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 SIGNS What 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 PATIENTSEMPLOYEES

Principles of Radiation Protection FOR STAFF  Distance  Time  Shielding  Application of individual dose limits FOR PATIENTS  Justification (and Authorisation)  Optimisation

Local Rules Required 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