You know that X-ray baggage scanners can see what’s inside your luggage without having to open it, right? But, what’s technology being used? Fun fact, it’s a type of energy similar to light but with shorter wavelengths and higher energy aiming to pass through many materials.
Yes, the benefits of X-ray baggage scanners are plenty, thanks to that energy. But, too much exposure can be harmful – it even can cause health problems like cancer!
We recommend you use this guideline about safety measures and regulations to equip you with proper knowledge before buying an X-ray baggage scanner.
Safety Measures for X-ray Baggage Scanners
X-ray baggage scanners need to comply with regulations that reduce exposure and ensure overall safety.
Before choosing the right X-ray baggage scanner for your needs, you should know at least some crucial safety measures:
Shielding
The scanner’s core is wrapped in a special shield, usually made of lead or other materials that can block X-rays, preventing them from escaping and reaching people nearby.
Automatic shut-off
Scanners are equipped with automatic shut-off mechanisms that deactivate the X-ray source when the scanning process is complete. This prevents unnecessary radiation exposure.
Warning signs and labels
You need to display clear signage around the scanner to warn people about X-ray usage and restricted areas and encourage them to maintain a safe distance.
Beam collimation
Scanners use a feature called collimation, which acts like a special lens. This lens focuses the X-rays into a narrow beam, like a spotlight, hitting only the luggage being scanned. This way, less radiation is floating around the area.
We’ve talked about how X-ray scanners have built-in safety features, but there’s another layer of protection at security checkpoints: keeping a safe distance.
This can be in the form of physical barriers, like fences or clear panels, around the X-ray scanners. These barriers create a designated area for the scanner and keep security personnel at a safe distance while they operate it.
The barriers are for passengers too! The amount of radiation passengers are exposed to is very low, but maintaining a distance won’t hurt. So, the next time you go through security, remember these barriers are there for a reason.
Essential Regulations for X-ray Baggage Scanners
Imagine a game of soccer if there were no rules. Players would constantly bump into each other, so aggressive tackles would be commonplace, leading to injuries.
Similarly, X-ray baggage scanners need regulations to ensure safety. Just like rules in a sport, regulations for X-ray baggage scanners help to:
- Maintain order and safety. Regulations set clear guidelines for how X-ray scanners can be used, helping to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Standardized design and construction. Strict regulations demand specific requirements for scanner design, materials, and performance. This guarantees manufacturers build scanners with proper shielding and other safety measures.
- Protect everyone involved. Regulations help protect both passengers and security personnel from exposure to harmful radiation.
International organizations play a crucial role in setting the groundwork for safe X-ray equipment use.
An example is the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). This independent body creates scientific guidelines for limiting exposure to non-ionizing radiation, including X-rays, which form the foundation for safe exposure levels.
Another organization that plays a vital role in setting safety standards for X-ray equipment is the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
It develops technical standards for X-ray equipment design and safety, addressing aspects like leakage radiation limits, shielding requirements, and operational controls.
National regulatory bodies, like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK, can take these international standards and adapt them to their specific contexts.
For example, national regulations might specify additional training or certifications for personnel who install and maintain X-ray scanners.
X-ray baggage scanner manufacturers and users should also think about their environmental controls.
One important aspect is waste disposal. They should consider responsible recycling of scanner components at the end of their lifespan. Here’s why we think responsible recycling is important for X-ray scanner manufacturers:
- Prevent potentially harmful scanner components from ending up in landfills, minimizing environmental contamination.
- Valuable materials like metals can be recovered and reused in new products, which helps them reduce the need for new resource extraction.
There isn’t a single international organization solely focused on X-ray scanner disposal, but a combination of several bodies can influence how you should dispose of this machine. Examples are organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and national regulations specific to electronic waste disposal.
Conclusion
X-ray baggage scanners use a form of energy called X-rays to see through luggage.
While there’s always a focus on minimizing radiation exposure, these scanners are designed with multiple safety features, including shielding and beam collimation, to keep radiation levels very low.
Additionally, security checkpoints implement measures like physical barriers and clear signage to maintain a safe distance for everyone.
Saptshankari is a leading supplier of X-ray baggage scanners committed to providing innovative security solutions for airports and security checkpoints. Check our products and contact us today! We’re happy to answer any questions you might have.
