Transcript Operator_Protection_J_PP
Operator Protection
Chapter 5
Operator Protection
The Guidelines for the dental radiographer are based on the following rule:
The dental radiographer must avoid the primary beam.
Operator protection guidelines include recommendations on Distance Shielding Positioning
Distance Recommendations
The operator must stand at least 6 feet away from the x-ray tubehead during exposure.
When maintaining this distance is not possible, a protective barrier must to used
Shielding Recommendations
Protective Barriers absorb the primary beam thus protecting the operator from primary and scatter radiation.
Whenever possible, the dental radiographer should stand behind a protective barrier during x-ray exposure.
Protective Barriers
Most dental offices achieve adequate shielding through the use of several layers of thickness of common materials such as drywall.
Positioning Recommendations
To avoid the primary beam, the operator should stand PERPENDICULAR (90 degree angle) to the primary beam OR… At a 90 – 135 degree angle to the primary beam.
See p. 52, Figure 5-13 of your texts.
In the absence of a barrier…
The operator should stand a minimum of 6 feet from the patient at an angle of 90-135 degrees from the patient.
Final Operator Protection
Never hold the film in place for a patient.
Never hold the tubehead during exposure.
Radiation Monitoring
For the Operator And the Equipment Leakage Radiation is any radiation other than the primary beam which comes from the dental tubehead.
Radiation Monitoring
Dosimeter/ Film Badge – Is used to record any radiation which may be received by the operator.
Each operator has his/her own badge; worn during the workday when in the clinical area Worn at waist level Stored in radiation-safe area when not in use.
Dosimeter/Film Badge
After specified interval of wear, badge is returned to the service company.
It is processed and evaluated for exposure. Written report is provided to the dental office for each radiographer
Dosimeters
Radiation Exposure Guidelines
Radiation Safety Legislation State and federal level Protects patient, operator, and general public from radiation hazards 1968: standardize performance of x-ray equipment 1981: education and certification of persons using radiographic equipment DANB Radiation Health and Safety Exam required in CT before DA can expose radiographs legally
Maximum Permissible Dose MPD Defined as the maximum dose equivalent that a body is permitted to receive in a specific period of time; It is based on the dose of radiation that the body can endure with little or no injury The regulations for MPD are established by the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurement
MPD Guidlines
Occupationally exposed persons: 5.0 rems/year 0.05 Sv/year Non-occupationally exposed persons: 0.1 rem/year 0.001 Sv/year Occupationally exposed pregnant woman: 0.1 rem/year 0.001 Sv/yr
Operator Exposure
While we are allowed a maximum of 5 rems per year as personnel working with ionizing radiation, our goal is ZERO EXPOSURE!
Maximum Accumulated Dose MAD
Accumulated
lifetime radiation dose Occupationally exposed workers Formula based on worker’s age: MAD = N – 18 X 5 rems/year N refers to person’s age in years 18 refers to minimum age required for person who works with radiation
ALARA concept
All exposure to radiation must be kept to a minimum:
“As Low As Reasonably Achievable”
Use every possible method of reducing exposure to radiation to minimize risk This includes the use of minimum exposure time in combination with the fastest film available.
Patient Education
Radiographer must be prepared to answer patient’s questions regarding radiation and protection Conversation about radiation protection can take place as the radiographer prepares the equipment and patient for exposure to x radiation See page 53 for examples of questions or appropriate statements
Radiation Treatment for Oral Cancer
Radiation Therapy for the treatment of Oral Cancer can be an effective component of treatment, but can also have side effects.
These include: Cervical decay Difficulty swallowing