X-Ray Security Screening – Frequently Asked Questions

We are regularly asked about all aspects of using a X-Ray security screening machine from what it is used for to general safety advice. Here is a summary of some of the most common queries.

Should you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact our X-Ray security screening team on Tel: 0845 4900360.

What is a X-Ray Security Screening System?

An X-Ray security system is an X-Ray system installed within a box designed to provide X-Ray security SONY DSCscreening within areas that have limited space.

The enclosure part of the system has been designed to protect people from the X-Rays generated and to exclude people from the enclosure’s interior.

X-Ray security screening systems are most commonly used in corporate mailrooms, security checkpoints, prisons, medical laboratories, in airports and at cargo screening points. They are used for screening mail, parcel, baggage and cargo.

X-Ray security systems are available as compact cabinet models or as heavy duty conveyor systems. The conveyor systems are ideal for situations where there is a large throughput of screening and where items for screening may be large or heavy.

What are other common names for X-Ray security screening systems?

Names which you may see the technology listed as include X-Ray Inspection Systems, X-Ray Screening Systems, X-Ray Security Systems, Baggage X-Ray Systems, Freight X-Ray Security Screening, Cargo Screening.

Who regulates X-Ray security screening in the UK?Case

In the UK the Department for Transport (DfT) regulates the X-Ray security screening industry. However in terms of setting new regulation the Home Office and the UK Border Agency also have an input. Totalpost works very closely with the DfT in assisting with research in preparation for the introduction of new industry standards.

Totalpost’s conveyor systems have also been approved to American standards and many have been fully tested by the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA).

Is it safe to be near the X-Ray security screening system while it is active?

Yes.  All of our X-Ray security screening systems have been developed in line with radiation safety performance standards which state that the radiation emitted must not exceed 0.5 milliroentgens per hour at any 0.5cm from the external surface. In fact the majority of systems emit much less than this.

Additionally our systems also include safety features such as warning lights, warning labels, and interlocks.

As an example, the average person receives a dose of around 360 millirem of radiation per year from background radiation. Background radiation is always present in the environment.

 Is it safe for pregnant women to operate or be near the X-Ray security screening system?

Yes. The limit on radiation emission as outlined in the previous question is sufficiently restrictive that there is no additional hazard for specific groups such as children or pregnant women.

 Is it safe to eat and drink, use medicine, or apply make-up if any of these products have gone through the X-Ray screening system?

There are no known adverse effects from eating food, drinking beverages, using medicine, or applying make-up that has been through the X-Ray security screening system.

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The radiation dose typically received by objects screened by the systems is 1 millirad or less. The average dose rate from background radiation is 360 millirad per year. The minimum dose used in food irradiation for food preservation or destruction of parasites or pathogens is 30,000 rad.

Will the X-Ray security screening device harm electronic equipment when it passes through a cabinet x ray system?

No, there will be adverse effects to electronic equipment when it is screened.

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