X-ray machine Users Quiz

X-ray Machine Users Quiz

This quiz is only for those who are planning to use X-ray Machines at the University of Colorado (Boulder, Denver, or Colorado Springs campuses). Please fill out this quiz completely and then submit the form to Health Physics to fulfill your training requirement. If you have any questions, send e-mail to HPL.

If you have difficulty submitting the quiz, you may print it out, complete it, and then return it to the Radiation Safety Office at 413 UCB or FAX it to (303) 492-1322 for grading.
NOTE that completion of this quiz is not the same as applying for a dosimeter. To be issued a dosimeter, complete the dosimeter application and submit it to the Radiation Safety Office.

Please enter your information here:

Name (first, MI, last):

What lab are you in? (please enter the name of the PI who is licensed for the x-ray machine you are planning to use)

Principal Investigator: Building/Room:

What's your e-mail address?

Please check the best answer for each question.

1. Who must be in attendance at all times when a machine is in operation?

a) The licensed operator or his/her trained assistant.

b) The Radiation Safety Officer (RSO).

c) No one.

d) Any student in the area where the machine is used.

2. How may one obtain a license to use a Radiation Producing machine on campus?

a) Notifying the Colorado Department of Health and the Environment (CDPHE) that you have a machine.

b) Contacting CU Health Physics at (303) 492-6523.

c) Send a letter to your departmental chairperson.

d) No license is necessary.

3. What responsibilities does a person with a Campus Radiation Machines License have?

a) The safe use of all radiation-producing machines in his/her possesion.

b) Maintaining accurate records of "ON" time.

c) Ensuring a trained user is present whenever the machine is in operation.

d) All of the above.

4. What is the maximum annual dose a radiation worker may receive to their fingers from the use of an x-ray machine?

a) 2 rem.

b) 5 rem.

c) 15 rem.

d) 50 rem.

5. What actions must be taken if it is necessary that safety devices on the machine (such as bypassing interlocks or removing shielding) be altered?

a) Any actions of this type must be authorized in advance by the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) and must be undertaken only as the last opportunity to proceed with the research.

b) These actions must be performed under the supervision of the licensed user.

c) The actions must be terminated as soon as possible and the safety device put back into effect.

d) All of the above.

6. A researcher has just had her machine repaired and performs a routine survey of the area with a Geiger counter to check for leakage. Her Geiger counter reads 1 mR/hr at 5 centimeters from the tube housing and 0.15 mR/hr at 5 centimeters from the generator cabinet. She records these numbers in her survey log book and takes no further action. Was this the correct action for her to take?

Yes

7. Some important safety concerns when dealing with x-ray machines involve:

a) A safety device to prevent entry of hands and other body parts into the primary beam, or that will shut off the X-rays if the beam path is entered.

b) Use of respirators by personnel when the machine is in use.

c) A sign or label bearing the words: "Caution - Radiation, this equipment produced X-Radiation when energized."

d) Both A and C.

8. If you are accidentally exposed to the beam while working with the machine, and it is in the evening hours, what number should you call?

a) 1-900-SAFETY

b) 911 (to reach the CU police department)

c) (303) 692-3030

d) 1-800-356-0783

9. How much dose is necessary to cause a slight reddening (erythema) of the skin?

a) 10 mrem

b) 100 rads

c) 300 rads

d) 0.5 mrem

10. Shielding for an x-ray machine may consist of:

a) A beam shield.

b) A cabinet shield.

c) Both A and B.

d) None of the above.

11. The dosimeter should be worn:

a) Between the neck and the waist.

b) On the sleeve.

c) Anywhere on the body.

d) Nowhere - it should be kept next to the machine.

12. A good way to keep your dose ALARA is to:

a) Decrease the time spent near the x-ray machine with the beam on.

b) Increase your distance from the beam according to the inverse square law.

c) Use appropriate amounts and types of shielding between yourself and the machine.

d) All of the above.

13. If you wish to purchase an x-ray machine or receive one as a gift, what steps must you take?

a) Notify Health Physics of your intent in advance so that they may check safety controls and that the machine is registered with the Colorado Department of Public Health & the Environment (CDPHE).

b) Submit a license application to use radiation producing machines if you do not already have one, or an amendment if you do.

c) Have the Health Physicist inspect the machine and the laboratory for leakage and/or proper safety controls..

d) All of the above.

14. If a radiation worker becomes pregnant, the worker is encouraged to:

a) Notify her supervisor and Health Physics.

b) Notify the Colorado Department of Public Health & the Environment (CDPHE).

c) Do nothing and do not worry about dose to the embryo/fetus.

d) Stop working with the machine and take a six month leave of absence.

15. True or False: Dose rates in the primary beam can exceed 100,000 rads per minute.

True

False

IMPORTANT!

If you have worked with radiation at any institution other than the University of Colorado (Boulder, Denver, or Colorado Springs campuses only) since beginning your work here, it is your responsibility to notify Health Physics so that your lifetime dose can be tracked. Please answer the questions below before submitting your quiz.

I have not worked with radiation at an institution other than CU since beginning at CU. (If you checked this box, thanks for your time -- please go ahead and submit your quiz).

I have worked at the following institution(s) other than CU since beginning here at CU. (separate information by commas).

Name/Address of Institution(s):

Radiation Safety Contact(s):

Type(s) of radiation used:

Thanks for your time!