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2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerTimeThe longer you are exposed to a source of radiation the longer the radiation is able to interactin your body and the greater the dose you receive. Dose increases in direct proportion tolength of exposure.DistanceThe closer you are to a source of radiation, the more radiation strikes you. Basedon geometry alone, dose increases and decreases with an inverse-squared relationto your distance from the source of radiation (additional dose rate reduction comesfrom air attenuation). For example, the radiation dose one foot from a source isnine times greater than the dose three feet from the source. Remember to keep yourhands and all body parts away from the front end of the analyzer when the shutteris open to minimize your exposure.ShieldingShielding is any material that is placed between you and the radiation source. The morematerial between you and the source, or the denser the material, the less you will be exposedto that radiation. Supplied or optional test stands are an additional source of shielding foranalysis. A backscatter shield accessory is also available and may be appropriate in someapplications.Exposure to RadiationHuman dose to radiation is typically measured in rem, or in one-thousandths of a rem, calledmillirem (mrem), 1 rem 1000 mrem. Another unit of dose is the Sievert (Sv), 1 Sv 100rem. The allowable limit for occupational exposure in the U.S (and many other countries) is5,000 mrem/year (50 mSv/year) for deep (penetrating) dose and 50,000 mrem/year (500mSv/year) for shallow (i.e., skin) dose or dose to extremities. Deep, shallow, and extremityexposure from a properly used Niton XL2 analyzer should be less than 200 mrem per year,(2.0 mSv per year) even if the analyzer is used as much as 2,000 hours per year, with theshutter open continuously. The only anticipated exceptions to the 200 mrem maximumannual dose are: 1) routine and frequent analysis of plastic samples without use of a test stand,backscatter shield, or similar additional protective measures, or 2) improper use where a partof the body is in the primary beam path.Note NEVER OPERATE THE DEVICE WITH A PART OF YOUR BODY IN THEPRIMARY BEAM PATH OR WITH THE PRIMARY BEAM PATH DIRECTED ATANYONE ELSE.Also, consider the use of protective accessories such as a shielded test stand or backscattershield (or equivalent) when performing routine and/or frequent analysis of any of thefollowing:4Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuideThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your Analyzer light materials (such as plastic, wood, or similarly low density/low atomic masssamples) thin samples (such as foils, circuit boards, and wires) samples that are smaller than the analysis window.Shown in Table 1 are the typical background radiation doses received by the average memberof the public. The radiation dose limits for radiation workers in the US are also shown inTable 2.Thermo ScientificNiton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide5

