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X-ray equipment and services

Local security product distributor PinnSec has joined the X-ray and asset scanning market with a range of systems being sold under the PinnSec brand. The systems are imported and sold into a variety of industries, including correctional services and other government departments, as well as private companies looking for secure access control.

PinnSec’s model is to move its gear through channel partners, but it has developed a services arm to support the X-ray business. MJ Oosthuizen, PinnSec’s sales manager explains that due to the regulations surrounding the sale and use of these systems, primarily because of the danger people face when exposed to X-ray radiation, PinnSec is able to assist in getting the required permissions from the Department of Health (DoH), setting up the equipment to DoH standards, as well as maintaining them for the long term.

The process of installing one of these systems is lengthy as once an organisation has decided to go the scanner route, the DoH first pays a visit to the site where it checks if there are or could be any health risks. It also checks whether there are other X-ray scanners on site and if their certifications are up to date – if they are not, permission is denied.

Once permission to install has been granted, the system can be installed and must be properly tested to make sure there are no leakages or other dangers to people in that environment before it can be taken into everyday use. PinnSec will also check the equipment every three months to ensure it remains in working order according to the standards set by the DoH. It also checks to ensure the system is working as required, providing whatever servicing may be necessary.

The DoH also conducts random checks on installed equipment and can shut down a system if it hasn’t been maintained properly and is leaking radiation – which at high enough doses can kill. These checks and certification policing are set to become even more strict from 2017 in an attempt to prevent people from importing and using equipment like this without the appropriate certifications.

Different options

The range of products PinnSec offers range from scanners with a 600 mm x 400 mm tunnel, up to a 1000 mm x 1000 mm tunnel. Depending on the client’s requirements, the company can obtain other sized scanners, including container scanners.

PinnSec also offers a range of accessories, such as portable systems used to measure the radiation the machines emit. This same equipment is used by PinnSec’s services team during setup and maintenance tasks. It also has a range of testing equipment that can accurately determine that the scanners are operating to specification and detecting the various materials they are supposed to.

Oosthuizen explains that PinnSec is focused on making the whole process of advising and selling these scanning systems to customers as easy as possible for integrators and consultants. Partners retain the client interface, but the installation and servicing is handled by PinnSec, which has the certification and skills required.

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