Operating an industrial X-ray machine requires special training. In the hands of an untrained and unskilled industrial radiographer, mishandling such sensitive equipment can put the safety and health of people in a large area at considerable risk. Industrial X-ray training and radiographer certification according to federal and state standards is a prerequisite for would-be X-ray machine operators.
Industrial X-ray Equipment
Industrial X-ray equipment utilizes ionized radiation to scan within objects. It is differentiated from the use of ionizing radiation to effect modifications on objects or for any purposes that have to do with human health, as it is intended only for viewing inside objects. Industrial radiography machines are utilized for a wide range of applications. Two of these applications include product inspection (testing and grading of high-strength welds on concrete, pipelines, storage containers and the like to find flaws or weak points), and cargo and baggage inspection to find dangerous drugs, weapons and so on.
Rationale for Training
Due to the extremely sensitive nature of radioactive materials and the potential effects of these materials on the public at large if mishandled, industrial X-ray training is absolutely required for operators of these machines. In the U.S., both federal and state bodies strictly require operators of industrial X-ray equipment to undergo in-depth training programs. In addition, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to ensure their workplaces are free from recognized hazards that can cause death or significant harm to employees. Providing proper training is a major step toward ensuring workplace safety.
Training Requirements
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission has specified training requirements for industrial radiographers who work with radioactive materials. In addition, suggested state regulations also provide training requirements for radiography. Said regulations and requirements indicate that individuals may not be permitted to act as radiographers until they have accomplished certain industrial X-ray training goals. First, they need to have received 40 hours in training on topics such as the operation and control of radiographic exposure equipment, including transportation of gamma cameras. Individuals also need to have had at least 320 hours of hands-on experience with radioactive materials under supervision, in addition to at least 160 hours of active participation in industrial radiography using radiation machines.
Certification
Getting certified via an accredited radiographer certification program is the culmination of any formal training program. For instance, in Texas, after said program has concluded, all required forms submitted and accepted, and an appropriate number of on-the-job training or industrial-radioactivity hours accomplished and duly noted, the Radiation Control Program's written exam will be administered. Individuals must pass this exam in order to gain their own certification. Once gained, said certification confers authorization to work with radioactive material and/or X-ray machines, and must be renewed every five years thereafter. Individuals are also issued industrial radiography certification ID cards.
Institutions Offering Training
A wide variety of institutions offer industrial X-ray training. For instance, the Texas Department of State Health Services lists a number of accepted institutions offering radiation safety training courses for industrial radiography, such as the Atomic Inspection Labs, Global X-Ray and Testing Corporation and the U.S. Inspection Services. One particular institution, the Radiation Safety Academy, offers a variety of courses and workshops aimed at providing industrial radiographer training for both radioactive material and X-ray operation. Others, such as North Star Imaging, provide interactive materials for industrial radiation safety training on CD format for convenience and ease of use.
Tags: industrial X-ray, X-ray training, industrial radiography, industrial X-ray training, radioactive materials, with radioactive, federal state
