Radiation Shielding Report
Q: What is a Radiation Shielding Report?
A: Radiation Shielding Report is a document of calculations written by a licensed Radiation Physicist stating the type of material and thickness of material required to proper shield a specific x-ray room or radiation imaging room. It is a Federal requirement to get a Radiation Shielding Report for each room.
Q: Why do I need a radiation physicist shielding report?
A: There are many commonly used thicknesses of lead shielding, and no single thickness is applicable to all room types due to all of the potential unique variations of each room, wall, energy level and application. Additionally, a radiation shielding report is required for each x-ray room or radiation emitting imaging machine by Federal radiation laws and radiation environmental regulations per NCRP reports #49 and #147. Each room and wall or partition has unique factors and considerations and often times there are several lead shielding thicknesses required in each room wall by wall segment, as based on the following:
- Radiation energy output produced (KVP)
- Workloads / frequency of use
- Distance from source and direction
- Orientation of direct beam and secondary scatter
- Potential occupancy factors of common walls and adjoining rooms
- Wall or partition construction materials and compositions
- Type of ionizing x-ray radiation (electrically produced cathode tube or isotopic radioactive source)
- Controlled or uncontrolled area (monitored exposure occupants or not)
*This requirement is for all types of radiation rooms such as medical diagnostic imaging, radiation treatment , therapy oncology and industrial non-destructive testing.
All rooms should be radiation survey tested by the original project physicist of record, after shielding installation is completed and prior to any occupancy and actual use.
This radiation test requirement is common sense for peace of mind and to confirm the proper radiation protection is achieved in:
The shielding report calculations and assumptions are correct
The energy output is calibrated and beam orientation is correct
The proper shielding materials and products were utilized
The shielding materials and products were installed properly.
There were no modifications or alterations compromising the shielding system