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#1 Posted : 30 April 2009 21:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By philip john
Hi Guys

Does anyone have information on Digital X-Ray machines, I require information on the safe use of these machines i.e. guidance.

I have been informed these machines give off very little radiation.

Here are some questions too about these machines.

If these machines malfunction is it safe to re-enter the dentists room to turn machine off or should there be a switch outside the room to cut power?

Is it acceptable to have studding-walls in the room (will the radiation pass through the walls or is the radiation too weak for this to occur with digital x-ray machines.

Do these machines require Radiation signage on the machines which would warn of the hazard of radiation? I ask this questions as the info I'm getting is these Digital X-Ray Machines give off very small levels of radiation and what is in place is acceptable.

Well ladies and gentlemen as you know I always take on board what you guys say so I hope to hear from H&S practitioners soon

Regards

Phil
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#2 Posted : 01 May 2009 14:21:00(UTC)
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Posted By David Matthew
at the risk of pointing out the obvious, have you asked the manufacturer?
regards
David
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#3 Posted : 05 May 2009 12:20:00(UTC)
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Posted By Chris G
I use digital x-ray (but no in a dental setting) and the intensity of x-rays used is broadly equivalent to the intesnity used on the old film machines (for the same job). The previous poster is correct, the manufacturer is a usefull source of infomation, but do not forget you may be getting into an area where you have a legal requirement to consult an Radiation Protection advisor (RPA). On the subject of e-stop then outside the room would be a logical place (along with one on the control panel).

Chris
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#4 Posted : 05 May 2009 12:26:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mike DF
My dentist has a lead-skinned door which he (and the assistant) hide behind when doing exposures. Remember that x rays travel in a straight line so it will be easy to determine the effectivess. There are no 'neighbours' nearer than about 15m on any of the walls.
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#5 Posted : 05 May 2009 12:55:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Richards
Depending upon the energy of the xrays, you may get secondary radiation when the emitted xrays collide with other matter.
So, straight line out, but backscatter from secondary radiation.
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#6 Posted : 05 May 2009 15:45:00(UTC)
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Posted By Richard G Chalkley
You will undoubtedly need to contact an RPA for formal advice on this topic however, If you would like a general chat, I may be able to assist. Please contact me directly.

Richard
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#7 Posted : 05 May 2009 16:15:00(UTC)
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Posted By philip john
Thank you guys

for the information

I will attempt to get with the relevant persons for the types of digital machines used in the practices

Regards

Phil
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#8 Posted : 05 May 2009 16:35:00(UTC)
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Posted By John Cook
Hi Phil

we have similar equipment on our site for dental use.
We have a Radiation Protection Advisor, which is a requirement and also a Radiation Protection Supervisor on site when the equipment is in use. The RPS is the dentist. Our RPA insisted on an isolating switch external to the room, where the dentist and dental nurse retire to when taking an x-ray. This is fitted in case the machine does not shut down and you can then switch off the power from a position of safety. This was initially fitted as a rocker switch but is in the process of being changed to a key switch to prevent unauthorised activiation as the dentist is not always on site.

Hope this helps.

John
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#9 Posted : 05 May 2009 16:44:00(UTC)
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Posted By Fred Pratley
Digital X-ray sets are no different to Film X-rays sets. Its only that the film side has been replaced by digital viewing equipment.

If this is a new process being brought onto site, you will need expert advice from an accredited Radiation Protection Advisor service.

Your supplier/installer will be able to guide you on this.

I have 3 sets used for NDT purposes and would be happy to discuss details off the forum if that would help.

regards
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#10 Posted : 06 May 2009 12:52:00(UTC)
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Posted By Boh
Will this be the same for Xray kit in detection of food products for foreign bodies?
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#11 Posted : 08 May 2009 14:49:00(UTC)
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Posted By philip john
Spoke to the relevant person who was great and the information they gave me was excellent.

All sorted now (thanks guys)

Regards

Phil
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