X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Guidance

Guidance No. G2016

Revision History

Rev Sections
Rev Date Description Revised By Approved By
No. Affected
0 15-Nov-2016 New guidance N/A Wayne London Kurt Krueger

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 Guidance No. G2016
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Guidance Revision No. 0
Date: 15-Nov-2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................................3
2. APPLICABILITY ..........................................................................................................................3
3. ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................3
4. GUIDANCE ................................................................................................................................3
5. RECORDS ..................................................................................................................................6
6. RESPONSIBILITIES .....................................................................................................................7
7. COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING ............................................................................................7
8. EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT ............................................................................................8
9. REFERENCES .............................................................................................................................8

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 Guidance No. G2016
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) Guidance Revision No. 0
Date: 15-Nov-2016

1. PURPOSE
1.1 This document provides guidance for General Electric sites that use X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Analyzers for Positive Material Identification (PMI) or any other analytical evaluation of elemental
content of a sample.
1.2 Use this guidance also for X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) devices, which operate similarly to XRF, but
provide slightly different information about the material being tested.
1.3 The Radiation Protection Procedure No. P2006 provides general requirements for all programs.
Use the guidance to either enhance the current program, if one exists, or implement a new
program for the use of XRF analyzers at the site.
1.4 This document does not fulfill all regulatory requirements. Be sure to understand and comply with
all regulations that apply to your organization.
2. APPLICABILITY
2.1 This guidance is for operators of XRF/XRD Analyzers and those responsible for implementing a
radiation protection program for using portable (hand held) or stationary devices.
3. ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS

XRF/XRD X-Ray Fluorescence or X-Ray Diffraction are non-destructive analytical

devices used to determine the elemental composition of materials, by
measuring the x-rays fluoresced or diffracted from a sample when it is
excited by a primary x-ray source. Note: XRF/XRD does not include NDT or
Industrial Radiography.

Exclusion Zone A designated controlled area around the perimeter of a hand held XRF,
beyond which there is minimal exposure to personnel.

4. GUIDANCE
4.1 Regulatory Obligations
4.1.1 Ensure all regulatory obligations are understood to maintain compliance with the
regulations as outlined in Section 4.2 and 4.3 of the Ionizing Radiation Protection
Procedure No. P2006. Use Compliance Calendar or equivalent to track routine regulatory
obligations such as permit renewals and fees, surveys, inventory/leak tests, etc.
4.1.2 These devices are generally classified as analytical x-ray devices because they determine
the elemental composition of materials. The device may contain an x-ray tube or
radioactive sources, and it is very important to know which device is in use at the site.
Links to manufacturers of these devices are provided in Section 9 of this document.
4.1.2.1 X-Ray Devices

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a. In the US and Canada, x-ray devices are regulated through individual states
and Provinces, respectively. Other countries regulate them differently or not
all. You must understand the local regulations that apply to your device.
b. XRF devices are generally classified as “analytical x-ray devices” and there
may be separate sections of the regulations for these. Some regulations
may also specify “hand held” devices for portable analytical x-ray devices.
c. Handheld XRF’s used outside of shielded cabinets are often considered to be
“open beam” devices and often have additional requirements.
4.1.2.2 Radioactive Source Device
a. If the analytical x-ray uses sealed radioactive sources, those are regulated
under the “radioactive materials” section of the regulations. The
manufacturer or distributor would likely know how the device is regulated in
your location and direct you to the proper regulations.
b. In the US, many XRF devices containing sealed sources are issued under a
“General License.” These licenses are provided with the device and specific
requirements must be followed by the site using that device. In addition, if
the local state in the US requires these types of devices to be registered,
then the site must comply with that requirement.
c. Ensure a program is in place to complete periodic sealed source inventory
and leak tests, and all other compliance obligations, in the time frame
required by local regulation.
4.2 Operational Control of XRF Devices
4.2.1 Portable Hand Held Applications
4.2.1.1 Secure the devices against unauthorized use or removal. Store the device in a
locked cabinet, room, etc., with positive control to those who are authorized to
use the device.
4.2.1.2 Utilize a log or similar record to document who uses the device and when it is
logged in and returned to the storage location. If other requirements for the log
are specified in local regulations, include those in the record as well. An
example of a user log is provided in the XRF Toolbox.
4.2.1.3 Conduct routine inspections to ensure the devices are stored and used properly.
4.2.2 Fixed or Stationary Applications
4.2.2.1 These devices are usually on a countertop in a lab used by a variety of
personnel. Ensure that the device is locked, and that only individuals who have
been trained and authorized to use the device have the key (or access password
if provided).
4.2.2.2 Conduct routine inspections to confirm proper access restrictions are in place.
4.2.3 Operating Procedures
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4.2.3.1 Establish and implement written operating procedures for each type/model of
XRF Analyzer and make available to each person using the device. Include in
these procedures, at a minimum:
a. General safety requirements (including personal protective equipment)
b. Type/model of equipment and associated procedures for calibration,
maintenance and use
c. Training plan for each person to be authorized to use the device.
d. Security procedures for locking and securing the device when not in use to
prevent unauthorized use.
e. Access controls to ensure areas are not occupied when the device is used.
f. Controls for minimizing exposures to users and other personnel.
g. Personnel exposure monitoring requirements.
h. Emergency/contingency procedures for accidental exposure or reporting
other equipment malfunctions.
i. Requirements to report any changes (e.g. the location of use) to the
regulating agency.
j. Appointment and responsibilities of the Radiation Safety Officer
4.3 Control of Radiation Dose
4.3.1 In addition to the controls specified in the Ionizing Radiation Protection Procedure No.
P2006, implement the following controls for XRF devices.
4.3.1.1 Use the device as specified in the manufacturer’s operating manual.
4.3.1.2 Use the XRF device in a manner to ensure the person operating it does not have
a portion of their torso within 30 cm of the source of radiation.
4.3.1.3 Keep hands (except for the hand operating the trigger) at least 30 cm away from
the path of the primary beam.
4.3.1.4 NEVER hold the sample in the hands when taking a measurement.
4.3.1.5 Never point the XRF Analyzer in the direction of anyone when taking a
measurement.
4.3.1.6 Never look into the path of the primary beam.
4.3.1.7 Keep all personnel out of the exclusion zone and/or designated room when the
analyzer is in operation
4.3.1.8 Local regulations or a dose assessment may require that whole-body and/or
extremity monitoring (dosimetry) be worn by operators using a hand held x-ray
device. Ensure all operators wear the proper dosimetry if required.

