Shielding Plan Information for Registrants

What types of X-ray shielding plans does the state review? (WAC 246-225-030)

Radiographic X-ray installations:

  • Chiropractic
  • Medical
  • Non-mobile use radiographic (mobile unit used in one room)
  • Medical X-ray machine installations greater than 70 kVp

Fluoroscopic Installations:

  • Permanent Fluoroscopic Installations
  • Non-mobile use fluoroscopic (mobile unit used in one room)

Computed Tomography (CT) - All new and replacement CT units:

  • Medical Cone Beam Computed Tomography
  • Positron Emission Tomography/CT (PET/CT) Tomography

Industrial-use particle accelerators
X-ray therapy

We do not review:

  • Bone density machines with generators that do not exceed 70 kVp.
  • Dental shielding including CBCT
  • Diagnostic veterinary
  • Mammography
  • Podiatry with generators that do not exceed 70 kVp
  • Micro-amperage (mini) c-arms
  • 70kVp or less brachytherapy units

Other requirements:

  • Mobile c-arm installation: If a mobile c-arm will not be used in more than one location, a formal shielding report should be submitted before the unit is installed. To be considered mobile, a c-arm must be operated in more than one room at a facility on a regular basis.
  • Cone Beam CT: Units that will be replaced in the same footprint with the same energy levels do not need to submit a new plan review.
  • X-ray room remodeling: If you remodel the X-ray room and do not make any changes to the X-ray equipment, a new shielding plan must be submitted to ensure the X-ray shielding is still valid.

Installation without a plan review will be subject to a $656 late fee as well as a $344 plan review fee. WAC 246-254-053(2)(c)

We review plans within 30 calendar days. The standard submission fee is $344. If you are short on time, an expedited review is available within 2 working days once all required information is received by the X-ray Compliance Program. The fee for an expedited plan review is $1,000 per room plan. WAC 246-254-053(2)(b).

You do not need a new shielding plan if you meet the following criteria:

  • You must have an X-ray shielding plan accepted by the department dated 1990 or newer, and is still accurate for surrounding occupancy.
  • The X-ray workload as stated on that plan has not increased by more than 25 percent.
  • The new X-ray unit will be installed in the same footprint as the unit being replaced (including chest bucky, if applicable).
  • Replacing a component of your X-ray system:
    Adding a digital receptor with no workload change
    X-ray tube
    Generator
  • There are no changes to the room that may invalidate the X-ray shielding including:
    Changes in distances to shielded walls
    Construction materials
    Wall Thickness
    Occupancy factors around the X-ray room have not increased
    If you do not satisfy these requirements you must submit a new shielding plan (with applicable fees) for review prior to installation.

    How will the facility be notified?

    When your plan has been reviewed you will be sent official notification. Installation can then follow. Operation of the X-ray equipment prior to receiving this notification from our office will result in a penalty fee.

    Questions? Call 1-800-299-9729

Instructions for submitting shielding plan review and fees: