Great care should be taken while operating electron microscopes because these devices emit radiation. Electron microscopes utilize an electric field that accelerates electrons which let people visualize the magnified microscopic structures of matter.
Essentially, electron microscopes use electromagnets instead of lenses to form an image; electrons are utilized instead of light. People should not operate or perform maintenance on electron microscopes until they have been thoroughly trained to use the device and have been informed of the radiation involved with operating electron microscopes.
Benefits
Electron microscopes enjoy several benefits over traditional microscopes. Electron microscopes have a larger depth of field, allowing more of a specimen to be focused in on at one time, according to Purdue University. Higher resolutions are produced by electron microscopes than traditional light microscopes, allowing for much greater levels of magnification.
Modifications
An electron microscope should never be modified in any way by an inexperienced hand because it can pose a safety risk to the next operator. Shields and viewing ports need to remain unmodified to avoid the risk of accidentally exposing the operator to radiation. According to Harvard University, only certain organizations are qualified to make adjustments to electron microscopes if necessary.
Safety Devices
Certain safety devices need to be in place while an electron microscope is active or inactive. Fail-safe lights should be employed on all electron microscopes to indicate to the operator that x-ray production is taking place, according to Harvard University. Thin-window GM survey meters are used to verify the effectiveness of an electron microscope's shields by monitoring radiation levels. According to the University of Pennsylvania, warning labels should be clearly posted on and around electron microscopes informing users of the radiation involved in operating electron microscopes.
RPO
Personnel that have been exposed to the radiation emitted by electron microscopes should contact their local radiation expert organization immediately following an incident. These organization also approve electron microscope acquisitions and disposals and can provide current electron microscope radiation information and safety regulations.
Restrictions
If no qualified operator is near an electron microscope, no one else should be able to freely gain access to the electron microscope. The room housing an electron microscope should be securely locked if there is no qualified operator around. Shields should be secured in a fashion that makes them not readily removable. A log should be maintained, keeping a record of the times and dates that the electron microscope has been in use and by whom. It is also recommended that beam voltage be recorded along with the other information.
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