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerTable 1. Typical Radiation Doses Received (Source: NCRP 1987)CategoryDose in mremDose in mSvAverage total dose in US (annual)Average worker exposure (annual)Average exposure for an undergroundminerExposure for airline crew (1,000 hours at35,000 ft)Additional from living in Denver at 5300’(annual)Additional from 4 pCi/l radon in home3602104003.62.14.05005.025.251,00010.0Typical Chest X-RayTypical Head or Neck X-RayTypical pelvis/hip x-rayTypical lumbar spine x-ray62065300.060.20.650.3Typical Upper G.I. x-rayTypical Barium enema x-rayTypical CAT scan2454051102.454.051.10Table 2.6Annual Occupational Dose Limits for Radiation Workers (Source:Code of Federal Regulations Title 10, Part 20)CategoryDose in mremDose in mSvWhole BodyPregnant Worker (during gestationperiod)Eye Dose EquivalentShallow dose equivalent to the skin orany extremity or organMaximum allowable dose for the generalpublic (annual)For a Minor500050050515,00050,0001505001001.05005.0Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuideThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerMonitoring your radiation exposureIndividuals can be monitored for the radiation dose they receive by use of radiation dosimetrydevices (dosimeters). Monitoring dose using a dosimeter can be a way of identifying improperuse and at the same time demonstrating proper use. In some locations, dosimetry is requiredby regulations and in others it is optional. It is normally required when the user couldreasonably be expected to receive in excess of 10% of the annual dose limit. Thermo FisherScientific recommends that you determine and obey the local regulatory requirementsconcerning radiation monitoring of occupational workers.Two common types of dosimeters are whole-body badges and ring badges. Whole bodybadges are often attached to the user’s torso (e.g., clipped to the collar, shirt pocket, or waist asappropriate). A ring badge is worn on the finger as a measure of maximum extremity dose.When worn, the specific location of the dosimeter should be that part of the body that isexpected to receive the highest dose. This location will depend on how the analyzer is usedand so it may not be the same for all users. Dosimetry services are offered by many companies.Two companies offering dosimetry services in the USA and much of the world are:CompanyGlobal Dosimetry SolutionsLandauer, Inc.Address2652 McGaw Avenue2 Science RoadCity and StateIrvine, CA 92614Glenwood, IL comPhone Number(800) 251-3331(800) 323-8830Note Wearing a dosimeter badge does not protect you against radiation exposure. Adosimeter badge only measures your exposure (at the dosimeter location).Pregnancy and Radiation ExposureInternational guidance documents (e.g., ICRP Publication 60 and NCRP Publication 116*)recommend that the radiation dose to the embryo/fetus of a pregnant woman should notexceed a total of 500 mrem (10% of normal radiation worker limit) during the gestationperiod. While this dose limit exceeds the dose limit to a trained operator, pregnant workersmay want to take special precautions to reduce their exposure to radiation. For moreinformation see the U.S. NRC Regulatory Guide 8.13 "Instruction Concerning PrenatalRadiation Exposure" which can be found on the resource CD.* The International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, is an independentRegistered Charity, established to advance for the public benefit the science of radiologicalprotection, in particular by providing recommendations and guidance on all aspects ofprotection against ionizing radiation.Thermo ScientificNiton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide7

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your Analyzer* The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) was charteredby the U.S. Congress in 1964 as the National Council on Radiation Protection andMeasurements.How to Use the Niton XL2 Analyzer SafelyThe Niton XL2 analyzer is designed to be safe to operate provided that it is used inaccordance with manufacturer's instructions. Under conditions of normal use, monitoredoperators seldom receive a measurable dose and have not been known to receive in excess of10% of the annual occupational dose limits (a criteria that would require monitoring underregulation in the U.S.). In addition to proper use of the analyzer, it is recommended that youfollow these precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.Know where the beam isThe primary beam is a directed beam out of the front of the analyzer that can have high doserates. The secondary beam, or scattered beam, has much lower dose rates.Figure 1.8Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuidePrimary BeamThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerFigure 2.Secondary (Scattered) BeamThe Shutter-Open Indicator LightsWhen the lights are flashing, the primary beam is on, and radiation is being emitted from thefront of the analyzer.Figure 3.Thermo ScientificThe X-ray Beam Indicator LightsNiton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide9

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerHandle and Use with RespectAvoid holding the front of the analyzer when the x-ray tube is energized and the shutter isopen. Never point the instrument at yourself or anyone else when the shutter is open and thex-ray tube is energized. Never look into the path of the primary beam.Follow a Radiation Protection ProgramYour organization should establish, document, and follow a Radiation Protection Program.An example of such a program can be found on the resource CD (provided with theinstrument).Take Proper Care of your Niton XL2Keeping your analyzer maintained in good condition will help minimize the risk of accidentalexposure. Mechanical malfunction of the shutter can be avoided by maintaining themeasurement window, as described in the User Guide. This prevents foreign objects fromentering your analyzerAvoid Over-ExposuresDirect contact with the window could result in overexposures in the times indicated inTable 3below.Table 3. Potential Exposure Limit TimesLocation of DoseLimitDeep Dose /5 rem (50 mSv)Whole BodyShallow Dose /50 rem (500 mSv)ExtremitiesMember of Public 0.1 to 5 rem (1 to 50 mSv)(i.e. untrainedoperator)Time to Reach Limit2.1 minutes0.95 minutes2.5 to 9.5 secondsExtremity is defined by the NRC as the hand, elbow, arm below the elbow, foot, knee, or legbelow the knee. Whole Body is defined by the NRC as the head, trunk (including malegonads), arms above the elbow, or legs above the knee.Safe Handling of SamplesAs mentioned many times in this chapter, never place any part of your body in the path of thex-ray beam. There is always a safe way to handle samples whether they are small, irregularlyshaped, or of low density. Never look into the path of the primary beam.10Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuideThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerSmall SamplesA small sample would be any sample that is smaller than the measurement window. Smallsamples present a unique risk because they don’t block the entire beam path. The difficultywith placing small samples down on a work surface to analyze them is that you may getreadings from the work surface that interfere with analytical results. A test stand is an effectiveway of analyzing small samples accurately and safely. Never hold samples during analysis orlook into the path of the primary beam.Irregularly Shaped SamplesIrregularly shaped samples may not allow the proximity button to be depressed, or they maynot entirely cover the primary beam and cause additional scattering. A back scatter shield is asafe way of reducing your radiation exposure while effectively analyzing an irregularly shapedsample.Light Materials (such as plastics).X-rays are attenuated more by denser and higher atomic mass materials, and less throughlighter materials such as plastic. This causes higher dose rates in the scattered radiation. If youare frequently handling low density samples, you should consider the use of test stands,backscatter shields, or the equivalent.Thermo ScientificNiton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide11

