These devices, which function using the principle of X-ray attenuation, are used as industrial gauges (measurement of drum filling, thickness measurement, etc.), inspection of goods containers or luggage and also the detection of foreign bodies in foodstuffs. The increase in the number of types of device available on the market can be explained more particularly by the fact that when possible, they replace devices containing radioactive sources. The advantages of this technology with regard to radiation protection are linked in particular to the total absence of ionising radiation when the equipment is not in use. Their utilisation does nevertheless lead to worker exposure levels that are comparable with those resulting from the use of devices containing radioactive sources. Baggage inspection Ionising radiation is used constantly in security screening checks, whether for the systematic verification of baggage or to determine the content of suspect packages. The smallest and most widely used devices are installed at the inspection and screening checkpoints in airports, in museums, at the entrance to certain buildings, etc. The devices with the largest inspection tunnel areas are used for screening large baggage items and hold baggage in airports, as well as for air freight inspections. These devices are supplemented by tomographs, which give a series of series of cross-sectional images of the object being examined. The irradiation zone inside these appliances is sometime delimited by doors, but most often simply by one or more lead curtains. X-ray body scanners This application is mentioned for information only, since the X-ray scanners are not currently used for security checks on people in France (in application of Article L. 1333-18 of the Public Health Code). Some experiments have been carried out in France using non-ionising imaging technologies (millimetre waves). Inspection of consumer goods The use of devices for detecting foreign bodies in certain consumer products has developed over the last few years, such as for detecting unwanted items in food products or cosmetics. X-ray diffraction analysis Research laboratories are making increasing use of small devices of this type, which are self-shielded. Experimental devices used for X-ray diffraction analysis can however be made up from parts obtained from various suppliers (goniometer, sample holder, tube, detector, high-voltage generator, control console, etc.) and assembled by the experimenters themselves. X-ray fluorescence analysis Portable X-ray fluorescence devices are used for the analysis of metals and alloys. Measuring parameters These devices, which operate on the principle of X-ray attenuation, are used as industrial gauges for measuring fluid levels in cylinders or drums, for detecting leaks, for measuring thicknesses or density, etc. Irradiation treatment More generally used for performing irradiations, the self-shielded devices exist in several models that sometimes differ only in the size of the self-shielded chamber, while the characteristics of the X-ray generator remain the same. Radiography for checking the quality of weld beads or for the fatigue inspection of materials is detailed in point 3.1.1. 1.3.2 Veterinary diagnostic radiology In 2024, the profession counted 21,494 veterinary surgeons, about 20,000 non- veterinarian employees and 6,641 veterinary facilities. These facilities increasingly belong to large groups, sometimes set up as a network grouping several hundred veterinary practices, thereby allowing the sharing of resources between facilities. This trend goes hand in hand with the tendency for veterinary surgeons to no longer necessarily want to own their own practice. Private practice facilities owned by veterinary surgeons nevertheless still exist, sometimes with special legal statuses allowing, for example, several veterinary surgeons exercising the profession on an individual basis to group together. Veterinary surgeons use diagnostic radiology devices for purposes similar to those used in human medicine. Veterinary diagnostic radiology activities essentially concern pets: ∙some 5,000 veterinary facilities in France have at least one diagnostic radiology device; ∙about 140 computed tomography scanners are used in veterinary applications; ∙other practices drawn from the medical sector are also implemented in specialised centres: scintigraphy, brachytherapy, external-beam radiotherapy and interventional radiology. The treatment of large animals (mainly horses) requires the use of more powerful devices installed in specially equipped premises (radiography of the pelvis, for example) and portable X-ray generators, used indoors – whether in dedicated premises or not – or outdoors. In order to better ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, ASN introduced a notification system in 2009 for what were termed “pet-care activities” involving less serious radiation risks (see point 2.4.2). This simplification has led to regularisation of the administrative situation of a growing number of veterinary facilities (see Graph 4). To continue grading the regulatory requirements to the radiation exposure risks, all activities using electrical devices emitting X-rays used for veterinary diagnostic radiology come under the registration system (see point 2.4.2), with the exception of pet-care activities which remain eligible for the notification system). Consequently, only a few high-risk activities (brachytherapy, external-beam radiotherapy and interventional radio- logy) stemming from the medical sector are still subject to licensing. The devices used in the veterinary sector are sometimes derived from the medical sector. However, the profession is increasingly adopting new devices specially developed to meet its own specific needs. With regard to veterinary facilities, the administrative situation has been continuously improving for a number of years now. At the end of 2024, ASN counted nearly 6,000 notifications, registrations or licenses, that is to say virtually all of the veterinary facilities identified as using ionising radiation in France. Among the veterinary activities, those performed on large animals (mainly horses) outside specialised veterinary practices (under “field” conditions), are considered to be those with the most significant radiation exposure risks, more specifically for persons external to the veterinary practice taking part in these procedures (horse owners and stable lads). During its various oversight actions (carried out as and when required or during thematic campaigns) covering all veterinary activities involving ionising radiation, ASN has seen the results of the efforts the veterinary bodies have made in the last few years to comply with the regulations and has noted good field practices in the inspected veterinary facilities, including in particular: ∙worker occupational exposure monitoring by passive dosimetry; ∙the virtually systematic use of personal protective equipment; ∙an optimisation approach to the associated operations in nearly all the facilities using ionising radiation for performing diagnostic radiology on large animals. The profession must nevertheless remain attentive to the following points: ∙the initial and periodic verifications of the radiation devices and the radiology premises; ∙the radiological zoning, particularly when an operation area has to be set up; ASN Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2024 253 11 12 13 14 15 AP 10 09 Sources of ionising radiation and their industrial, veterinary and research applications 08 01 02 03 04 05 06 07
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