SafetyVet

Solutions for the veterinary professions!

Looking for answers to OSHA Questions?  Check out our OSHA Center!

The Administrative Requirements

The hospital's safety policies and instructions for operation of the radiograph machine must be committed to writing. In order to consistently produce quality radiographs and prevent unnecessary exposure to personnel, the procedures must be standardized and recorded so that they can be replicated. Staff members should have a written, step-by-step method that you expect them to follow when operating the equipment. The rules must be posted near each machine.

An accurate technique chart and measuring calipers should also be available near each machine. This will aid in determining the correct settings for the machine based on the variables of the patient and study. Standardizing this single step will significantly enhance the practice's consistency in radiographs and decrease unnecessary staff exposure due to retakes.

Some other very simple procedures will greatly enhance the effectiveness of a radiation safety program. Things like collimating to isolate the area of concern (leave a clear border around the film), regular maintenance of developing chemicals and equipment, and rotating radiographic duties among all qualified staff members will significantly reduce the dangers. Remember, the primary beam is very powerful and personnel should never place any part of their bodies in the primary beam, even with protective apparel.

Posting Notices

A sign containing the conventional, three bladed, radiation caution symbol (magenta or purple on a yellow background) is required to identify the radiation area. These signs are usually obtained from a safety supply source or the practice’s x-ray supplier. Additionally, many states require that a notice informing employees of their rights and responsibilities under the state’s radiation protection program must be displayed in the x-ray area or in a location where employee notices are customarily posted. The poster and a copy of the applicable regulations should be obtained from the state agency responsible for registration of the machine.

Every practice should maintain a radiology exposure log. This log will serve as a record of the total amount of radiation produced, the intensity of the radiation, and the persons performing the procedure. At a minimum, the date, client/patient ID, views, exposure settings, and initials of the persons involved in taking the radiographs should be recorded. Remember to record multiple exposures. A good rule of thumb: every press of the button needs a line in the log. Every radiograph (or series) must be annotated on the patient's medical record or treatment sheet. The date, views and interpretation should be recorded.

Back to the x-ray main page

The information on these pages is excerpted from
The Veterinary Safety & Health Digest
Copyright 2005 Philip J. Seibert, Jr., CVT  All Rights Reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced for distribution without prior permission from the publisher.