Critical analysis and suggestions to improve the existing system of radiation control in X-ray rooms

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the shortcomings of the existing method of radiation control in the X-ray rooms and the interpretation of the results of the measurements to assess the compliance of the working conditions of various groups of exposed individuals with radiation safety requirements. A new method of interpretation of the measurement results is proposed, considering the relative time spent by certain categories of exposed persons in the corresponding rooms during the use of the X-ray units, as well as the use of personal protective equipment (lead aprons). The interpretation of the measurement results in the treatment room according to the new approach has demonstrated the compliance of the working conditions to the Norms and Rules of radiation safety, provided that the worker is wearing a protective apron. The proposed approach to the interpretation of the results of the measurements in adjacent rooms leads to both reduced and stricter requirements for the stationary shielding. The paper includes a special focus on the incorrect calculation of stationary shielding for the installation of several X-ray units in one X-ray room within the framework of the current approach.