Health & Safety for Radiography

Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS): This is someone who is appointed in practice. Usually this is the practice owner or a senior member of the team such as a head nurse. They are required to ensure all the health and safety protocols are followed and in accordance with the regulations as well as ensuring all local rules are followed. An RPS does not need to be present when radiography is performed.

Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA): Most practices need to appoint and external advisor. These people have the knowledge, experience and competence to act as an RPA. They are usually veterinary surgeons who hold a diploma in veterinary radiology and undertaken appropriate further training to be eligible. They will give advice on radiation protection, demarcation of controlled areas and advise on drawing up local rules and instructions for safe working.

Protective clothing:

• Led apron, gloves and thyroid protectors - these need to be led lined and the minimum thickness of the need to be: 0.25mm for aprons, gloves need to be 0.35mm and thyroid protectors also need to be 0.35mm.
• Dosimetry - these are to be worn on the trunk and measures the amount of radiation you have been exposed to whilst x-raying. These can be worn for either 1, 2 or 3 months depending on the provider. They can also be used to monitor the radiation levels in the room (including adjacent rooms).

Limits of radiation dosage - in any calendar year:

Employees/trainees 18 years or older - 20mSv

Trainees under 18 years old - 6mSv

Members of the public - 1mSv

It is strongly advised that no members of the team are handling patients whilst an x-ray is being taken. As we tend to perform x-rays on patients who are either sedated or under general anaesthesia, there is no valid reason for any person to be restraining - use your aids, protect yourselves!

Controlled area:

Walls should be of a sufficient thickness (single bricked walls are inadequate). It should be large enough to allow people who are remaining in the room to be able to stand at least 2m away from the primary beam. If this is not possible, then a lead lined screen should be provided unless the radiographer can step outside of the room and stand behind a led lined door.

There should be warning lights and symbols above every entrance into the room and the lights must be turned on when radiography is in process. A red light should be sufficient for this.