RADIATION PROTECTION

Margaret Evans

Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department

The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust

Types of Radiation Ionising Radiation

Medical Diagnosis X-Ray Nuclear Imaging – Unsealed Sources of Radioisotopes Nuclear Medicine – Unsealed Sources of Radioisotopes

Treatment Linear accelerators Sealed Sources of Radioisotopes Unsealed Sources of Radioisotopes

Lasers Ultrasound Ultraviolet / Infrared Magnetic Resonance Imaging Radiowaves and Microwaves

Radiation Areas in the Trust

Radiology Department Main department Accident and Emergency CT Scanner Nuclear Imaging Ultrasound

Deanesly Centre Radiotherapy Deanesly Ward Nuclear Medicine (Medical Physics Department)

Wards Mobile X-Ray Nuclear Medicine / Imaging Patients

Theatres Mobile X-Ray Lasers

Rheumatology

Bone Densitometry

(X-ray)

Chest Radiology X-ray

Dermatology Ultraviolet

Laser

Ionising Radiation

X-ray

Linear Accelerator Can be

switched off No

contamination Does not make

you radioactive

Sealed

No contamination

Does not make you radioactive

Exposure

Unsealed

Contamination

Exposure

Radioactive MaterialsMedical Device

SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION

Dangers of Ionising Radiation None of our senses can detect the radiation Effect on health

High Dose Death: High dose and doserate to large amount of body Erythema: High dose and doserate to skin Sterility: High dose and doserate to reproductive organs Organ Damage: High dose at any rate

Any Dose Cancer: Any dose, risk depends on dose, late effect Hereditary Any dose, risk depends on dose, late effect

Defects:

RADIATION SIGNSWhat to look out for!

Laser

Areas Controlled Areas

Radiation Areas are designated as controlled to ensure that exposures are adequately restricted.

Areas where there is a possibility of significant contamination are also controlled.

Access restricted. Warning signs must be used. Barriers normally in place but sometimes visual

control only.

Supervised Areas Areas where the likely exposure is much lower may

be designated as supervised.

Where to get advice Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA) Medical Physics Experts (MPE)

In this Trust RPA and MPEs can be contacted in the Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department

Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) To be found in each department where radiation is used

Nominated Doctor A Consultant Radiotherapist in the Deanesly Centre

Radiologists Radiotherapists

Radiation Safety Committee

This Committee considers all matters of safety pertaining to ionising radiation within the Trust.

EMPLOYER

RADIATION PROTECTION ADVISOR

HEAD OF DEPARTMENT

RADIATION SAFETY COMMITTEEE

RADIATION PROTECTION SUPERVISOR

PATIENTS EMPLOYEES

Principles of Radiation Protection

FOR STAFFDistance TimeShieldingApplication of individual dose limits

FOR PATIENTSJustification (and Authorisation)Optimisation

Local RulesRequired for Controlled areas

Recommended for Supervised areas THEY SPECIFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE REGULATIONS

IN YOUR PARTICULAR AREA

YOU HAVE TO READ THEM

HAVE TO UNDERSTAND THEM

HAVE TO SIGN THAT YOU HAVE READ & UNDERSTOOD THEM

MUST COMPLY WITH THEM