Radiation Producing Devices
All radiation producing devices (RPD) are regulated by the Washington State Department of Health and must be registered with the state prior to use. The University possesses one registration managed by EH&S’s Radiation Safety team. Depending on the type of device and its intended use, there are requirements for facility design, worker training and protection, and device operation.
An RPD is any piece of equipment that, when energized, is designed to emit ionizing radiation or could potentially emit ionizing radiation as a by-product of its operation. These types of devices pose a hazard if not used properly. Therefore, certain controls must be in place to ensure proper operation, employee safety and patient safety.
RPDs can be divided into two groups:
Medical – RPDs used on humans or animals. Examples include:
- Particle accelerators
- X-ray imaging devices
Research – RPDs not used on humans or animals. Examples include:
- X-ray irradiator, diffraction, spectroscopy and fluorescence units
- Electron microscopes
- Particle accelerator
What you need to know
Many medical RPDs require lead shielding in the walls of the room where they are located. There may also be requirements for the operator station. Please contact Radiation Safety early in the process of facility design to ensure regulatory requirements are addressed for the specific type of RPD being installed.
Each RPD must be registered with EH&S prior to its use. This includes devices on loan from a manufacturer or another institution.
During the registration process, a Health Physicist will determine if the device needs to be surveyed regularly. In general, RPDs must be surveyed at least once a year and more often, if changes made to the device (e.g. disassembly, removal or modification to X-ray tube).
You must notify EH&S Radiation Safety before you purchase any RPD.
Due to potential hazards, liability and regulatory requirements, RPDs should not be abandoned, disposed as regular waste or sold to the public through UW Surplus. An RPD can be transferred to another institution if approved by a Radiation Safety Officer.
If you are getting rid of an RPD, please contact us to initiate proper sales, transfer or disposal of X-ray equipment. Refer to the Preparing Radiation Items for Surplus guidance for more information.
What you can do to stay safe
Research RPDs
Personnel operating or working in the vicinity of research RPDs, except for electron microscope users, must register with EH&S and receive safety training before operating the device.
X-ray workers, who have completed the safety training should complete the Research RPD X-ray Worker Registration form and email it to the Radiation Safety team.
Medical RPDs
The registration and safety training requirements vary depending on the type of device you will be using. Please contact us to find out the requirements that apply to you.
Radiation PPE (RPPE) is not required for most research RPDs, but many medical use RPDs require it. If you are unsure whether or not you should wear RPPE while operating a RPD, please contact us for guidance.
Services Available
EH&S provides the following services:
- Radiation PPE testing
- Device registration and evaluation
- Safety training
- Safety survey
- Dosimetry (if needed)
- Consultation
Frequently asked questions
An individual is required to wear a dosimeter if Radiation Safety determines that the individual is likely to exceed 10 percent of a dose limit. Most RPDs do not require an individual to wear dosimetry during normal operations, but there are exceptions, particularly among medical use RPDs.
Additional information can be found on the Dosimetry page.
Lead PPE is not required for most research RPDs, but many medical use RPDs do require the use of lead PPE. Your supervisor should inform you if you need to wear lead during RPD operation. If you have any questions, please contact Radiation Safety for guidance.
More Information
Research RPDs – Personnel operating or working near Research RPDs, except for electron microscope users, must register with Radiation Safety and receive safety training before operating the device.
X-ray workers, who have completed the safety training should complete the Research RPD X-ray Worker Registration form and email it to the Radiation Safety team.
Medical RPDs – The registration and safety training requirements vary, depending on the type of device you will be using. Please contact us to find out the requirements that apply to you.