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerNiton XL2 Radiation ProfileRadiation Meter InformationModel: Bicron MicroRemSN: 2057Cal Due: 10/10/2009Background Radiation Level 0.01 mr/hrTable 4 - Scatter Measurements off various substrates - Dose Rates in mRem/hrTable 4. Niton XL2 Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - mRem/hr12kVuARangeSubstrateMax @ 5cmMax @ 30 cmMax @ Trigger1580LowAluminum 0.01 0.01 0.011580LowStainless 0.01 0.01 0.011580LowPlastic 0.01 0.01 0.011580LowSoil 0.01 0.01 0.012080LowAluminum 0.01 0.01 0.012080LowStainless 0.01 0.01 0.012080LowPlastic3 0.01 0.012080LowSoil 0.01 0.01 .6 0.01 025Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuideThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerTable 5 - Scatter Measurements off various substrates - Dose Rates in µSv/hrTable 5. Niton XL2 Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - µSv/hrkVuARangeSubstrateMax @ 5cmMax @ 30 cmMax @ Trigger1580LowAluminum 0.1 0.1 0.11580LowStainless 0.1 0.1 0.11580LowPlastic 0.1 0.1 0.11580LowSoil 0.1 0.1 0.12080LowAluminum 0.1 0.1 0.12080LowStainless 0.1 0.1 0.12080LowPlastic30 0.1 0.12080LowSoil 0.1 0.1 0.14544MainAluminum120.170.14544MainStainless16 0.1 tes:Scatter measurements were taken at a radius of 5 or 30 cm around the nose of the analyzerwith the highest scatter dose rate being recorded.Thermo ScientificNiton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide13

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerTable 6 - In Beam Measurements - Dose Rates in Rem/hrTable 6. Niton XL2 Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - Rem/hrkVuARangeContact DeepContact Shallow5cm Deep30cm n451507.40.70Table 7 - In Beam Measurements - Dose Rates in mSv/hrTable 7. Niton XL2 Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - mSv/hrkVuARangeContact DeepContact Shallow5cm Deep30cm n4501500747.0Notes:In beam dose rates were measured using optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeters.Reported results are based on measurement results that have been reduced to 2 significantdigits by rounding up. For example, a measurement result of 1441 would be reported as1500.14Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuideThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerNiton XL2 GOLDD Radiation ProfileTable 8 - Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation profile- Scatter measurements - mRem/hrTable 8. Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - mRem/hrkVuARangeSubstrateMax @ 5cmMax @ 30 cmMax @ Trigger8100LightPlastic 0.01 0.01 0.018100LightStainless 0.01 0.01 0.018100LightSoil 0.01 0.01 0.014544.4 MainAluminum0.5 0.01 0.014544.4 MainStainless0.01 0.01 0.014544.4 MainPlastic5.00.40.84544.4 MainSoil0.9 0.01 0.01Table 9 - Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - µSv/hrTable 9. Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - Scatter Measurements - µSv/hrkVuARangeSubstrateMax @ 5cmMax @ 30 cmMax @ Trigger8100LightPlastic 0.1 0.1 0.18100LightStainless 0.1 0.1 0.18100LightSoil 0.1 0.1 0.14544.4 MainAluminum5.0 0.1 0.14544.4 MainStainless0.1 0.1 0.14544.4 MainPlastic504.08.04544.4 MainSoil9.0 0.1 0.1Notes:Scatter measurements were taken at a radius of 5 or 30 cm around the nose of the analyzerwith the highest scatter dose rate being recorded.Thermo ScientificNiton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide15

