DIT Legislation Flashcards
What does the Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999 cover?
All uses of radiation and radioactive materials incl. vet radiography
What document is “lengthy”?
The Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999
What was the title of the second shorter booklet which explains Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999?
Approved Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons Against Ionising Radiation Arising from any Work Activity
What are the 3 principles of radiation protection?
- Clinical justification
- Minimum exposure time, distance and shielding
- No dose limit should be exceeded
What does RPS stand for?
Radiation Protection Supervisor
Who appoints the RPS?
The practice
Who can be an RPS?
Practice principle, senior partner or head nurse
What responsibilities does the RPS have?
Ensure radiography is carried out safely and in accordance with the Regulations and that the Local Rules are obeyed
Does the RPS need to be present for every radiographic examination?
No
What does RPA stand for?
Radiation Protection Advisor
What qualifications should a RPA have?
Veterinary Surgeon with a Diploma in Veterinary Radiology and, as of 2005, a Certificate of competence from an appropriate issuing body
What is the RPA responsible for?
Advise on radiation protection
Demarcation of the controlled area
Draw up Local Rules and Written Systems of Work
What is the Controlled Area?
- 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
What does the Red Light signify?
To warn radiography is in progress and prevent accidental entry
Where should x-ray machine lights be visible from?
The control panel
What do the x-ray machine lights/buzzer signify?
That the x-ray machine is switched on
How often should an x-ray machine be serviced?
At least once per year
Is the servicing of x-ray machines a legal requirement
Yes
What PPE should be worn?
Apron, Gloves, Thyroid protector
What is the PPE made of?
Rubber impregnated with lead.
PPE protects against scatter radiation and the primary beam. TRUE or FALSE?
FALSE. The PPE only protects against the scatter radiation.
When should PPE be worn?
During the exposure if the person is present in the x-ray room at the time.
What part of the body is especially important to protect during x-rays?
Gonads
What is the minimum thickness of the lead inside the PPE?
0.25mm
What does LE stand for with relation to PPE?
LE = Lead Equivalent ie. the thickness of pure lead
What type of apron offers the best protection?
Double sided
What LE should lead gloves have?
0.35 LE
3 important facts about a dosimeter?
- 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
What are the 2 types of dosimeter?
Film badges and TLDs
What does TLD stand for?
Thermo-luminescent dosimeters
What does a Film Badge look like?
- 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
What does the TLD contain?
Radio-sensitive lithium fluoride crystals (orange)
What happens to a TLD on exposure to radiation?
Electrons in the crystals are rearranged, thus storing energy
How are TLDs read?
The crystals are heated and give off light in proportion to the amount of energy which they have stored this gives a quantitative reading
How often should a dosimeter be read/checked?
Every 1-3 months depending on radiographic case load
What are dose limits?
Amounts of radiation thought not to constitute a greater risk to health than that encountered in every day life.
In relation to restraint what does the Approved Code of Practice state?
“only in exceptional circumstances should a patient or animal undergoing a diagnostic examination be supported or manipulated by hand”
What 4 exceptional circumstances say a patient can be manually restrained?
- Severely ill or injured animals
- Congestive heart failure
- Ruptured diaphragm
- Any severe traumatic injury
Difference delete RPA and RPS?
The RPA advises the practice on radiation safety matters; the RPS is responsible for training and day-to-day safety
What are Alpha particles?
Charged particles (identical to the nuclei of helium), given off during the decay process of radioactive materials - forms a type of radiation
What is the penetrative power of Alpha particles?
Not very strong, stopped by thin materials such as paper
When do Alpha particles become hazardous?
If they enter the body via inhalation, cuts on the skin, etc.
Is Alpha radiation used in medicine
No
What are Beta particles?
Of a particle nature. They are electrons and positrons, which are emitted during radiation
What is the penetrative power of Beta particles?
Thin layers of water, glass or metal may stop them
When do Beta particles become hazardous?
Dangerous if allowed to enter the body
What is Gamma radiation?
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.
What may be done to identify any cracks on protective clothing?
X-raying of equipment to identify cracks
Define NRPB
National Radiological Protection Board
What does ACOP stand for?
Approved Codes of Practice
What does the HASAWA 1974 allow the government to issue to employers?
Regulations, guidance and approved codes of practice
What year was the HASAWA brought in?
1974
What did the HASAWA set out?
Detailed responsibilities for employers with all respects of workplace health and safety from computers to stress to hazardous chemicals
What is the HSE?
The health and safety executive
What was set up by the BVA in 2002 and what does it cover?
Guidance notes for the safe use of Ionising Radiations in Veterinary Practice.
Covers equipment, personnel and procedures and aims to minimise radiation doses
