SafetyVet
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What are the requirements for taking x-rays in a veterinary hospital?
This area is sometimes confusing since some states also regulate radiology operations and inspect radiation machines. Practices in states with Nuclear Regulatory Commission approved radiation protection plans would be in compliance with OSHA's requirements if they followed the guidelines of their state regulations. Currently, such approved plans are in effect in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington. As a general rule, the regulations don't differ greatly from state to state, but it is wise to get a copy of your state's radiation protection regulations from the Department of Health or Environmental Protection. These states often require registration of x-ray machines as part of their protection program. In all other states, the regulations are enforced by OSHA and are independent of those required by the state; as usual, a veterinary hospital must follow the most stringent of those requirements. The radiograph machine and all supporting equipment (gloves, aprons, etc.) must be in proper repair and should be tested at regular intervals. If outside source conducts the inspections (e.g., state inspector or private firm), make sure they provide proof of the inspection and written evidence of compliance. Not just a concern for pregnant womenIt seems like the only time some people “worry” about radiation exposure is when they or a co-worker is pregnant. Although protecting the developing fetus from exposure to unnecessary radiation is important, unnecessary exposure to radiation is harmful for anyone. There are many, many studies documenting the link between exposure to radiation and health problems in humans, even in men. Skin disorders, reproductive difficulties, blood anemias and even some forms of cancer can all be caused by exposure to the types of radiation used in the veterinary practice. Fortunately, the types and intensity of radiation used in the typical veterinary situation is some of the “mildest” form of radiation. Radiation, including x-rays are a naturally occurring phenomenon; they are part of the invisible spectrum of light and we are all exposed to them in many ways every day. By concentrating x-rays and directing them in a straight line, we are able to “see inside” the body. This is a great tool, but because the damage from this low dose of radiation is not evident at the time of exposure, some folks don’t take the hazard seriously until it’s too late. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen news reports of an American worker dying on the job from exposure to radiation, so we often get complacent and think that modern science has overcome the hazard with machine designs. Of course, that’s not true, but with so much on our minds these days, it’s easy to “forget” something like the invisible dangers from medical x-rays. In most practices, the weakest link in the radiation protection program is the day-to-day procedures we use when trying to get the job done. We can’t (or won’t) stop to think about safety in the middle of the procedure, so we must incorporate these safety considerations into the “habits” we practice every day. And as more radioactive treatment and diagnostic tools become widely available, we must stay diligent in the protection of our staff and visitors. After all, the best defense against an invisible hazard such as radiation is prevention of the exposure. This is achievable in every veterinary practice through proper equipment and procedures. Click here for information about protective equipment for radiation protection. Click here for information on exposure monitor requirements. Click here for information on the training requirements. Click here for information on the administrative requirements. Click here for information on large animal operations.
The information on these pages is excerpted from
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Inherent
to medicine is the necessity to "see inside the body." Radiography (x-ray) in
veterinary hospitals, as in human hospitals, is a vital tool in the diagnosis of disorders
and treatment of patients. It’s important to remember that short duration, infrequent
exposure to radiation, such as having radiographs taken of oneself, is accepted as an
insignificant variable in overall health. However, long term exposure to low doses of
radiation has been linked to genetic, cutaneous, glandular, and other disorders. High dose
exposure can cause skin changes, cell damage, and gastrointestinal and bone marrow
disorders that can be fatal. Fortunately, much is known about the properties of x-rays,
and ways to protect ourselves and our employees. Although modern machines have many
safeguards integrated in the design, there still exists the possibility of injury if these
tools are misused. With this in mind, OSHA and many states of have set guidelines for
minimizing the risks to workers. 
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