Updated: Friday — September 29, 2023

• Lead Safe Mama, LLC uses a non-radioactive source (tube-based) XRF instrument.
  • This instrument does not have a radioactive source
  • This instrument emits no radiation when powered down/ turned off
  • This instrument can be stored safely without radiation protection when not operating (radiation protection measures are not required when the instrument is turned off, due to the nature of the instrument).
• XRF Instrument is stored in Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s office at all times when “home” (in Portland, Oregon). 
• XRF Instrument is kept (bodily) with Tamara Rubin (owner) at all times when traveling out of state (and in a locked room, when appropriate).
• XRF Instrument is always stored in the “off” position (powered down) in its factory case when not in use.
• XRF Instrument is checked each day it is used BEFORE use to ensure it is operating properly and in compliance with rules and requirements for the location in which it is being operated:
  • XRF Instrument is turned on
  • Password is entered to access function (access to instrument is password protected via the GUI interface)
  • The self-calibration function of the instrument is run and checked for errors
  • Lights are checked to make sure they are functioning properly, and that the required labels and stickers are affixed and visible
  • The proximity detector is checked to make sure it is functioning properly
  • The backscatter shield (and related detection functions) is checked to make sure it is not compromised/ is functioning properly
  • The functionality of the “dead-man switch” is confirmed (when the trigger one depresses to activate the x-ray beam is released/ no longer depressed, the instrument ceases to emit an x-ray beam)
  • A test sample (with known test results) is tested before testing any objects (consumer goods) for toxicants
• All precautions are taken at all times to ensure the operator or others present are not exposed during irradiation — including, but not limited to the following considerations: 
  • XRF Instrument (handheld) is never pointed with the beam/ detection window in the direction of a person, body, or body part
  • The operator’s hands are never placed in front of the beam when the instrument is in operation
    • Operators are banned from holding a sample in their hand during irradiation
  • No person’s body part (operator or observer) is in the direction of the beam within at least three feet (opposite the side of the sample being exposed)
  • Observers are always informed to not stand in front of the instrument/ operation being performed and/or to stand three feet to the side and/or behind the operator if they are positioned next to or behind the operator
• XRF instrument is turned off and allowed to cool when cooling sensors indicate this is necessary
• Our XRF instrument only emits X-rays when the button is manually depressed (and lights are flashing to alert those present that the instrument is on and functioning)
• Samples are always placed directly in front of the instrument’s beam for testing.
  • Our instrument has a safety function (proximity sensor), which causes it to cease a reading (turn off the detection function) if an item being tested is not directly in front of the beam (typically it will cease a reading if an item is outside of the range of a cm or two from the nose of the instrument)
• When possible and appropriate, a physical barrier is placed behind the item tested (as an additional measure/ safety control preventing exposure to the primary beam for any observers present)
  • Typically in the field, this barrier is an item that is used to prop up the item being tested. This can be a block of wood (cutting board), the XRF case, or sometimes (with small objects that need to be steadied for testing) a metals-free soft-goods item like a pillow or cushion
• Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s XRF instrument can be operated using batteries or plugged into an outlet
• The background of the testing area (typically a table on which the item will be tested) is always tested first, before the item is tested, to determine if there is any possible interference with readings based on the metal content of the background
• Lead Safe Mama, LLC’s only XRF operator is Tamara Rubin
• Tamara Rubin is trained and certified (by the factory) in using the instrument
• No other operator is allowed to use the instrument under any circumstances
• Training certificate and local registration are shown (or on display) at the beginning of any session operating the instrument in the field — as required and appropriate
• Signage indicating “Caution, X-RAY In Use” (or similar language) is displayed (and kept visible) when the instrument is in use — in our office and the field
• All registrations are kept current and renewed as required and appropriate
• For public events with consumer goods testing (including outreach events and training), a brief narrative summary of key points of the above S.O.P. is shared with attendees before XRF usage