Occupational Exposure Protection of the WorkerOccupational Exposure Protection of the Worker Lab # 6

2 Protection of the worker

The use of radiations and radiolabeled products for any purpose is governed by regulatory agencies in different countries all over the world. The use of radiopharmaceuticals in humans was almost unregulated until the late 1950s. Until 1963, all reactor-derived radiopharmaceuticals were under the control of the Atomic Energy Commission –(AEC, now the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, (NRC)) only for their radiation hazards. The therapeutic or diagnostic efficacy and the pharmaceutical quality of radiopharmaceuticals were not regulated by the AEC or by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) until the early 1960s. In 1963 the FDA introduced rules stating that the clinical efficacy of all radiopharmaceuticals.

Radiation Protection Because radiation can cause damage in living systems, international and national organizations have been established to set guidelines for the safe handling of radioactive materials. The International Committee on Radio logical Protection (ICRP) The National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement (NCRP) They set guidelines for all radiation workers to follow in handling radiations

Occupational Exposure Protection of the Worker

6 Licensees shall ensure for all workers that: Occupational exposure be limited and optimized Suitable and adequate facilities, equipment and services for protection be provided Appropriate protective devices and monitoring equipment be provided and properly used Appropriate training be provided as well as periodic retraining and updating RESPONSIBILITIES

7 “Workers shall: Follow any applicable rules for protection Use properly the monitoring devices and the protective equipment and clothing provided RESPONSIBILITIES

9 Caution Signs and Labels The NRC requires that specific signs, symbols, and labels be used to warn people of possible danger from the presence of radiations These signs use purple, and black colors on a yellow background Some typical signs are shown in the figures

Caution: Radiation Area: This sign must be posted in radiation areas. Caution: High Radiation Area or Danger: High Radiation Area: This sign must be posted in high radiation areas. Caution: Radioactive Material or Danger: Radioactive Material: This sign is posted in areas or rooms in which 10 times the quantity or more of any licensed material specified in Appendix C of 10CFR20 are used or stored. All containers with quantities of licensed materials exceeding those specified in Appendix C of 10CFR20 should be labeled with this sign.

Sources of exposureSources of exposure Occupational Exposure Protection of the Worker

12 EXPOSURES IN NUCLEAR MEDICINE Internal Ingested and/or inhaled radionuclides External Vials, syringes, patients.

13 Unpacking radioactive material Activity measurements Storage of sources Internal transports of sources Preparation of radiopharmaceuticals Administration Examination of the patient Care of the radioactive patient Handling of radioactive waste Accidents Exposure of the worker External Exposure

14 spills improper administration experimental work with animals emergency surgery of a therapy patient Contamination of the worker

15 0 0,5 1 1,5 2 2,5 DispensingInjectionExamination Dose (uSv) Dose to worker Measurements of this kind can show different results in different hospitals

Personal protective equipment. Safe handling of sources.Personal protective equipment. Safe handling of sources. Occupational Exposure Protection of the Worker

Principles of Radiation Protection Of the various types of radiation the alpha particle is most damaging due to its great charge and mass followed by the b particle and the g rays

18 Radiation Protection Measures Depend on: Time Distance Shielding Type of radionuclide and its chemical properties

20 Time Dose is proportional to the time exposed it is wise to spend no more time than necessary near radiation sources

21 Consequence Reduce time in contact with radiation sources as much as compatible with the taskReduce time in contact with radiation sources as much as compatible with the task Training of a particular task using non- radioactive dummy sources helpsTraining of a particular task using non- radioactive dummy sources helps

22 Distance It is recommended that an individual remains as far away as possible from the radiation source. Procedures and radiation areas should be designed such that only minimum exposure takes place to individuals doing the procedures or staying in or near the radiation areas.

23 Patient with iodine MBq I m

24 Consequence Distance is very efficient for radiation protection as the dose falls off in squareDistance is very efficient for radiation protection as the dose falls off in square Examples:Examples: –long tweezers for handling of sources –big rooms for imaging equipment

25Shielding Various high atomic number (Z) materials that absorb radiations can be used to provide radiation protection The ranges of alpha and b particles are short in matter the containers themselves act as shields for these radiations –Alpha can be stopped by a piece of paper –Beta low molecular weight element Al or glass can stop its effect. (Whay don’t we use lead for shielding of beta radiation?) Gama radiations are highly penetrating absorbing material must be used for shielding of g-emitting sources –Lead is most commonly used for this purpose.

26 Shielding incident radiation transmitted radiation Barrier thickness

27 Shielding Bench top shield Vial shields Syringe shields

28 SHIELDING OF SOURCES Factors affecting the design: radionuclide activity shielding material

Devices to measure personnel radiation exposure. The film badge is most popular and cost-effective for personnel monitoring and gives reasonably accurate readings of exposures from b, g, and x radiations. A: Pocket dosimeter. B: Film badge holder. C: Film badge. D: Thermoluminescent chip in finger badge

Dos and Don’ts in Radiation Protection Practice Do post radiation signs in radiation areas. Do wear laboratory coats and gloves when working with radioactive materials. Do work in a ventilated fumehood when working with radioactive gases. Do cover the trays and workbench with absorbent paper. Do store and transport radioactive material in lead containers. Do wear a film badge while working in the radiation laboratory. Do identify all radionuclides and dates of assay on the containers.

Do survey work areas for any contamination as frequently as possible. Do clean up spills promptly, and survey the area after cleaning. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the radiation laboratory. Do not pipette any radioactive material by mouth. Do monitor hands and feet after the day’s work. Do notify the RSO in case of any major spill or other emergencies related to radiation. Dos and Don’ts in Radiation Protection Practice

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