§ 227a.52. Radiation-producing devices used in individual security screening.
In addition to the requirements in Subchapter B (relating to general technical requirements), the following requirements apply to radiation-producing devices used in individual security screening. A person requesting Department approval for a radiation-producing device to be used for individual security screening with intended human exposure to the primary beam for public protection shall submit the following information to the Department for evaluation and approval. The applicant shall state how the dose limits in this section will be met. The applicant shall receive Department approval prior to use.
(1) Efficacy evaluation. An evaluation of all known alternate methods that could achieve the goals of the individual security screening program and an explanation of why these methods will not be used in preference to the applicant’s proposed approach using ionizing radiation.
(2) Equipment evaluation. A device used for individual security screening of humans shall be evaluated by a qualified expert at the following times for optimization of image quality and radiation dose per manufacturer’s recommendations and this section:
(i) Upon installation of the device.
(ii) After maintenance that affects the radiation shielding, shutter mechanism or X-ray production components.
(iii) Upon damage to the system.
(iv) Every 12 months.
(3) Dose limits for general-use systems. An effective dose for a single complete screening must be limited to 25 µrem (0.25 µSv) when the system is used without regard to the number of individuals scanned or number of scans per individual in a year.
(4) Dose limits for limited-use systems. The effective dose per screening must be less than or equal to 1 mrem (0.01mSv) when equipment is capable of operation greater than 25 µrem (0.25 µSv) per screening. The number of scans per individual must be tracked to ensure the dose does not exceed the limits referenced in paragraph (5) and § 227a.53(c) (relating to radiation-producing devices used in vehicle security screening).
(5) Dose limits for repeat security screenings. An individual subject to repeat individual security screenings at a single venue may not receive an effective dose greater than 25 mrem (0.25 mSv) in a 12-month period at the registrant’s or licensee’s facility.
(6) Information available to screening subjects. At a minimum, the registrant shall make the following information available to screening subjects prior to scanning:
(i) The estimated effective dose from one screening.
(ii) Examples comparing the effective dose with commonly known sources of radiation exposure.
(7) Training. Training must include the following:
(i) The RSO shall have 8 hours of training in radiation safety which must include X-ray physics, biological effects, units of measure, safety standards, and protection regulations.
(ii) In addition to X-ray scanner operation training by the manufacturer, an operator shall receive at least 2 hours of radiation safety training.
(iii) Operators and the RSO shall receive annual radiation safety refresher training. Training must include the applicable topics under Chapter 221, Appendix A (relating to determination of competence).
(8) Scanning of minors and pregnant individuals. The scanning of an individual under 18 years of age or an individual known or declared pregnant is prohibited without prior departmental approval.
(9) Preventative maintenance. The registrant shall follow the manufacturer’s recommended preventative maintenance schedule.
(10) Radiation protection program. A written radiation safety program must be based on accepted radiation protection principles, including keeping an exposure ALARA. The registrant is responsible to have the program developed, documented and implemented. The RSO shall review the radiation protection program at least annually.
(11) Records retention. The registrant shall maintain all records relative to the use of the radiation-producing device for at least 5 years.
Cross References This section cited in 25 Pa. Code § 227a.53 (relating to radiation-producing devices used in vehicle security screening).
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