Ten Commandments of Radation Protection

Question 1

1st commandment

Answer 1

Understand and apply the cardinal principles of radiation control: time, distance, and shielding.

Question 2

2nd commandment

Answer 2

Do not allow familiarity to result in false security.

Question 3

3rd commandment

Answer 3

Never stand in the primary beam.

Question 4

4th commandment

Answer 4

Always wear protective apparel when not behind a protective barrier.

Question 5

5th commandment

Answer 5

Always wear a radiation monitor and position it outside the protective apron at the collar.

Question 6

6th commandment

Answer 6

Never hold a patient during radiographic examination. Use mechanical restraining devices when possible. Otherwise, have parents or friends hold the patient.

Question 7

7th commandment

Answer 7

The person holding the patient must always wear a protective apron and, if possible, protective gloves.

Question 8

8th commandment

Answer 8

Use gonadal shields on all people of childbearing age when such use will not interfere with the examination.

Question 9

9th commandment

Answer 9

Examination of the pelvis and lower abdomen of a pregnant patient should be avoided whenever possible, especially during the first trimester.

Question 10

10th commandment

Answer 10

Always collimate to the smallest field size appropriate for the examination.