Ionising Radiation Safety

 
The purpose of this section is to provide a resource for information for training various groups of staff under the requirements of IR(ME)R2000 SCHEDULE 2Regulation 2(1)
Adequate Training
Practitioners and operators shall have successfully completed training, including theoretical knowledge and practical experience, in - 
(i) such of the subjects detailed in section A as are relevant to their functions as practitioner or operator; and
(ii) such of the subjects detailed in section B as are relevant to their specific area of practice.

There are other groups who will also require training of some form - including porters - cleaners - nurses on wards - HCAs - ATO - House Officers - Theatre staff

Diagnostic use of X rays is subject to Health and Safety regulation. In addition the exposure of patients to radiation is covered by further regulation. These regulations are the Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (IRR99) and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 (IR(ME)R2000).

The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for IRR99 and the Health Departments in England, Scotland and Wales are responsible for IR(ME)R2000.

Together, the Regulations require an employer to manage the radiation protection of patients, employees, patients’ families, the general pubic and themselves. There are specific legal duties to create a framework under which professionals can practice safely.

The principles of radiation protection are that:

  • medical exposure to ionizing radiation should only be carried out if it is justified; and
  • the level of exposure must be restricted so far as is reasonably practicable in line with the intended clinical purpose.

The employer’s overview highlights five key areas of responsibility and provides a summary of the responsibilities for these five areas:

  • general procedures
  • policy on medical equipment
  • quality assurance programmes
  • training of employees
  • dealing with incidents.


 

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