xray diffraction comments

[Lester Slaback <Lester.Slaback@NIST.GOV>]

Most modern xray diffraction units are in interlocked enclosures with
essentially no external dose rates.  Hence monitoring should not be an
issue.  Regular assessments that all protective features are in place and
effective should be done.

The issue of users defeating protective systems is an administrative one
that needs to be dealt with separately.  It should not dictate personnel
monitoring requirements. And personnel dosimetry is an extremely
ineffective way to monitor people exposures to beams.  

If the issue is removing the primary shielding around the xray tube and
operating the system then I sure hope you keep these folks away from
electrical circuits, chemicals, matches, etc.

And, as always, the above may not be relevant to the specific situation
previously raised........

Disclaimer:  the above are the personal musings of the author, and do not
represent any past, present, or future position of NIST, the U.S. government,
or anyone else who might think that they are in a position of authority. 
Lester Slaback, Jr.  [Lester.Slaback@NIST.GOV] 
NBSR Health Physics 
Center for Neutron Research 
NIST
100 Bureau Dr.  STOP 3543 
Gaithersburg, MD  20899-3543 
301 975-5810 voice
301 921-9847 fax
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