Legislation Flashcards
Ionising Regulations
Ionising Radiations Regulations (revised) 1999
What does Ionising Radiations Regulations(revised) 1999 cover?
All use of radiation and radioactive materials including radiography
A second booklet was published
which explains the regulations in a
shorter format this was named
“Approved Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiation arising from any work activity”
Lengthy document
Name of the second booklet was published which explains the regulations in a shorter format.
“Approved Code of Practice for the Protection of Persons against Ionising Radiation arising from any work activity”
Principles of Radiation protection
- Clinical justification
- Minimum exposure time, distance and shielding
- No dose limit should be exceeded
RPS
Radiation Protection Supervisor
Radiation Protection Supervisor Role
Appointed by practice
Principle or senior partner possibly Head Nurse
Responsibility : Radiography is carried out safely and in accordance with the Regulations and that the Local Rules are obeyed
Person need not be present for every radiographic examination
RPA
Radiation Protection Advisor
Radiation Protection Advisor Role
Diploma in Veterinary Radiology (knowledge of radiation physics, and medical physicists with an interest in veterinary radiography)
JAN 2005 They must hold a Certificate of competence from an appropriate issuing body.
RPA : Advise on radiation protection, demarcation of the controlled area and will draw up the Local Rules and Written Systems of Work.
The Controlled Area
Specific room, thick walls, reinforced if necessary
Allow for standing at least 2m from primary beam
Controlled area will be defined by the RPA
Area demarcated, labels warning notices whole area if possible
When X-Ray machine is disconnected from the power supply the room ceases to be a controlled area and may be entered
Special recommendations are made for flooring in cases where there may be occupied area below the radiography room.
Red light meaning
to warn radiography is in progress and prevent accidental entry
In addition all x-ray machines should have lights visible from the control panel indicating a) when machine is switched on b)or instead a noise such as a beep or buzz
Frequency of xray servicing
Should be carried out at least once a year
PPE for xrays
Aprons, gloves etc made of rubber impregnated with lead
Protective Clothing only protects against scatter radiation not the primary beam
Lead Aprons
Worn by person present in the X-Ray room during the exposure
Cover the trunk esp gonads and reach to mid thigh
Minimum thickness of 0.25mm LE
Double sided aprons offer best protection
Routine examination of clothing recommended
LE
Lead Equivalent
Lead Gloves
Lead gloves open palm mitts and hand shields must be available for manual restraint
0.35mm LE
Never appear in the Primary Beam.
Dosemeters
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
Dosemeter types
Film badges
Thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs)
Film Badges
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
Thermoluminescent dosemeters (TLDs)
Contain radiosensitive lithium fluoride crystals and are usually orange
On exposure to radiation the electrons in the crystals are rearranged, thus storing energy
During the reading process the crystals are heated and give off light in proportion to the amount of energy which they have stored this gives a quantitative reading.