DIT Legislation Flashcards

1
Q

What does the Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999 cover?

A

All uses of radiation and radioactive materials incl. vet radiography

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2
Q

What document is “lengthy”?

A

The Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999

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3
Q

What was the title of the second shorter booklet which explains Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999?

A

Approved Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons Against Ionising Radiation Arising from any Work Activity

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4
Q

What are the 3 principles of radiation protection?

A
  1. Clinical justification
  2. Minimum exposure time, distance and shielding
  3. No dose limit should be exceeded
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5
Q

What does RPS stand for?

A

Radiation Protection Supervisor

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6
Q

Who appoints the RPS?

A

The practice

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7
Q

Who can be an RPS?

A

Practice principle, senior partner or head nurse

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8
Q

What responsibilities does the RPS have?

A

Ensure radiography is carried out safely and in accordance with the Regulations and that the Local Rules are obeyed

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9
Q

Does the RPS need to be present for every radiographic examination?

A

No

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10
Q

What does RPA stand for?

A

Radiation Protection Advisor

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11
Q

What qualifications should a RPA have?

A

Veterinary Surgeon with a Diploma in Veterinary Radiology and, as of 2005, a Certificate of competence from an appropriate issuing body

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12
Q

What is the RPA responsible for?

A

Advise on radiation protection
Demarcation of the controlled area
Draw up Local Rules and Written Systems of Work

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13
Q

What is the Controlled Area?

A
  • Specific room, thick walls, reinforced if necessary
  • Allow for standing at least 2m from primary beam
  • Defined by RPA
  • Preferably whole area demarcated
  • When X-Ray machine must be disconnected from the power supply the room ceases to be a controlled area and may be entered
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14
Q

What does the Red Light signify?

A

To warn radiography is in progress and prevent accidental entry

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15
Q

Where should x-ray machine lights be visible from?

A

The control panel

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16
Q

What do the x-ray machine lights/buzzer signify?

A

That the x-ray machine is switched on

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17
Q

How often should an x-ray machine be serviced?

A

At least once per year

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18
Q

Is the servicing of x-ray machines a legal requirement

A

Yes

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19
Q

What PPE should be worn?

A

Apron, Gloves, Thyroid protector

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20
Q

What is the PPE made of?

A

Rubber impregnated with lead.

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21
Q

PPE protects against scatter radiation and the primary beam. TRUE or FALSE?

A

FALSE. The PPE only protects against the scatter radiation.

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22
Q

When should PPE be worn?

A

During the exposure if the person is present in the x-ray room at the time.

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23
Q

What part of the body is especially important to protect during x-rays?

A

Gonads

24
Q

What is the minimum thickness of the lead inside the PPE?

A

0.25mm

25
Q

What does LE stand for with relation to PPE?

A

LE = Lead Equivalent ie. the thickness of pure lead

26
Q

What type of apron offers the best protection?

A

Double sided

27
Q

What LE should lead gloves have?

A

0.35 LE

28
Q

3 important facts about a dosimeter?

A
  • Worn on trunk beneath the lead apron
  • Worn only by the person to whom it is issued to
  • Must not be washed or tumble dryed or left in x-ray room nor exposed to heat or sunlight
29
Q

What are the 2 types of dosimeter?

A

Film badges and TLDs

30
Q

What does TLD stand for?

A

Thermo-luminescent dosimeters

31
Q

What does a Film Badge look like?

A
  • Small pieces of film usually blue

- Contain small metal filters which allow the assessment of the type of radiation to which the badge has been exposed

32
Q

What does the TLD contain?

A

Radio-sensitive lithium fluoride crystals (orange)

33
Q

What happens to a TLD on exposure to radiation?

A

Electrons in the crystals are rearranged, thus storing energy

34
Q

How are TLDs read?

A

The crystals are heated and give off light in proportion to the amount of energy which they have stored this gives a quantitative reading

35
Q

How often should a dosimeter be read/checked?

A

Every 1-3 months depending on radiographic case load

36
Q

What are dose limits?

A

Amounts of radiation thought not to constitute a greater risk to health than that encountered in every day life.

37
Q

In relation to restraint what does the Approved Code of Practice state?

A

“only in exceptional circumstances should a patient or animal undergoing a diagnostic examination be supported or manipulated by hand”

38
Q

What 4 exceptional circumstances say a patient can be manually restrained?

A
  • Severely ill or injured animals
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Ruptured diaphragm
  • Any severe traumatic injury
39
Q

Difference delete RPA and RPS?

A

The RPA advises the practice on radiation safety matters; the RPS is responsible for training and day-to-day safety

40
Q

What are Alpha particles?

A

Charged particles (identical to the nuclei of helium), given off during the decay process of radioactive materials - forms a type of radiation

41
Q

What is the penetrative power of Alpha particles?

A

Not very strong, stopped by thin materials such as paper

42
Q

When do Alpha particles become hazardous?

A

If they enter the body via inhalation, cuts on the skin, etc.

43
Q

Is Alpha radiation used in medicine

A

No

44
Q

What are Beta particles?

A

Of a particle nature. They are electrons and positrons, which are emitted during radiation

45
Q

What is the penetrative power of Beta particles?

A

Thin layers of water, glass or metal may stop them

46
Q

When do Beta particles become hazardous?

A

Dangerous if allowed to enter the body

47
Q

What is Gamma radiation?

A

Type of radiation emitted during the decay process of radiation. They have greater penetrative powers than alpha and beta particles but are absorbed by thickness of lead or concrete. Gamma rays are similar to the electrically produced x-rays.

48
Q

What may be done to identify any cracks on protective clothing?

A

X-raying of equipment to identify cracks

49
Q

Define NRPB

A

National Radiological Protection Board

50
Q

What does ACOP stand for?

A

Approved Codes of Practice

51
Q

What does the HASAWA 1974 allow the government to issue to employers?

A

Regulations, guidance and approved codes of practice

52
Q

What year was the HASAWA brought in?

A

1974

53
Q

What did the HASAWA set out?

A

Detailed responsibilities for employers with all respects of workplace health and safety from computers to stress to hazardous chemicals

54
Q

What is the HSE?

A

The health and safety executive

55
Q

What was set up by the BVA in 2002 and what does it cover?

A

Guidance notes for the safe use of Ionising Radiations in Veterinary Practice.
Covers equipment, personnel and procedures and aims to minimise radiation doses