X-Ray Shielding Coordination Guide for Architects

Architects can prevent most shielding-related redesign by establishing the equipment, room geometry, occupancy, and jurisdictional assumptions before construction documents are issued. This guide shows what the shielding designer needs and where those requirements should appear in the architectural set.

Coordinate these inputs at kickoff

• Project state and local jurisdiction.

• Exact equipment manufacturer, model, generator, tube positions, detector locations, and vendor planning drawings.

• Final room dimensions, equipment orientation, control location, doors, windows, and major penetrations.

• Actual occupancy around every wall and on the levels above and below.

• Existing and proposed wall, floor, ceiling, door, and window construction.

• Expected clinical use, workload, procedure mix, and anticipated growth.

Show the complete shielding envelope

Do not limit coordination to the four walls. Floors, ceilings, roofs, exterior areas, corridors, control barriers, doors, frames, glazing, and penetrations may affect the design. Label adjacent spaces by actual use rather than relying only on room numbers.

Use a reliable scale and identify the drawing revision used for the calculations. If the room layout changes, make the shielding designer part of the change review.

Carry requirements into the documents

• Reference the shielding report and drawings in the project manual.

• Detail barrier continuity at corners, joints, doors, frames, windows, and penetrations.

• Coordinate structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and med-gas work that crosses a barrier.

• Require review before material substitutions or layout changes.

• Keep obsolete shielding drawings out of the field set.

Avoid late RFIs

The highest-cost questions usually appear after framing or equipment release: Which model is final? What is above the room? Can a duct cross this wall? Does the door need shielding? Resolve these before shield-dependent work begins whenever possible.

---

A practical next step

Start your project with Heartland Physics. Send the project state, current floor plan, equipment manufacturer and model, manufacturer planning documents, expected workload, room construction, and occupancy on every side - including above and below. Visit Heartland Physics to begin.

Requirements vary by state and project. This page is general planning information, not a shielding calculation, regulatory approval, or guarantee of compliance.

For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.