[Intl_DxMedPhys] [EXTERNAL] Re: Are shielding surveys for replacements required?

Tue Sep 9 13:18:39 EDT 2025

South Dakota requires shielding plans for all equipment replacements. Shielding evaluation surveys after replacements are required as well, although the regulation states that  it must be performed “after any change in the facility location or equipment repair that might cause a significant increase in radiation hazard.”

Minnesota does not require shielding plans if there are no structural changes or remodeling (i.e. a replacement unit in the same configuration). Shielding evaluation surveys are required after construction and must be reevaluated if there are “changes in utilization.” MN also requires a permanent placard in the room stating the installed shielding (which I am a fan of, especially when I’m unable to find old shielding records).

In practice, I always reevaluate shielding plans and perform shielding evaluations for all new units regardless of whether the room was modified. Many shielding plans and evaluation surveys I come across were performed years to decades ago and things certainly change. Better to deal with this before it becomes an issue.

Best,

Mike
________________________________________
Mike Timmerman, MS, DABR
Diagnostic Medical Physicist
Sanford Health – Sioux Falls Region
Mobile: (541) 213-1075
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From: Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list-bounces at lists.osu.edu> On Behalf Of Eugene Mah via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list
Sent: Tuesday, September 9, 2025 10:44 AM
Cc: intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: [Intl_DxMedPhys] Are shielding surveys for replacements required?

South Carolina regulations require a new shielding plan and shielding evaluation whenever a new x-ray system is installed or replaces an existing system. Eugene --------------------------------------------------------------------- Eugene Mah,
South Carolina regulations require a new shielding plan and shielding evaluation whenever a new x-ray system is installed or replaces an existing system.

Eugene

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On Mon, Sep 8, 2025 at 2:39 PM Nima Kasraie via Intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list <intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu<mailto:intl_dxmedphys_wd_osu_list at lists.osu.edu>> wrote:
Hi all, If you replace a fluoro room with a similar model and vendor with no changes to room shielding and walls, do you still need to do a shielding survey, legally speaking? TJC says yes. But what about the states? For example, in Texas, I
Hi all,

If you replace a fluoro room with a similar model and vendor with no changes to room shielding and walls, do you still need to do a shielding survey, legally speaking?

TJC says yes.

But what about the states?

For example, in Texas, I find no mention of the state regs where they compel a shielding survey for diagnostic X-ray/fluoroscopy rooms. It’s not in TAC 289.227, nor any of the adopted rules I could find.

But if the state doesn’t ask for it, can they expect a post-installation shielding confirmation—especially for high-dose fluoro rooms—even if that expectation isn't explicitly stated in 227?

I find it hard to accept that the state wouldn’t have any specific language on this issue.

Nima

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Medical Center

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