Incidental and Intentional Devices

DOE-HDBK-1109-97

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

Instructor=s Guide

Lesson Plan

Instructor=s Notes

INCIDENTAL AND INTENTIONAL DEVICES

Objective 7

X-ray systems are divided into two broad

categories: intentional and incidental.

An incidental X-ray device produces X-rays that

are not wanted or used as a part of the designed

purpose of the machine. Shielding on an

incidental X-ray device should preclude

significant exposure. Examples of incidental

systems are computer monitors, televisions,

electron microscopes, high-voltage electron guns,

electron beam welding machines, electrostatic

separators, and Jennings switches.

An intentional X-ray device is designed to

generate an X-ray beam for a particular use.

Examples include X-ray diffraction and

fluorescence analysis systems, flash X-ray

systems, medical X-ray machines, and industrial

cabinet and noncabinet X-ray equipment.

Intentional X-ray devices are further divided into

two subcategories: analytical and industrial.

ANSI has issued two standards that provide

radiation safety guidelines for X-ray systems.

ANSI N43.2 applies to non-medical X-ray systems

and ANSI N43.3 applies to X-ray diffraction and

fluorescence industrial systems.