Basic Radiation Protection PDF

BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION Involves practices and principles design to protect individuals from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION Time- reducing the time spent near a radiation source decreases exposure. Distance- inc...

BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION Involves practices and principles design to protect individuals from unnecessary exposure to ionizing radiation. BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION Time- reducing the time spent near a radiation source decreases exposure. Distance- increasing the distance from a radiation source reduces exposure, as the intensity of radiation decreases with distance. shielding- using barriers made of lead, concrete, or other materials can block or reduce radiation thereby protecting individuals. Justification- any decision that involves exposing people to radiation should result in a net benefit. This means that the benefits of radiation exposure should outweight the risks. BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION Dose Limitations- there are established dose limits for radiation workers and the general public to minimize the risk of harmful effects. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)- use PPE such as lead aprons, thyroid shields, lead glasses, and gloves to protect the body parts most sensitive to radiation. Radiation Monitoring- regularly monitor radiation levels and use devices like dosimeters to measure and record the radiation dose received by personnel. BASIC RADIATION PROTECTION Optimization (ALARA principle)- radiation exposure should be kept “as low as reasonably achievable”, considering economic and societal factors. This involves using the minimum amount of radiation necessary to achieve the desired outcome, optimizing equipment settings, and employing protective measures. CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION three cardinal principles of radiation protection developed for nuclear activities time, distance, and shielding. Find equally useful application in diagnostic imaging. CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION Time- try to work as fast as possible while x-rays are on. In the case of physicians using fluoroscopy, short, quick exposures will result in drastic measures in exposure to everyone in the room including the patient. Distance- distance offers great protection for any kind of radiation. All radiation falls off generally as the inverse square of the distance. If you move as twice as far away, the radiation exposure will drop by a factor of 4. Shielding- always stand behind a protective barrier (control booth) or wear a lead apron when performing x-rays. Lead aprons attenuate 95% of scattered radiation. THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF RADIATION PROTECTION 1. Understand and apply the cardinal principles of radiation control: time, distance, and shielding. 2. Do not allow familiarity to result in false security. 3. Never stand in the primary beam. 4. Always wear a radiation monitor and position it outside the protective apron at the collar. 5. Always wear protective apparel when not behind a protective barrier. THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF RADIATION PROTECTION 6. Never hold a patient during radiographic examination. Use mechanical restraining devices when possible. 7. The person holding the patient must always wear a protective apron and if possible, protective gloves. 8. Use gonadal shields on all people of childbearing age when such use will not interfere with the examination. 9. Examination of the pelvis and lower abdomen of a pregnant patient should be avoided whenever possible, especially during the first trimester. 10. Always collimate to the smallest field size appropriate for the examination. Thank you very much!