Radiation Producing Equipment
Aaron Wilmot
The purpose of this program is to ensure that Penn State employees and students work safely with machines that produce ionizing radiation and comply with all Federal and Commonwealth regulations and Penn State polices.
Important Reminders:
- Pennsylvania State Code and University policy require new Radiation Producing Equipment (including x-rays) to be registered within days of arriving on-campus, even if the unit has not been placed into service.
- State Code and University policy also require Radiation Producing Equipment (including x-rays) that have been moved or repaired to be inspected prior to being returned to service.
- Lastly, State Code and University Policy require that all users of radiation producing equipment (including x-rays), except Electron Microscopes, complete the EHS Radiation Producing Equipment (X-Ray) Parts 1 & 2 training before first use of the equipment.
EHS can assist – please contact us in any of these circumstances!
Radiation producing equipment (RPE) consists of the following types of equipment and examples:
- X-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray flourescence (XRF), x-ray photo spectroscopy (XPS) and other application with x-ray tubes
- Radiographic such as x-ray imaging for human or non-human use
- Electron microscopes (SEM and TEM) and electron beam equipment such as probes, welders, or other applications with e-beam sources
- Accelerators such as LINACs, ion implanters, cyclotrons, or other electron or ion accelerators.
Program Applicability
The Radiation‑Producing Equipment (RPE) Program applies to Penn State employees, students, visitors, and contractors who use, operate, maintain, or manage equipment that produces ionizing radiation, including x‑ray and electron beam–producing devices, at Penn State locations except the Hershey Medical Center and the College of Medicine.
This program commonly applies to users of equipment such as:
- X‑ray diffraction (XRD), x‑ray fluorescence (XRF), and x‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) systems
- Radiographic imaging systems for human or non‑human research or industrial use
- Electron microscopes (SEM and TEM) and other electron‑beam equipment
- Particle accelerators, including LINACs, ion implanters, and cyclotrons
The program exists to ensure the safe use of radiation‑producing equipment and compliance with federal, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and University requirements governing ionizing radiation sources.
Program Requirements
The Radiation‑Producing Equipment Program establishes requirements for the registration, inspection, training, operation, and oversight of equipment that produces ionizing radiation.
Registration and Inspection
- All new radiation‑producing equipment, including x‑ray systems, must be registered with Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) shortly after arriving on campus, even if the equipment has not yet been placed into service.
- Radiation‑producing equipment that has been moved, modified, or repaired must be inspected and approved by EHS before being returned to service.
Training Requirements
- All users of radiation‑producing equipment, except users of electron microscopes, must complete EHS Radiation‑Producing Equipment (X‑Ray) Training Parts 1 and 2 prior to first use.
- Supervisors are responsible for ensuring users receive any equipment‑specific or task‑specific training required for safe operation.
Responsibilities of Supervisors and Principal Investigators:
- Ensure equipment is operated and maintained in accordance with approved procedures.
- Ensure personnel are properly trained and authorized.
- Maintain required documentation, including registrations, inspections, and operating procedures.
- Coordinate with EHS Radiation Protection for inspections, evaluations, and compliance support.
Responsibilities of Users:
- Follow approved operating procedures and safety requirements.
- Use required engineering controls, shielding, and safety devices.
- Report malfunctions, unsafe conditions, or incidents involving radiation‑producing equipment to their supervisor and EHS.