Maintenance Instructions

4Inspect the swage fittings of each source guide tube to ensure the threads are not stripped or galled. If the threads are damaged, the use of a 1in-18 tap or die and oil can be used to clean the damaged area. Using moderate pressure, attempt to twist the swage fitting off the source guide tube. If any movement is possible, remove from service and replace the swage fitting. Inspect the source guide tube near the swage fitting for breaks and bulging, remove from service and send to a service center for repairs. Inspect the exposure head (source stop) for excessive wear or perforations on the end- stop and the side where the collimator (beam limiter) is mounted. Damaged fittings or exposure heads on source guide tubes can be replaced at a QSA Global service center. If the swage fittings are not damaged and are securely attached to the source guide tube, apply a light coat of grease to the threads and install the protective covers over the fittings.

Misconnect Test After Reloading Sealed Source into the Exposure Device

After performing the annual maintenance, the complete radiography system must be tested by the maintenance program administrator or Radiation Safety Officer. A misconnect test on the exposure device including the radioactive source assembly and wind-out controls effectively tests the integrity of the entire locking system. This procedure detects long-term wear (or damage) of the interrelated failsafe system including identify any excess wear on the control cable connector, device locking mechanism and sealed source connectors simultaneously.

Note: Component wear occurs to both the control assemblies and the device lock assemblies over time, therefore, to ensure acceptable equipment operation, the misconnect test must be performed on each device lock assembly and control assembly combination that could be used in the field. For example, if controls are used interchangeably with more than one specific exposure device, then each control must be checked with each device to ensure the failsafe system for all control assembly/device combinations are compliant.

The test should only be performed by personnel that are formally trained, authorized and thoroughly familiar with annual maintenance procedures. This test is performed by engaging the remote control connecting plug assembly into the exposure device's locking mechanism WITHOUT first engaging the control cable connector within the source assembly connector.

The ability to then rotate the locking mechanism from the CONNECT position towards the LOCK position indicates critical dimensions of the locking system are excessively worn to an unsafe condition. Extreme care should be exercised to prevent rotating the locking mechanism's selector ring beyond the LOCK position. If the locking mechanism and remote controls fail a misconnect test the equipment must be removed from radiographic operations. The equipment must not be used until repairs are performed and misconnect test results are satisfactory.

During the performance of the misconnect test there is a risk of losing control of the radioactive source assembly if:

•the components are excessively worn or damaged

•the person performing the test intentionally or inadvertently rotates the selector ring from the CONNECT position to the OPERATE position

•the person performing the test intentionally or inadvertently pushes the lock slide into the EXPOSURE mode.

Contact a QSA Global, Inc. service center if you have questions regarding the misconnect test.

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