Determining X-ray strength and exposure

[GrimCrimson]

I work in an industrial facility and I am trying to come up with a way to measure the strength of X-rays and the danger they pose to the operators of a piece of equipment we have. As of now there is an aluminum enclosure around the part of the machine where the X-rays are emitted, but we are looking at removing it. The machine is used to measure crystal orientation.

We are 99.99% sure that the enclosure is not actually doing anything but I need to come up with a way to conclusively prove this before we can remove it.

The gauge on the front of the machine goes from 0 to 2 keV.

I have done a fairly extensive search on the internet but cannot find anything that I can really understand that will help me.

Does anyone know of a method I can use to determine that this machine will be safe without the enclosure?


Thank you in advance.

If any information is missing or I need to clarify something please let me know.

 

[Fish4Fun]

I am CERTAINLY NOT an expert on this topic, but have you considered x-ray film? You might have a chat with your local Veterinarian, he will likely have x-ray training, film and some suggestions.

Fish

 

[Vanadium 50]

Suppose someone were to develop cancer and to sue you. I don't think a defense like "the radiation level is low...you see, we got some film from a vet" is going to do anything except get you laughed out of the courtroom. Right after you lost everything you had.

You have some license to operate this machine, or the manufacturer has a license to sell it to people without a license, if the exposure is low enough. It is virtually certain that the license says that it is valid only insofar as no modifications are made to the machine.

You need to be talking to your Radiation Protection Officer and/or whoever handles OSHA compliance at your workplace.