Transcript Document
RADIATION PROTECTION Margaret Evans Medical Physics and Clinical Engineering Department The Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust Types of Radiation Ionising Radiation Medical Diagnosis Treatment X-Ray Nuclear Imaging – Unsealed Sources of Radioisotopes Nuclear Medicine – Unsealed Sources of Radioisotopes 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 Deanesly Centre Radiotherapy Deanesly Ward Nuclear Medicine (Medical Physics Department) Wards Main department Accident and Emergency CT Scanner Nuclear Imaging Ultrasound 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 Medical Device X-ray Linear Accelerator Can be switched off No contamination Does not make you radioactive Radioactive Materials Unsealed Sealed Contamination No Exposure contamination Does not make you radioactive Exposure SOURCES OF IONISING RADIATION Dangers of Ionising Radiation None of our senses can detect the radiation Effect on health High 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 Dose Cancer: Hereditary Defects: Any dose, risk depends on dose, late effect Any dose, risk depends on dose, late effect 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) Radiation Protection Supervisors (RPS) In this Trust RPA and MPEs can be contacted in the Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering Department 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 HEAD OF DEPARTMENT RADIATION PROTECTION ADVISOR RADIATION PROTECTION SUPERVISOR PATIENTS EMPLOYEES RADIATION SAFETY COMMITTEEE 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