exposed  individual. This monitoring  shall   be continuous during employment as a radiation worker.

(9)    Personnel exposure records shall be kept on permanent available file at the facility where the exposure occurs.

(10)   Monitoring devices used to estimate whole body exposure shall normally be worn on the chest or abdomen.  Monitoring of any other body part shall comply with rule 222.

(11)   Monitoring devices worn to estimate personnel occupational exposure shall not be worn by the individual when he is exposed as a patient for any medical or dental reason.

(12)    Medical x-ray screen type films and intensifying screens shall  be employed to reduce patient exposure except in cases where a noticeable decrease in image definition resulting from increased sensitivity may reduce the clinical value of the examination.

(13)    Film processing materials and techniques shall be those recommended by the x-ray film and processing materials manufacturers unless otherwise tested to insure maximum information content of the developed film. Sight developing is not permitted except under extreme emergency conditions. Correct temperature control and development time are necessary to  minimize radiation dose to the patient.

(14)    A radiographic x-ray system shall not be left unattended without locking the apparatus, room or building in some manner which will prevent use of the apparatus by unauthorized persons.

History: 1979 AC.