Interlocks - DOE-HDBK-1109-97

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

Radiological Safety Training for Radiation-Producing (X-Ray) Devices

Instructor's Guide

Lesson Plan

Instructor's Notes

(Insert facility-specific information on posting, labeling,

and entry requirements, as applicable.)

INTERLOCKS

Fail-safe interlocks should be provided on doors and

access panels of X-ray devices so that X-ray production

is not possible when they are open. A fail-safe

interlock is designed so that any failure that can

reasonably be anticipated will result in a condition in

which personnel are safe from excessive radiation

exposure.

Guidance from the ANSI standards is that interlocks

Refer to ANSI N43.2

should be tested by the operating group at least every

six months. The interlock test procedure may be locally

specified, but typically is as follows:

1. Energize the X-ray tube.

2. Open each door or access panel one at a time.

3. Observe the X-ray warning light or current meter at

the control panel.

4. Record the results in a log.

(Insert facility-specific information, as appropriate.)