f. X-Ray Hazards.
When high velocity electron beams strike metal or
certain other materials, X-rays are produced.
The operation of some
electronic devices depends on the acceleration of electrons, and when the
accelerating voltage approaches or exceeds 15,000 volts the production of X-
rays may become a hazard to personnel. Examples of such electronic devices
are magnetrons, klystrons, thrystrons, cathode ray tubes, and high voltage
rectifier tubes.
Currently, radars and cathode-ray tubes are the primary
electronic equipment that use sufficient voltage to constitute a hazard. As
the accelerating potentials become greater than 15,000 volts, the X-rays
produced have much greater energy, and the difficulty of providing adequate
shielding increases appreciably.
(1) Servicing Electronic Devices That Produce X-Ray Hazards.
When
performing preventive or corrective maintenance on electronic devices that
produce hazardous X-ray radiation as an undesirable by-product, the
following precautions should be observed by maintenance personnel:
(a) Observe all warning signs on the equipment and all written
safety precautions in the instruction manuals for the equipment that deals
with X-ray hazards.
(b) Do not use jumper interlocks that permit the servicing of
operating equipment with the protective X-ray shielding removed, unless such
procedures are called for in the instruction manuals.
(c) Be sure to replace all protective X-ray shielding when
servicing is complete so that operating personnel or others will not
unknowingly be subjected to harmful X-ray radiation.
(d) When bench testing X-ray producing electronic devices, be sure
that adequate X-ray shielding is provided to protect all personnel in the
testing area.
(e) Determine the latest safety precautions, including the use of
the latest approved dosimeters, by consulting the post safety officer,
health physicist, or the industrial hygienist at post installations.
(f) The local Radiological Protection Officer will be requested to
determine if X-rays are produced and the extent of the hazard. Film badges
will be worn when required by AR 40-14.
(g) Electronic devices which produce
an
X-ray
hazard
will
be
labeled to warn personnel of this hazard.
(h) Warning placads will be properly posted in the vicinity of X-
ray hazards.
g. Miscellaneous Hazards.
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