Regulations and legal responsibilities Flashcards
examples of effects of ionising radiation (4)
genetic effects (can affect later generations)
cataracts
radiation burns
tumours (esp thyroid)
2 biggest sources of radiation
radon
CT
Why are dental radiographs worrying
low dose but high volume
millions of dental radiographs every year, many of these not helpful for diagnosis
what is the background radiatio dose in UK
2.5 mSv
name of most recent radiation regulation
IRMER2000 (Ionising Radiation (medical exposure) Regulations
name of legislation to keep
a) general public and staff safe
b) keep patient dose as low as poss
a) IRR99
b) IRMER2000
5 elements of a risk assessment
- identify hazards (dose)
- decide who might be harmed and how they might be affected
- likelihood of risk
- record
- periodic review
what does RPA stand for and what do they do 6
Radiation Protection Adviser every dental practice must have one -sets requirements for controlled areas/local rules -prior examination of plans for new equipment, rooms -periodic safety testing -calibration of dose measuring equip -RA/contingency plan -investigation after radiation incident
what does RPS stand for, what do they do
Radiation Protection Supervisor (usually dentist)
every dental practice must have one.
RPS ensures local rules are followed (how to work safely in controlled area) must be trained and have authority
what is contained in local rules WARC
- how to work safely in controlled area
- RPA and RPS name and contact no.
- identification of controlled area
- summary of working instructions
- contingency for accidents/ emergencies
radiation limits in controlled area
annual dose >6mSv or 3/10 of dose limit
who should be allowed in controlled area
pt ONLY
who does dose limits apply to
staff, trainees, anyone OTHER THAN PATIENT
what is a ‘classified person’
someone exposed to more than 6mSv/ year or more than 3/10 of dose limit
eg nuclear power statio worker (never dentists)
what is a dose constraint
not limits but recommended levels that should not be exceeded in normal practice
– 1mSv Operators directly involved with
radiography
– 0.3mSv For employees not directly involved &
“comforters and carers”