RADIATION SAFETY Mrs. Brinston

Introduction As a healthcare worker, you know that radiation is an important tool for detecting and treating diseases. Yet radiation is very powerful and it’s natural to have fears about working around it. Fortunately, you can greatly minimize your risk by understanding radiation and carefully following safety precautions.

What are the Risks 1. What are the Risks a. In healthcare facilities, exposure to high levels of radiation on the job is highly unlikely. b. The chance of being affected by radiation increases each time you are exposed. c. Some types of radiation are more damaging than others d. Generally, the larger the body area exposed, the greater the risk of overall damage e. The head, trunk and eye lenses are more are more easily damaged by radiation than the skin and extremities f. Exposure during pregnancy can harm your unborn child (inform employer immediately when become pregnant)

Minimizing the Risks 1. Radiation is one of the most highly regulated occupational fields a. Federal standards strictly limit on-the –job radiation exposure. Total body exposure for radiation worker may not exceed 5 rem or 50 milli sieverts (mSV) per year. b. Exposure during pregnancy should be limited to 0.5 rem or 5msv or less per year c. Exposure for non-radiation worker may not exceed 0.1 rem or 1mSv Note: a. Total yearly exposures fall far under regulated limits. b. Any unnecessary exposure should be avoided c. Always keep exposure i. As low “As Reasonably Achievable” (ALARA) ii. To help keep ALAR: 1. Special training – updated regularly 2. Get to know your facility Radiation Safety Office (should be available or call at any time) 3. Have thorough medical examination (baseline) 4. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLD badges) record the amount and type of radiation exposure.

Radiation in Healthcare 1. 2 basic forms of radiation in healthcare: a. External Beam Therapy – either x-ray or gamma rays, from a source outside the pt’s body to help diagnose or treat disease or injuries: x-ray, CAT/CT scans, Angiography, Mammography, Fluoroscopy b. Hazards – i. You will be exposed to radiation if you get in the path of the beam ii. No radiation remains in the x-ray room when the machine is off. PT DO NOT become radioactive after x-ray tx iii. Stationary radiation producing machines are usually well shielded, so No radiation escapes from the x-ray room to surrounding areas. iv. Portable x-ray equipment, may pose a risk to anyone nearby or adjacent from (may pass through normal walls and other dividers.

Personal Exposure 1. If you work around external beam therapy. Follow this 3 part formula to keep your personal exposure ALARA: a. Time: Minimize exposure time. b. Distance : Maximize your distance from the radiation source c. Shielding: Utilize shielding t avoid direct exposure to radiation. (lead apron, gloves, goggles. Thyroid shield and lead glasses. d. Portable X-ray Machines: Warn nearby workers, allow only trained personnel in room, stay 6 feet away from pt. e. Monitoring: Always wear a radiation exposure device when working around X-Ray equipment.

Radioactive Materials 1. Are widely used in health care for Diagnosis and Treatment: a. Hazards i. May contaminate anything it contacts ii. Can be inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin and go into the body and give off radiation and cause great harm iii. Can’t be “shut off” may create hazard whenever it’s used, stored or discarded.  a. Safety Procedures i. Exposure Monitoring Devices ii. Disposable gloves iii. Lab Coat or other PPE iv. Don’t touch labeled area /s authorization and protection v. In animal research handle fluids and wastes as radioactive material vi. Accurate records vii. When leaving work area always Remove protective clothing and wash hands viii. Don’t eat or drink ix. Monitor hands and feet with survey meters after work  a. Diagnostic Procedures b. Therapeutic Procedures c. Monitoring

Radiation Safety Basics a. Communication: must be labeled with radiation hazard sign and other pertinent information b. Waste Disposal: is waste that contains or is contaminated with liquid or solid radioactive material. c. Accidents or Contamination: stay calm and follow safety procedures to minimize hazards. d. Spills: notify others in the area and limit access to the area. If can’t be contained easily, evacuate the area

Information is your key to safety When you are armed with information and a healthy respect for the power of radiation you can stay safe.