This standard establishes guidance for the design and use of installations that use x-ray– generating devices and sealed gamma-ray sources of energies up to 10 MeV for non-medical purposes. Devices that produce photon radiation within this energy range that are merely incidental to use are not included within the scope. The standard’s main objectives are to keep the exposure of persons to radiation to levels as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) and to ensure that no one receives a dose equivalent greater than the maximum permissible dose equivalent. These objectives may be achieved by the use of engineered controls, firm management controls, safe operating procedures, appropriate equipment, and a comprehensive maintenance and surveillance program. Annexes contain technical information useful for design of radiation shielding.

It should be noted that this standard covers a range of radiation sources similar to that of ANSI/HPS N43.11, “Safe Operating Practice for Non-Medical X-ray Radiographic and Radioscopic Equipment.” ANSI/HPS N43.3-2008 is appropriate for use by technical experts for the design of installations and for the establishment of radiation protection programs. It is useful only to a limited extent for day-to-day operation of facilities. It is recommended that ANSI/HPS N43.11 be consulted for routine operational use.

Those recommendations containing the word “shall” identify requirements that are necessary to meet the standards of protection in this document. Those using the word “should” indicate advisory recommendations that are to be applied when practical.