What does IRR99 stand for?
Ionising radiation regulations 1999
What is IRR99?
The law governing the use of ionising radiation
What act was the name of the IRR guidance published under the health and safety at work act 1974 called?
Work with Ionising Radiation
What was the work with ionising radiation guidance published under?
The Health and safety at work act 1974
Who published the veterinary specific guidelines for the safe use of ionising radiations?
the BVA
What was the name of the guidance published by the BVA on ionising radiations?
Guidance notes for the safe use of ionising radiation’s - IRR 1999
What does RPA stand for?
Radiation protection advisor
What does HPA stand for?
Health protection authority
What is a RPA?
A suitably trained individual employed by the HPA to advise individual veterinary practices on their use of ionising radiation
What does RPS stand for?
Radiation protection supervisor
What is an RPS?
An MRCVS or RVN in a individual practice appointed by the RPA to ensure the rules and regulations set out by the RPA are being followed by everyone in that practice
What does the RPA do?
- Visits the practice at least annually
- takes measurements from and surrounding the X-ray machine to ensure it is working safely
- writes and reviews the local rules and carries out a risk assessment at each visit
- trains the RPS and other staff if appropriate
Who is authorised to take part in radiography?
- RPA
- RPS
- Any staff stated on the Local rules, these are names individuals who can be VSs, VNs, SVNs. Lay staff are permitted if suitably trained and monitored, though the RCVS say that is is not appropriate
What rules can be put in place to limit exposure risks to radiation?
- Staff rotation
- monitoring devises
- PPE
- Stand at least 2 metes from the primary beam, ideally behind a protective screen
Where should radiation monitoring devices be worn?
On the Trunk under PPE
Where must Radiation monitoring devices be stored?
Away from the Xray room and away from heat or sunlight
What are the different types of radiation monitoring devices?
TLDs - Thermoluminescent dosemeter
Film dosemeters
What is the unit of measurement used to assess an individuals exposure to radiation?
mSv = Millisievert
What is the legal maximum radiation exposure a person over 18 can have annually?
20 mSv
What is the legal maximum radiation exposure a person under 18 can have annually?
6 mSv
What is the legal maximum radiation exposure a pregnant or breast-feeding woman can have?
1 mSv
What thickness must the lead be in gloves and sleeves used for Xray protection?
at least 0.35mm LE
How thick must the lead be in aprons used for Xray protection?
at least 0.25 LE
What does LE stand for?
Lead equivalent
