Glossary cont'd - DOE-HDBK-1109-97

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

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

Student's Guide

GLOSSARY (continued)

Incidental X-ray device: A device that emits or produces X-rays in the process of its normal operation, in

which the X-rays are an unwanted byproduct of the device's intended use. Examples include video

display terminals, electron microscopes, high-voltage electron guns, electron beam welders, ion implant

devices, microwave cavities used as beam guides, radio-frequency cavities, microwave generators

(magnetrons/klystrons), and field-emission electron beam diodes.

Installation: A radiation source, with its associated equipment, and the space in which it is located.

Installation enclosure: The portion of an X-ray installation that clearly defines the transition from a

noncontrolled to a controlled area and provides such shielding as may be required to limit the dose rate in

the noncontrolled area during normal operations.

Intentional X-ray device: A device in which electrons undergo acceleration in a vacuum and collide with

a metal anode target designed to produce X-rays for a particular application. Examples include diagnostic

medical/dental X-ray devices, electron LINACs used in radiation therapy applications, portable and fixed

flash X-ray systems, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence analysis equipment, cabinet X-ray systems, some

Van de Graaff generators, and electron LINACs.

Interlock: A device for precluding access to an area of radiation hazard either by preventing entry or by

automatically removing the hazard when the device is actuated.

Ion: An atom, or molecule bearing an electric charge, or an electron that is not associated with a nucleus.

Ionizing radiation: Any electromagnetic or particulate radiation capable of producing ions, directly or

indirectly, by interaction with matter, including gamma and X-rays and alpha, beta, and neutron particles.

Lead equivalent: The thickness of lead affording the same attenuation, under specific conditions, as the

shielding material in use.

Leakage radiation: Any radiation, except the useful beam, coming from the X-ray assembly or sealed

source housing.