Employee safety is a top priority if you manage a food manufacturing facility. Your workers operate heavy machinery daily, which has inherent risks. The best injury prevention tactic is educating yourself on the right protocols.
X-ray inspection systems ensure product quality for your consumers, but they raise questions about radiation safety. Do you need to wear PPE when operating food x-rays? Should you require your team to maintain a certain distance to limit operator exposure?
Below, our experts at TDI Packsys, an industry-leading provider of industrial inspection equipment, answer these questions and more. Keep reading to learn the regulatory compliance and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for x-ray systems so you can keep your staff safe.
How Do Food X-Ray Systems Function?
To understand the protection requirements for inspection systems, you need to learn how this technology functions. First, you should understand that food x-rays are not the same as all medical-grade and security devices, despite leveraging similar technology. Another popular myth we must debunk is that such systems continuously emit radioactive materials like uranium or ionizing radiation.
Instead, they function by beaming a ray at a product only when turned on. The x-rays pass through the item, losing energy before reaching the other side of the sensor. The projected image clearly depicts the interior product and any high-density contaminants for proper detection and removal from the line.
Design Features Prioritizing Safety and Minimizing Radiation Emissions
Cabinet x-ray systems, the most common type found in manufacturing facilities, feature an enclosure surrounding the examination technology. This limits emissions and protects nearby operators.
Numerous agencies, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), regulate this machinery to set maximums on radiation emissions and regulations for workers. These protocols ensure that employees in the U.S. only operate regulated machinery that will not emit dangerous levels.
Standard food-grade systems usually emit less than 0.1 millirems at the outlet, where operators aren’t present. Say they absorb this amount, and we multiply 0.1 by a 40-hour work week for the full year. This still only equates to 200 millirems. The International Commission on Radiological Protection reports that people can absorb 5,000 millirems per year before experiencing health risks.
Are Operators Required To Wear PPE?
So, do you need to wear PPE when operating food x-rays? No, neither the FDA nor OSHA require workers to wear special equipment when operating this machinery.
These inspection machines feature special designs to limit radiation exposure to safe levels, ultimately adhering to all FDA regulations without the need for additional equipment. Cabinet x-ray systems meet stringent standards to protect operators and end-consumers.
To prevent hazards, operators and facilities must adhere to operational protocols outlining equipment maintenance and usage requirements. If workers prefer to wear standard PPE like gloves, grippy shoes, or earplugs to enhance their comfort, you should encourage them to do so. Depending on the other equipment in your facility, they may need to wear a helmet, goggles, face masks, etc., but this isn’t required for x-rays.
Should Employees Wear Radiation Badges?
Radiation badges are personal monitoring devices that measure nearby doses to ensure levels stay within safe limits. This monitoring equipment is not federally required, though some states and specific employers may mandate it, so we recommend verifying any relevant policies in your area.
According to OSHA, monitoring badges are only required in high radiation areas that emit 5 millirems per hour. Food-grade x-ray technology does not fall within this category, as federal standards require such equipment to emit less than 0.5 milliroentgens per hour, which is equivalent to less than 0.5 millirems.
FDA Regulations Regarding Radiation Emission Limits for X-Ray Systems
The federal government requires all x-rays to follow these strict guidelines:
- Emissions must not exceed 0.5 milliroentgens per hour.
- The cabinet system must be mounted on a permanent floor.
- The cabinet doors must have two interlocks following all required codes.
- Clear warning labels need to indicate all controls.
These standards ensure the safety of operators and the general public.
How Close Should Operators Stand to X-Ray Equipment?
Now you know the answer to “Do you need to wear PPE when operating food x-rays?” But can your team still stand close to the equipment without protective gear on?
Yes, standing near an operating x-ray machine is safe. These machines follow regulatory compliance standards, ensuring workers can get as close as needed without facing any risks. Your team should maintain an appropriate distance as recommended by the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Is X-Rayed Food Safe To Consume?
Yes, x-rayed consumable products are 100% safe to eat. The FDA reports that there are no known adverse reactions as these machines emit such limited amounts of radiation that foods, beverages, medications, cosmetic products, and other consumables experience little to no effects after being passed through scanners. The risk reduction benefits gained by using inspection technology far outweigh any potential concerns, as humans encounter background levels of radiation every day.
Your consumers will not face harmful effects, and the items will not be “radioactive.”
Additional Tips for Keeping Your Team Safe Without Special PPE
Due to stringent regulatory standards and the design of x-ray inspection systems, special PPE and monitoring devices are not necessary for operators. Still, we recommend that your facility follows standard operational procedures and manufacturer guidelines to maintain a safe working environment. This includes the following:
- Train your team thoroughly to ensure proper operation.
- Clean, maintain, and update equipment according to manufacturer recommendations.
- Upgrade outdated inspection tools to prevent breakdowns.
- Ensure workers wear PPE for any other necessary machinery.
- Foster an environment where employees feel comfortable asking questions or taking breaks when necessary.
Upgrade to Safer Technology Today
Do you need to wear PPE when operating food x-rays? No, this technology offers exceptionally safe operation for your workers. If you’re interested in upgrading your inspection equipment, contact TDI Packsys today at (877) 834-6750 to learn about our state-of-the-art scanning technology.
