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FAQ - Frequently asked questions
 
 Please check the following section before posting to the Forum.

Will I be exposed to Radiation if I stand near the machine?
The X-ray machine is designed so that the radiation is contained within the system. All machine are built to ensure that they comply with strict current and future radiation exposure levels.


Is it safe for a pregnant woman to work near the machine?
The system is designed to be completely safe for pregnant women to work around.  The requirement is that the maximum accumulated dose during pregnancy should not exceed 1mGy, which corresponds to a continuous dose of 0.67uSv/Hr assuming that one is standing next to the system for the entire work-period.  Although the Eurpoean regulations require that the dose rate does not exceed 1.0uSv/Hr, systems manufactured by the members of the Sapphire Alliance generally emit much less than this level.
http://rpop.iaea.org/RPoP/RPoP/Content/SpecialGroups/1_PregnantWomen/PregnancyAndRadiology.htm#PregRadiol_FAQ08

 
How is the radiation generated?
The radiation is generated is X-rays, which are generated by using electricity from a low voltage source.

 
Is this safer than a Radiation source?
Yes. By turning off the electricity all X-ray generation is stopped. With a radiation source radiation is always being generated. No Sapphire machine uses a radiation source.

 
How do I check the machine for radiation?
A radiation meter is supplied with all machines. It is recommended that a radiation survey is conducted at least once a week.

 
Is this the same as Irradiated Food?
Irradiated food is where food is exposed to extremely high levels of Radiation (1,000,000 RAD). The design of the system ensures that the food being inspected is exposed to very low levels of radiation (0.01 RAD).

 
Will the food become ‘Radioactive’?
No. It is impossible for food to become Radioactive by passing through the system.

 
Do I need to declare that the food has been X-rayed?
No. This is only required for Irradiated food.