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Posted By michael nelson
We have been appointed as CDM-Co-ordinator for the demolition of a former hospital.
As part of our site appraisal we identified an old abandoned X-Ray machine sited in the old X-Ray department.
What hazards are likely to exist here?, what precautions are to be taken and how should our competent contractor dispose of such a machine?
The electical supply has been isolated to the building so we can discount this hazard.
regards
M. Nelson
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Posted By Rob T
Michael,
In the first instance I would report the fact that you have found an old x-ray machine, to the police - I'm pretty sure they will want to track it to it's demise! They may also be able to give advice as to disposal. For the safety side you will need to investigate the ionising regs and if in doubt contact the HSE. A bit of a hot one this. If there are any NHS H&S advisors on the discussion forum they may have already dealt with the procedures.
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Posted By Adrian Watson
Michael,
The important thing is not whether you have a x-ray machine but whether the source has been left in sit. Phone the EA as the source should have been licensed and the removal authorised.
Regards Adrian
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Adrian
What do you mean by 'the source'? X-rays are produced by firing electrons at a metal target and there is no radiation hazard when the power is turned off.
Paul
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Posted By Adrian Watson
Paul,
You are right however, but I understand that some smaller x-ray machines had sealed sources. See Radioactivity, Radionucluides, Radiation; Spinger J. Magill, J.Galy pp 117.
Regards Adrian
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Posted By Jane Blunt
The X-ray tube itself is almost certain to contain hazardous materials - lead, for instance. It may therefore need to be disposed of as hazardous waste. You may be able to get some help from the manufacturer, and the name of the manufacturer is quite likely to be found somewhere on the tube.
The tube assemblies on some of these machines can be very heavy, so caution should be exercised in undoing the bolts that hold it together.
Jane Blunt
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Posted By Robert K Lewis
Michael
The fact that your organisation is unable to deal with this one within its own resources suggests that it does not have the range of competencies to deal with all the issues involved in this work. You need to consider bringing external support formally into the team in order to ensure that your organisation is competent for the task.
There are a number of ways of identifying precisely what is the situation with this kit and the needs for disposal as hazardous waste.
Bob
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Posted By michael nelson
Robert
Thank you for your comment. We are currently seeking expert advice to ensure we tackle this situation in the correct way. We would welcome IOSH members assistance on where we can find this advice.
We now accept the need to engage the resource we need to ensure we deal with this matter correctly.
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Posted By George Wedgwood Have a chat with Robert at; Robert H Collins Radman Associates (01625) 576000 www.radman.co.ukI have used this firm several times and RC is a registered Radiation Protection Adviser. he is also very aware of the recycling aspects of such contaminated waste and can advise on procedures and necessary competence.
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