Radiation Safety Legislation & Practice

The practice of using radiation in a controlled way, for example in medical imaging or therapy.

The actions taken in emergency situations when there is a risk of exposure to ionizing radiation, such as during a nuclear accident.

The principle that the use of ionizing radiation should only occur when it is truly necessary and the benefits outweigh the risks.

The principle that the amount of radiation exposure should be kept as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) for all individuals.

The principle that the radiation exposure of individuals should be limited to a level that is considered safe.

The principle of keeping radiation exposure as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) or as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA) while achieving the intended objective.

Setting established limits on acceptable levels of radiation exposure, often enforced by law.

The Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017, a legal framework in the UK governing radiation protection in occupational settings.

People who work with ionising radiations, including healthcare professionals and technicians.

A professional responsible for advising on radiation safety within a workplace.

The public's protection from radiation in a hospital environment.

Methods used to protect the public outside of treatment areas, like waiting rooms, from radiation exposure.

Calculating the required thickness of shielding for a radiation source, considering factors like distance, time of exposure, and radiation type.

Employers must take all reasonable steps to minimize radiation exposure to staff. This involves techniques such as adequate shielding, staff positioning, and monitoring exposure levels.

Areas where personnel may exceed 6mSv/yr of radiation exposure. These areas are clearly marked to warn of potential hazards.

Materials or structures used to block radiation, reducing exposure to personnel. Examples include lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead-lined walls.

Individuals who work in areas where radiation exposure is likely to exceed 6mSv/yr. They require special monitoring and training.

A strategy to limit radiation exposure by setting maximum permissible doses for different groups of people. These limits vary based on occupation and exposure level.

Any person working in a controlled area, where the potential radiation dose exceeds 6mSv/yr, must be classified as a classified worker.

The average annual radiation exposure for medical workers in the UK is relatively low, at 0.14 mSv/y.

A type of radiation that occurs in the medical field involving using radioactive materials or equipment that emit radiation.

The three fundamental principles of radiation safety dictate how to minimize radiation exposure and protect individuals from its harmful effects. These principles include justification, optimization, and dose limitation.

Legislation governing radiation safety ensures proper radiation protection practices are implemented and followed. It establishes regulations for radiation dose limits and safety standards.

Radiation protection practices are the standard procedures and protocols designed to minimize radiation exposure during work or activities involving radiation sources.

Radiation dose limits are legally defined maximum exposures permitted for individuals working with or exposed to radiation. Different limits exist depending on the nature of the work and type of radiation.

Justification is a principle requiring a demonstrable benefit from using radiation to outweigh the risks associated with exposure. It ensures that radiation use is justified based on a positive outcome.

Optimization, also known as ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable), involves always minimizing radiation exposure to the lowest practical level without compromising the purpose of the activity.

Dose limitation ensures that radiation exposure remains within safe levels by setting limits for individual workers and the general public. These limits aim to prevent harmful health effects.

Three primary methods of personal radiation safety involve using shielding materials to block radiation, maximizing distance from the source, and limiting the time spent near radiation. These methods collectively reduce exposure.

Awareness of local rules, content, and application in radiation safety ensures adherence to specific local regulations and procedures that may differ from general guidelines.

Radiation safety training programs aim to educate individuals on fundamental principles, legislation, and practical applications of radiation protection to ensure safe practices and informed decision-making.

Determines the total amount of radiation dose received and is directly proportional to the amount of time spent in the radiation field.

The inverse square law describes the relationship between radiation intensity and distance from the source. Intensity decreases as the square of the distance increases.

The principle of keeping radiation doses as low as reasonably achievable. This involves optimizing techniques and using appropriate shielding to minimize unnecessary exposure.

Dense materials with high atomic numbers are preferred for shielding because they effectively absorb radiation. Lead is the most common material used in radiation shielding.

The Ionising Radiations Regulations (IRR17) put most responsibility on the employer to ensure radiation safety in the workplace.

The Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) is a qualified expert who advises the employer on how to comply with the IRR17. They work to ensure that the employer's practices are compliant with radiation safety regulations.

The Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) is appointed by the employer to ensure compliance with the Local Rules. They are responsible for enforcing radiation safety practices on a daily basis.

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IRMER17) establish responsibilities for ensuring radiation safety in medical settings. This includes employers, referrers, operators, and practitioners.

The legal limit for annual radiation exposure for any member of the public, including a foetus. It applies regardless of the person's occupation or radiation exposure levels.

A pregnant staff member or student must inform their employer in writing as soon as possible about their pregnancy.

A badge worn between the waist and chest, used to measure whole body exposure to radiation. It's mandatory for all staff working with radiation.

A small dosemeter worn on protective glasses, used to measure radiation exposure to the eyes. It's for staff in high radiation environments.

A ring-shaped dosemeter worn at the base of the finger, specifically used to measure radiation exposure to the fingers. This is vital for staff regularly handling radiation sources with their hands.

A passive device that stores radiation signals and needs to be sent away for readout. It's replaced every month or two and has a threshold of approximately 0.1 mSv.

An electronic dosemeter, such as the Mirion Instadose, which can be read out by the user at any time, providing 'real-time' monitoring of doses. It has a much lower threshold of approximately 0.001 mSv.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is crucial for working with radiation. It includes various lead-lined items, such as aprons, gloves, and thyroid shields, to minimize exposure. The type and amount of PPE are determined by the risk assessment associated with the specific radiation source.