Illinois Vet X-Ray Registration and Radiation Safety

Registration or machine control

Illinois Part 360 applies to all uses of x-rays in veterinary medicine. The registrant must direct operation of x-ray systems and register with the Agency under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 320 all x-ray equipment used at the facility and all portable or mobile x-ray equipment used by the registrant. The registrant must also provide written operating and safety procedures to each x-ray operator and provide initial and annual in-service radiation-safety training for individuals (excluding licensed practitioners) who apply ionizing radiation at the facility. ¹

Illinois veterinary radiographic-system rules require the useful beam to be limited to the area of clinical interest, the image receptor to be consistent with the objectives of the examination, the x-ray field not to exceed the image receptor dimensions by more than two percent of the SID (beam perpendicular to receptor), and the exposure control switch to be arranged so the operator can be at least 1.83 meters (6 feet) from the animal, the x-ray tube, and the useful beam. All individuals whose presence is required during an x-ray examination shall be protected from scatter radiation by protective aprons or gowns of not less than 0.25 millimeter lead equivalent or by whole-body protective barriers. No individual other than the operator shall be in the x-ray room or area while exposures are being made unless that individual's assistance is required; when an animal must be held in position during radiography, mechanical supporting or restraining devices shall be used when technique permits; and any person required to hold an animal shall be protected with appropriate shielding devices, such as protective gloves and apron, and positioned so that no part of the body except hands and arms will be struck by the useful beam. ²

Safety procedures and operator duties

Illinois Part 360 applies to all uses of x-rays in veterinary medicine. The registrant must direct operation of x-ray systems and register with the Agency under 32 Ill. Adm. Code 320 all x-ray equipment used at the facility and all portable or mobile x-ray equipment used by the registrant. The registrant must also provide written operating and safety procedures to each x-ray operator and provide initial and annual in-service radiation-safety training for individuals (excluding licensed practitioners) who apply ionizing radiation at the facility. ¹

Related workplace-safety context

Illinois operates an OSHA-approved State Plan covering state and local government workers only. Private-sector employers and workers, including private veterinary practices, are covered by federal OSHA. ³