4-23
Figure 4-17.—Sample of one type of radhaz sign.
X-RAY EMISSIONS
X rays may be produced by the high-voltage electronic equipment in radars. X rays can penetrate
human tissue and cause damage of a temporary or permanent nature. Unless the dosage is extremely high,
no ill effects will be noticeable for days, weeks, or even years after the exposure.
The sources of these X rays are usually confined to magnetrons, klystrons, and cathode-ray tubes.
Personnel should not linger near any of these types of equipments when the equipment covers have been
removed. Klystrons, magnetrons, rectifiers, or other tubes that employ an excitation of 15,000 volts or
more may emit X rays out to a few feet; thus, unshielded personnel standing or working close to the tubes
will be endangered.
When performing maintenance on X-ray emitting devices, you should take the following
precautions:
Observe all warning signs (figure 4-18) on the equipment and all written precautions in the
equipment technical manuals.
