SIGMA projetor - Manual (Page 2)

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DANGER - IMPORTANT WARNINGS
The system must be operated only by trained and qualified radiographers who have read and understand this
Operating Manual or by trained assistants working under their direct supervision.
WARNING
The use of this radiographic exposure device by unqualified personnel or when safety procedures are not
fully met could result in life-threatening dangers.
Gamma radiography systems emit high levels of highly penetrating radiation during use.
An unshielded radiation source at close range can cause injury, sickness or death to anyone who is exposed to it
even for a short period of time. A radiation source (or an unshielded source assembly) must NOT be touched by the
hands under any circumstances.
Since gamma radiation cannot be detected by the human senses, strict operating and emergency procedures must
be followed. The proper use of calibrated and operable survey meters must be employed to avoid potentially
dangerous levels of radiation exposure.
Proper dosimetry including film badges or thermoluminescent dosimeters, direct reading pocket dosimeters and
audible alarm ratemeters must be worn during all radiographic operations.
During use of this radiography system, never assume the position of the radiation source. Always conduct a
thorough confirmatory survey using a calibrated and operable survey meter to verify the location of the radiation
source. Be reminded that a multitude of overexposure incidents which include injuries are directly attributed to a
failure of the radiographer to perform or supervise an adequate confirmatory survey.
It is imperative that the users of this transport container perform adequate radiation surveys of the transport container
and exposure devices. Surveys must be performed using a calibrated survey instrument before, during and after
source exchanges and before transport to determine if the source assembly is properly shielded within the transport
container. Again, the failure to perform an adequate radiation survey can cause unnecessary exposure to personnel
resulting in a reportable incident.
It is very important and required by national and international regulations to prevent access by unauthorized persons
to radiographic equipment and to the area where radiography is performed.
Take advantage of the three basic radiation protection methods to minimize radiation exposure:
TIME
Spend less time near the radiation source.
DISTANCE
Increase your distance in a direction away from the radiation source.
SHIELDING
When possible, always apply the use of effective shielding between you and the radiation source.
Do not perform any unauthorized modifications to the radiographic exposure device or components of the
radiography system.
It is important that trained and qualified radiographers perform or supervise a daily safety inspection of the
radiography system for obvious defects prior to operation of the system.
Do not use any components that are not approved for use with the radiography system or after-market components
that may compromise the safety features designed into the system.