Radiological Health Program

The Radiological Health Program is the local agency that enforces the state and federal radiation control regulations in San Diego County. Ionizing radiation has the potential to expose employees and the general public to harmful effects. The widespread use of radioactive materials and x-ray machines in health care, research, and industry has required a program to monitor and control radiation hazards. Radiological Health Specialists in San Diego County monitor the storage, use and disposal of radioactive materials and the safe use of x-ray producing equipment through a contract with the Radiological Health Branch of the State Department of Health Services.

San Diego County is one of the few local agencies designated by the Department of Health Services to conduct radiation inspections. Prior to 1986, when this contract started, the County relied upon state inspectors from Los Angeles or Sacramento to ensure safe radiological standards in our County.

This program provides many services to the community and regulated businesses, including:

  1. Radiation safety compliance and education to radioactive materials licensees, x-ray machine registrants and the public.
  2. Evaluation of shielding plans and blueprints of proposed x-ray facilities.
  3. Inspection of radioactive material licensees and x-ray machine registrants to determine compliance with Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations and 10CFR, part 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
  4. Inspection of mammography x-ray facilities to determine compliance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations.
  5. Inspection of all x-ray machines to determine that quality assurance standards are met.
  6. Verification that all operators of medical and chiropractic x-ray machines are certified by the State of California.
  7. Response to incidents involving radioactive materials and x-ray machines, investigation of incident cause, preparation of detailed reports and if appropriate, issuance of citation(s).
  8. Participation in emergency preparedness planning for the San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station and the Off-site Dose Assessment Center.
Radioactive Symbol

Forms and Instructions

RADIATION SHIELDING PLAN CHECK INFORMATION

HM9900 Plan Check Instructions

HM9901 Plan Check Application/Fee Schedule

RADIATION MACHINE REGISTRATION

RH2261 X-ray Machine Registration
Report of Change Machine Inventory Radiation Transfer Notice
Inventory of Radiation Machine Schedule A

To obtain forms for certification of operators and licensing of radioactive materials facilities, please go to the State of California Radiological Health Branch website.

Questions?

  (858) 694-3621

  (858) 694-3629

  hmdutyeh@sdcounty.ca.gov

  Community Health Division – DEHQ

5500 Overland Ave, Ste 110
San Diego, CA 92123-1217
Open Mon – Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.