15A NCAC 11 .0802          DEFINITIONS

(a)  "Analytical x‑ray equipment" means equipment used for x‑ray diffraction or fluorescence analysis.

(b)  "Analytical x‑ray system" means a group of local and remote components utilizing x‑rays to determine the elemental composition or to examine the microstructure of materials.  Local components include those that are struck by x‑rays such as radiation source housings, port and shutter assemblies, collimators, sample holders, cameras, goniometers, detectors and shielding.  Remote components include power supplies, transformers, amplifiers, readout devices, and control panels.

(c)  "Fail‑safe characteristics" means a design feature which causes beam port shutters to close, or otherwise prevents emergence of the primary beam, upon the failure of a safety or warning device.

(d)  "Normal operating procedures" mean operating procedures for conditions suitable for analytical purposes with shielding and barriers in place.  These do not include maintenance but do include routine alignment procedures.  Routine and emergency radiation safety considerations are part of these procedures.

(e)  "Open‑beam configuration" means an analytical x‑ray system in which an individual could accidentally place some part of his body in the primary beam path during normal operation.

(f)  "Primary beam" means ionizing radiation which passes through an aperture of the source housing by a direct path from the x‑ray tube or a radioactive source located in the radiation source housing.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 104E‑7;

Eff. February 1, 1980.