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4.4 Surveys and Routine Checks

4.4.1 Radiation Level Surveys
4.4.1.1 Conduct radiation level surveys around the device prior to putting into full
operation and document results and, at a minimum:
a. Document the dose rate to the operator’s whole-body and closest extremity
to the device (typically the trigger hand of a hand held device).
b. Document the dose rate at locations potentially occupied by unmonitored
workers or members of the public.
c. Establish an Exclusion Zone radius around the XRF, beyond which doses to
personnel will be below the local regulatory limits for members of the public
(e.g., 1 mSv/year).
4.4.1.2 Repeat the surveys after servicing, when conditions change that could alter the
output, whenever personnel monitoring reports show an unexplained increase
in operator doses, or at a frequency required by local regulations.
4.4.1.3 Investigate any survey result that indicates higher than expected radiation levels
around the device. Determine the root cause and corrective actions.
4.4.2 Safety System Checks (exposure control devices, warning lights, shutter operation, e-
stops, etc.)
4.4.2.1 Establish a checklist to confirm, on a quarterly frequency or as required by
regulation, that all safety systems incorporated into the device are in proper
working order. An example checklist is provided in the XRF Toolbox.
4.4.3 Operator Competency Checks
4.4.3.1 Develop and implement a method to document operator competency if required
by regulations. Use a written exam, on-the-job observation/questionnaire by an
experienced operator or RSO, or other method. An example questionnaire is
provided in the XRF Toolbox.
5. RECORDS
5.1 Maintain the following records, specific to the use of XRF devices, in addition to the records
required elsewhere in the Ionizing Radiation Protection Procedure No. P2006:
5.1.1 Survey results of the radiation levels of the XRF device.
5.1.2 Training certificates or other documents demonstrating manufacturer-provided training
to operators.
5.1.3 Use logs (for hand held devices) demonstrating when the device was used and by whom.
An example is provided in the XRF Toolbox.
5.1.4 Routine safety system checks.
5.1.5 Documentation of annual program audits

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5.1.6 Certificates issued by local regulatory agencies that authorize the possession and use of
the device
5.1.7 Other required documentation as specified by local regulations.
5.2 Retain documentation for periods specified by regulations, permit conditions, and GE standards.
6. RESPONSIBILITIES
6.1 Designate the individual who has responsibility for the program to meet the applicable
expectations of this procedure. The GE Ionizing Radiation Safety Center of Excellence (COE) is
available to support this individual or anyone else with the following responsibilities.
6.1.1 Identification and inventory of any XRF analyzers
6.1.2 Tollgate for procurement of XRF analyzers and introduction into operations (i.e.
management of change)
6.1.3 Agency reporting and any other regulatory obligations
6.1.4 Any needed licenses, permits, authorizations, registrations
6.1.5 Training/Instruction
6.1.6 Use and control of XRF analyzers
6.1.7 Radiation surveys
6.1.8 Proper transfer of XRF analyzers
6.1.9 Emergency response procedures and capabilities
6.1.10 Recordkeeping
6.2 All employees must:
6.2.1 Complete training on awareness and procedures relevant to the use of XRF analyzers
6.2.2 Know the hazards associated with operations involving XRF analyzers
6.2.3 Perform all activities in accordance with approved procedures
6.2.4 Know all relevant emergency procedures and respond accordingly
6.2.5 Report incidents and respond in accordance with emergency procedures
7. COMMUNICATION AND TRAINING
7.1 Prior to use, XRF operators must complete GE-EHS-575 or equivalent initial training specific for XRF
device operators
7.2 Unless otherwise specified by local regulations, at least one operator should be trained by the XRF
device manufacturer, then that operator can train other device users at the site as necessary. This
training should include the following:
7.2.1 Radiation hazards associated with the use of the device
7.2.2 Standard operating procedures and safe use of the device

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7.2.3 Radiation safety controls incorporated into the design of the device to minimize personnel
dose
7.2.4 Emergency procedures to follow in the event of a device malfunction
7.2.5 Recognition of symptoms of an acute localized exposure
8. EVALUATION AND IMPROVEMENT
8.1 Conduct an annual review of the radiation protection program’s effectiveness or ensure XRF-
specific program performance is included in the overall site annual radiation program review, as
applicable.
9. REFERENCES
9.1 The following are links to examples of XRF devices:

Bruker https://www.bruker.com/products/x-ray-diffraction-and-elemental-
analysis/x-ray-fluorescence.html

Olympus http://www.olympus-ims.com/en/xrf-xrd/delta-handheld/

NITON/ThermoFisher https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-
elemental-isotope-analysis.html

Oxford Instruments http://www.oxford-instruments.com/products/analysers/handheld-

analysers/xrf-analyzer-x-met8000

PANalytical http://www.panalytical.com/XRF-
Spectrometers.htm?gclid=COLwu8_Uqs4CFQeNaQodFlAGsw

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