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerTable 10 - Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - Rem/hrTable 10. Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - Rem/hrkVuA845RangeContact DeepContact Shallow5cm Deep30 cm Deep100 Light0.019800.002 0.00144.4 Main391308.10.51Table 11 - Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - mSv/hrTable 11. Niton XL2 GOLDD Radiation Profile - In Beam Measurements - mSv/hrkVuA845RangeContact DeepContact Shallow5cm Deep30 cm Deep100 Light0.198000.02 0.0144.4 Main3901300815.1Notes:In beam dose rates were measured using optically stimulated luminescent (OSL) dosimeters.Reported results are based on measurement results that have been reduced to 2 significantdigits by rounding up. For example, a measurement result of 1441 would be reported as1500.16Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s GuideThermo Scientific

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerFigure 4.Thermo ScientificPrimary and Secondary Dose Locations (Not to Scale)Niton XL2 Analyzer User’s Guide17

2 Using Your AnalyzerSafely and Effectively Using Your AnalyzerPrimary RadiationPrimary radiation is radiation that is produced by the analyzer and emitted out through thekapton measurement window. Individuals should never place any part of their body in theprimary beam path when the x-ray tube is on. There should always be a sample in contactwith the measurement window when the x-ray tube is on. The sample will absorb most of theprimary-beam radiation unless it is smaller than the instrument's measurement window or oflow atomic mass, low density, and/or very thin. Caution should be taken when analyzingsamples that are small, thin, and/or low in atomic mass or density as they may allow muchmore of the primary beam to escape. In-beam primary radiation dose rates for the Niton XL2are listed in Table 6 andTable 7 - or Table 10 and Table 11 for the Niton XL2 GOLDD - andtheir location identified relative to the analyzer in Figure 4 as Dose Point C.Secondary RadiationUnder conditions of normal and proper use, individuals can be exposed to secondary (or"scattered") radiation. Secondary radiation is low-level radiation that emanates from thesample being analyzed as a result of primary beam radiation scattering in the sample orprimary beam radiation inducing fluorescent x-rays in the sample. Dose points A, A’ and B inFigure 4 are examples of where you can encounter secondary radiation. The magnitude of thissecondary radiation is sample dependent. Higher atomic mass and density samples such assteel will emit the lowest levels as they absorb most primary and secondary radiations. Loweratomic mass and density samples such as aluminum, wood, and especially plastic, will producehigher levels of secondary radiation. Secondary radiation dose rates for the Niton XL2 arelisted in Table 4 and Table 5 - or Table 8 and Table 9 for the Niton XL2 GOLDD - for a fewcommon sample types over a wide range of densities.The operator is reminded that one should never hold samples during analysis, doing so willresult in higher than necessary exposure to secondary radiation and could expose the operatordirectly to the much higher primary-beam dose rates.Deep and Shallow DoseYou will find in Table 6, Table 7, Table 10, and Table 11 that shallow dose rates are listed forsome dose points. All dose rates listed in these four Tables are deep dose unless they arespecifically identified as shallow dose. Deep dose is dose from penetrating radiation that isdelivered to both skin and underlying tissues and organs and is the type most commonlyreferred to when describin

1 Manual Overview Physical Buttons 2 Niton XL2 Analyzer User's Guide Thermo Scientific Figure 1. This is a Figure Physical Buttons Physical Buttons are actual buttons on the analyzer which must be pushed to activate their function. Physical Buttons will always be identified as Buttons in the text, and will always be