Radiation Safety and Protection

Question 1

Name and describe the basic principles described by the ICRP?

Answer 1

Justification - must produce positive result
Optimisation - ALARP
Limitation - Dose equivalent shall not exceed recommended dose

Question 2

What are the basic principles of ALARP?

Answer 2

Appropriate equipment
Appropriate technique
Positioning
Proper training
QA programme

Question 3

What are the basic principles of Limitation

Answer 3

Time,
Distance,
Shielding - Lead aprons

Question 4

Describe lead used in limitation of exposure

Answer 4

High density
Lead salts in glass and lead in rubber
Rubber apron = 0.25mm thick - protects from scatter only

Question 5

Describe the key principles of IRR

Answer 5

Focuses on safety of working conditions
Includes : Staff training
Dose limitation
QA programmes
Controlled areas
Pregnant staff = <1msv

Question 6

Name and describe 3 jobs under IRR

Answer 6

Radiation protection advisor - medical physicist who advises on compliance of regulations
Radiation protection supervisor - ensures safety measures within the department
Radiation safety committee - Oversee radiation safety issues, research and standards

Question 7

Describe local rules

Answer 7

A system of rules specific to an individual area
Purpose - Protects patients and staff

Question 8

Describe a controlled area

Answer 8

Area where a person is likely to receive an effective dose greater than 6mSv
People allowed in: radiation workers
patients

Question 9

Describe dose monitoring

Answer 9

Usually film or TLD,
Worn on trunk
Can show faults with equipment

Question 10

Describe IR(ME)R

Answer 10

Focuses on safety of patient
5 duty holders : employer, referrer, practitioner, operator, medical physics expert
Justification, optimisation, limitation

Question 11

Describe the role of the Employer under IR(ME)R

Answer 11

Responsible for implementation of IR(ME)R
QA of protocols
Notification of incidents

Question 12

Describe the role of the Referrer under IR(ME)R

Answer 12

Provide sufficient clinical information so the exam can be properly justified

Question 13

What is required by the Referrer in relation to justification?

Answer 13

3 forms of patient ID
Clinical history
LMP/breastfeeding status
Date/signature
Examination wanted

Question 14

Describe the role of the Practitioner under IR(ME)R

Answer 14

Justify and authorise all exposures
Can provide diagnosis or treatment plan

Question 15

Describe the role of the Operator under IR(ME)R

Answer 15

Carries out exam
Optimises dose
Ensures ID is correct, positioning, exposure

Question 16

Describe the role of the Medical Physics Experts under IR(ME)R

Answer 16

Oversees safe operation of equipment
Advises on optimisation of treatment plans
Ensure appropriate QA programme
Investigation of radiation incidents