Pennsylvania Vet X-Ray Registration and Radiation Safety

Registration or machine control

Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection Radiation Control Division registers facilities with x-ray units. DEP says users of radiation-producing machines are required to register with the division, indicate the number and type of units possessed, designate an individual responsible for radiation safety, and pay registration fees based on facility type and number of tubes. DEP identifies Title 25 Pa. Code Chapter 216 as the registration regulations. ¹

Pennsylvania veterinary x-ray rules add operating controls: people not necessary for the procedure must be in a shielded area or at least 2 meters from the primary beam and tubehead; mechanical supports or restraints must be used when the technique permits; necessary people who are not behind barriers or at least 2 meters away need appropriate shielding such as lead aprons and gloves, at least 0.25 mm lead equivalent; and x-ray exposures must be authorized by a veterinarian. ²

Safety procedures and operator duties

Pennsylvania also requires the registrant to direct x-ray system operation, ensure operators are adequately instructed and competent, provide continuing education at least every 4 years in listed radiation-safety topics, keep written safety procedures and rules available at the facility, avoid routine human holding, use mechanical holding devices or chemical restraint when technique permits, and maintain a documented QA program. ³

Related workplace-safety context

Pennsylvania does not operate an OSHA-approved State Plan. Federal OSHA applies directly to private-sector veterinary employers in Pennsylvania, so the federal baseline in this plan is the operative workplace-safety standard; there is no Pennsylvania OSHA overlay for private employers. ⁴