Legal requirements for Radiography Flashcards
What is the name of the regulations governing the use of ionising radiation?
Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (IRR99)
What is the comprehensive guidance on IRR99 what covers the use of ionising radiation in the workplace?
Working with ionising radiation
What is the name of the veterinary specific guidance published by the BVA on the use of ionising radiation?
Guidance notes for the safe use of ionising radiations - IRR 1999
When did the BVA first publish the guidance notes for the safe use of ionising radiations?
2002
When was the updated version of the BVAs guidance notes of the safe use of ionising radiations published?
2015
What does NRPB stand for?
National Radiological Protection Board
What did the NRPB become in 2005?
the radiation protection division of the health protection agency
What does RPA stand for?
Radiation protection advisor
What is a radiation protection advisor?
A suitably trained individual employed by the HPA to advise individual practices on their use of ionising radiation
What does RPS stand for?
Radiation protection supervisor
What is a radiation protection supervisor?
An MRCVS/RVN in an individual practice appointed by the RPA to ensure the rules and regulations set out by the RPA are being followed by everyone in that practice
What does the RPA do?
Sets ou the intervals of inspections
takes measurements from and surrounding the X-ray machine to ensure it is working safely
Writes and reviews the local rules and carries out a risk assessment at each visit
May train the RPS or recommend appropriate CPD for them
Who can take part in radiography?
RPA
RPS
any staff named on the local rules
How can radiation exposure risks be reduced?
Staff rotation personal monitoring devices authorised personnel only PPE stand at least 2m from the primary beam, ideally behind a protective screen
How far away should personnel be from the primary x-ray beam?
at least 2m
Where must radiation monitoring devices be worn?
on the trunk under PPE
Where must radiation monitoring devices be stored?
Out of the Xray room away from heat or direct sunlight
What colour are TLDs usually?
Orange - but can be any colour
What does TLD stand for?
thermoluminescent dosemeter
What does a TLD contain?
Lithium Flouride
How often are TLD dosemeters sent off for calculation?
1-3 months
What does a film dosemeter contain?
pieces of X-ray film
How often is the film dosemeter sent off to be calculated?
1-3 months
Where are dosemeters usually sent to to be calculated?
HPA or similar
What is the unit of measurement used to assess an individuals exposure to ionising radiation?
millisievert mSv
What is the maximum authorised dose of radiation for personnel 18 years and over?
20 mSv
What is the maximum authorised dose of radiation for personnel aged under 18?
6 mSv
What is the maximum authorised dose of radiation for pregnant and breastfeeding women?
1 mSv
Where will the individual practices investigation doses be stated?
in the local rules
How thick must lead gloves and sleeves be?
at least 0.35mm LE
What does LE stand for?
Lead equivalent
How thick must a lead apron be?
at least 0.25mm LE
How often should lead PPE be inspected for cracks?
at least every 6 months
