SIZING YOUR X-RAY VIEW
WINDOWS
GENERAL: LEAD GLASS
is used in medical in industrial applications so that the equipment
operator can view pthe part or patient without being exposed to radiation.
In most cases, the radiation attenuations of the glass must be at least
equal to the wall in which the window is located. It is also recommended
by the nuclear regulatory commission that a lead glass windows be at least
18" from the end of the operator control wall to insure the technician is
fully protected.
MATERIAL: LEAD ACRYLIC
is also available for all viewing
applications and should be considered for large windows and mobile
barriers to reduce breakage concerns.
HOW HIGH?
Since all human eyes are 5" to 6" below the
top of the head, an upper height of 6'8" above the floor will accommodate
individuals '6'6" tall.
HOW LOW?
A bottom height of 36" AF should accommodate
all requirements.
STANDING *
A bottom height of 54" will
accommodate individuals 5'0" tall, therefore a windows 18" high will
handle personnel 5'0" to 6'6" tall. Examples of STANDING include Chest
Room, Radiographic, Tomographic and R.F.
SEATED / STANDING *
with equipment at desk height of 30", a lower window height of 36" should
be acceptable for nearly all persons. If consoles are located at the
counter height of 40", the view window bottom should be raised so wiring
is not seen from the exam room. Examples include C.T. Scan, Angiography,
Remote R/F, Cardiac Cath, Special Procedures etc.
HOW WIDE? The view windows
should
not be wider than required for the operator and observers to comfortably
view the patient and equipment associated with the exam. The width will
vary with the type of exam room and the lateral area required to visualize
all associated equipment.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
-
Radiation
protective windows are available in lead glass and lead acrylic up to 48"
x 96" in size. Since there are no domestic manufacturers of these
products, it is most economical to order in standard stock sizes.
-
To preclude
having to cut the window, it is good policy to oversize the frames by
1/8" to 1/4" or purchase the frames from the glass supplier to limit
division of responsibility with regard to fit of the glass to frame.
-
extra wide
windows can be made up of frames to accommodate multiple panes. Be sure
that any mullion is also leaded.
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