Radiation Safety and Equipment Essentials - Ancillary Staff

Radiation Safety & Equipment Essentials - for Ancillary Staff By the end of this course you should be able to: ● Recognize key symbols for radiation safety ● Explain the basic principles of radiation safety ● How to protect oneself from overexposure ● List potential health issues associated with exposure ● What to do to prevent or limit ones exposure to radiation sources ● Recall basic system components of the Artis system ● Identify which cleaning solutions are safe as well as unsafe to use on the Artis system Operating X-ray Equipment Ancillary staff is not allowed to use or handle radioactive materials or radiation producing equipment. All radioactive material & radiation producing equipment must be labled with the universal symbol for radiation. Only properly trained personnel should handle any material or devices labeled with the symbol. Potential Radiation Exposure in the Following Areas: Radiology Department Cardiac Catheterization Labs Endoscopy OR Rooms Radiation Caution Signs Signs posted in a patient waiting room ro changing area may differ from those posted in a radiology work area, dark room, lab, or OR suite. Some areas will have an illuminated sign or red dome light over the doorway. Do not enter an X-ray room when the red warning light is on and the door is closed. Types of Radiation Radiation is the emission of energy from matter. Radiation has 2 major divisions:  Ionizing & Non-ionizing. Non-ionizing radiation has long wavelengths & frequencies ranging from low frequency radiation to ultra violet range. Examples include radiowaves, microwaves, lasers, and sunlight. Ionizing Radiation Sources of ionizing radiation in healthcare settings are radioactive materials and X-ray equipment. Exposure to radiation occurs everyday from man-made sources as well as from nature. Approximately 50% of our exposure is a result of naturally occuring radiation. Radon gas accounts for approximately 37% of our exposure to naturally occuring radiation. Radioactive Beams Radioactive beam consists of the primary beam and the secondary beam. Primary beam: most useful and most hazardous. Primary beam is emitted from the X-ray tube to the image receptor and travels in a straight line. Secondary beam = scatter radiation which cannot be detected by human senses. Radiation Detecting Instruments Film badges measure the level of exposure to radiation. REM = Radiation Equivalent Man. Film badge readings are given in millirems. A millirem is 1/1000 of 1 REM X-rays travel at the speed of light and do not accumulate in the body once the exam is done. When working in or around areasthat use radioactive materials or radiation producing eqjuipment, abide by the following guidelines: ● Follow all room posting signs carefully ● Knock on closed doors and wait for a response ● Announce yourself and state your prupose when entering the area ● Ask personnel to identify areas that are to be avoided ● Do not handle any radioactive material or equipment without being directed to do so ● Report any unusual or unsafe conditions involving radioactive materials or X-ray equipment ● Know how to contact the radiation safety officer ● If you are unsure, ASK.  Safety is of the utmost importance. ● Comply with all emergency procedures Radiation Safety Officer Only appropriate personnel should handle radioactive isotope spills Follow normal emergency procedures for personal injuries or other major emergencies such as fires. After the emergency has been addressed, contact the Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) for instructions. Do not attempt to clean up any radiation material spills. Make sure to know who the RSO is and how to contact them. Radiation Blocking button     Key Points Do not use any harsh cleaning agents, liquids or sprays Ensure liquids do not drip into gaps or openings The system should be shut down properly prior to cleaning Clean all parts of the system that have been in direct contact with the patient   Follow these guidelines when cleaning LCD screens associated with Artis systems: ● Cleaning of the screens and monitors must be done on a regular basis ● Before cleaning the screen, ensure the system is off ● Wipe the screen ● Dry the screen with a soft cloth ● Be sure to remove any contamination such as contrast medium stains immediately Cleaning Other Surfaces Use a damp cloth without any additional solvents when cleaning keyboards Use only special plexiglass cleaning agents, dishwashing dtergents, soapy water or laundry detergent when cleaning plastic surfaces Do not use TCE, acetone, alcohol or any cleaning products containing these agents Steps for Cleaning Accessories Use lukewarm detergent & soft cloth to remove slight contaminations Remove major contaminations first with a cloth soaked in alcohol then wipe with water Use cold water for blood stains & warm water for contrast mediums After using disinfectants, always wipe off using clean water Recommendations for Disinfecting Surfaces: Use aldehyde-based disinfectants Use amphoteric surfactants Concentration in the air must not exceed the legal limit Also acceptable:  guanidine derivatives, peroxide derivatives, or organic acids Do Not Use the Following for Disinfecting: Virex TB Terralin All alcohol-based & phenol-based products All chlorine-based products You have now completed the course Radiation Safety and Equipment Essentials. You should now be able to: ● Recognize key symbols for radiation safety ● Explain the basic principles of radiation safety ● How to protect oneself from overexposure ● List potential health issues associated with exposure ● What to do to prevent or limit ones exposure to radiation sources ● Recall basic system components of the Artis system ● Identify which cleaning solutions are safe as well as unsafe to use on the Artis system