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)

Medical X-ray system: An X-ray system for medical use, generally categorized as either diagnostic or

therapeutic. Diagnostic X-ray procedures are used to obtain images of body parts; therapeutic x-ray

procedures are used to manage malignancies.

Normal operation: Operation under conditions as recommended by the manufacturer of an X-ray system

or as specified by a written SOP. Recommended shielding and interlocks shall be in place and operable.

Occupancy factor: The factor by which the workload should be multiplied to correct for the degree or

type of occupancy of the area specified.

Open-beam system: An analytical X-ray system in which one or more X-ray paths (primary as well as

secondary) are not fully enclosed.

Open installation: An industrial X-ray installation that, because of operational requirements or temporary

needs, cannot be provided with the inherent degree of protection specified for other classes of industrial

installations. Generally mobile or portable equipment where fixed shielding cannot be effectively used.

Port: In this context, an opening on the outside surface of the cabinet that is designed to remain open

during X-ray production for the purpose of moving material to be irradiated into and out of the cabinet, or

for partial insertion of an object that will not fit inside the cabinet.

Primary beam: The X-radiation emitted directly from the target and passing through the window of the

X-ray tube.

Primary radiation: Radiation coming directly from the target of the X-ray tube or from the sealed

source.

Quality factor: An energy-dependent dimensionless factor by which absorbed dose is to be multiplied to

obtain, on a common scale for all ionizing radiations, the magnitude of radiation effects likely to be

incurred by exposed persons. The quality factor for X-rays, gamma rays, and most beta particles is 1.0.

Rad (radiation absorbed dose): The unit of absorbed dose. One rad equals 100 ergs per gram.