Answer to Question #8159 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"
Category: Medical and Dental Equipment and Shielding — Shielding
The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:
Q
Are you aware of any regulations with regards to testing or inspecting (frequency) of medical mobile radiation shields?
A
No, however, there may be requirements in your state to inspect x-ray shields. Facilities typically have a policy/procedure to inspect lead aprons, but I have never seen a program to inspect mobile shields. This is most likely because they are much less susceptible to damage. You do, however, raise a good question, and I believe it would be reasonable to set up a visual inspection of all mobile x-ray shields on an annual basis. You would be looking for damage to leaded glass/plastic and any other problems that may occur.
Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP
Health Physicist
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Answer posted on 17 March 2009. The information posted on this web page is intended as general reference information only. Specific facts and circumstances may affect the applicability of concepts, materials, and information described herein. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be relied upon in the absence of such professional advice. To the best of our knowledge, answers are correct at the time they are posted. Be advised that over time, requirements could change, new data could be made available, and Internet links could change, affecting the correctness of the answers. Answers are the professional opinions of the expert responding to each question; they do not necessarily represent the position of the Health Physics Society.
