American National Standard N43.17
Radiation Safety For Personnel Security Screening Systems Using X-rays
A
new imaging technology is gaining importance in screening applications
for security and contraband. Systems that use ionizing radiation,
designed to be used directly on people, have been installed by several
institutions in the United States since the 1990's. The technology
allows much lower doses than more conventional x-ray methods. The doses
are typically lower than allowable limits for incidental exposure to
the general population from man-made sources. When the technology
became commercially available, little guidance existed for this type of
intentional, non-medical radiation exposure. In June of 2000 the
HPS/ANSI Accredited Committee N43 appointed working group N43.17 to
draft a consensus standard addressing the radiation safety of this
technology.
This standard applies to security screening
systems that use x-rays and are designed to be used on people.
Specifically, this standard applies to systems used to detect objects
carried on the individual being exposed. The standard provides
guidelines specific to the radiation safety aspects of the design and
operation of these systems. It does not include electrical safety
guidelines or any other safety, performance or use considerations
outside of the realm of radiation safety. The standard is intended for
manufacturers, distributors, installers, and users of the systems.
In
setting dose limits the standard takes into consideration the
minimization of the dose as balanced against the security benefit to
society. This precludes the frivolous use of the security devices where
no benefit is to be derived. The standard contains two informative
annexes. Annex A provides information on risks associated with
radiation doses and the rationale for the dose requirements in the
standard. Annex B provides information required to make appropriate
radiation measurements.
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