Radiation Safety
Radiation Safety Protocols are a non-negotiable element of workplace safety for technicians and radiologists.
These professionals are consistently exposed to ionizing radiation from X-ray, CT, fluoroscopy, and nuclear medicine equipment. Without stringent safety practices, this exposure can lead to serious health consequences including tissue damage, increased cancer risk, and genetic mutations.
Implementing effective protocols is essential for both short-term protection and long-term occupational health.
Understanding the Risks of Radiation Exposure
Ionizing radiation poses unique occupational hazards. Unlike chemical or biological agents, radiation can’t be seen, smelled, or felt. Its biological effects are cumulative and can develop silently over time.
Acute radiation exposure may result in burns or sickness, but chronic low-dose exposure can elevate lifetime cancer risk and impact reproductive health.
Technicians, radiologists, and support staff must therefore follow a structured radiation protection program as part of OHSE best practices.
1. The ALARA Principle: Keep Exposure As Low As Reasonably Achievable
The ALARA principle is the cornerstone of radiation safety. It promotes minimizing exposure through:
- Time – Reducing the duration of exposure
- Distance – Standing as far from the source as possible
- Shielding – Using protective barriers like lead aprons or walls
This principle should be part of every department’s safety culture and taught in regular training sessions.
2. Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Effective radiation PPE includes:
- Lead aprons: Worn during mobile X-rays or fluoroscopic procedures
- Thyroid collars: Essential to protect one of the most radiation-sensitive organs
- Lead gloves: For hands-on procedures
- Protective eyewear: Especially in interventional radiology
Inspect PPE regularly for cracks or damage, and replace any compromised items immediately. Canadian guidelines from Health Canada Radiation Safety provide further details.
3. Dosimetry and Monitoring
Radiation workers must wear dosimeters, such as:
- TLDs (Thermoluminescent Dosimeters)
- Electronic Personal Dosimeters (EPDs)
These devices track cumulative exposure and ensure doses remain below the annual occupational limits. The readings should be reviewed monthly and documented in the worker’s radiation exposure log. If exposure exceeds thresholds, immediate OHSE investigation is required.
4. Shielding and Structural Barriers
All imaging rooms must comply with regulatory shielding standards. This includes:
- Lead-lined walls and doors
- Control booths with leaded glass viewing windows
- Mobile lead barriers for portable procedures
Periodic inspections and compliance audits ensure these structural defenses are functioning and up to code.
5. Equipment Maintenance and Safety Checks
Radiology equipment must be:
- Calibrated regularly by certified physicists
- Inspected for radiation leakage
- Maintained per manufacturer guidelines
Any malfunctioning device should be locked out until fully repaired. Maintenance logs and OHSE equipment audits must be up to date and accessible.
6. Education and Radiation Safety Training
All radiological staff should complete mandatory radiation safety training covering:
- Types of radiation and their risks
- Emergency procedures for radiation spills or accidental exposures
- ALARA principles
- Use and care of PPE and dosimetry devices
Refreshers should occur annually and whenever new equipment or protocols are introduced. Training records must be tracked as part of internal compliance systems.
7. Controlled Access and Signage
Restricted areas must be clearly marked with:
- Radiation warning signs
- Exposure limit notices
- Access control barriers
Unauthorized personnel, including patients and non-radiology staff, must be kept outside controlled zones unless escorted and protected.
8. Pregnancy and Reproductive Health Protections
Radiation exposure is particularly dangerous during pregnancy. Protocols include:
- Confidential pregnancy declarations for staff
- Modified work duties to reduce or eliminate exposure
- Increased monitoring of fetal dose
Employers must provide flexible accommodations without compromising safety or discrimination protections.
9. Incident Response and Emergency Preparedness
In case of a radiation accident (e.g., overexposure, device malfunction):
- Evacuate the area
- Secure the source of radiation if safe to do so
- Notify the OHSE officer and radiation safety officer immediately
- Undergo medical evaluation and dosimeter review
Post-incident reviews help prevent recurrence and refine safety protocols.
10. Compliance with National and Provincial Regulations
In Canada, radiation protection is governed by:
- Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)
- Provincial Radiation Protection Acts
- Health Canada Safety Codes (e.g., Safety Code 35)
Facilities must maintain a Radiation Safety Manual and undergo periodic OHSE audits to meet regulatory expectations.
Prioritizing Radiation Safety for Lifelong Health
For radiology professionals, radiation exposure is a daily reality—but it doesn’t have to be a lifelong risk. By strictly following Radiation Safety Protocols, using PPE, maintaining equipment, and adhering to ALARA practices, healthcare workers can drastically minimize exposure.
A proactive OHSE approach is not only a regulatory requirement—it’s an ethical obligation.