XR safety and legislations PPEA

• What is the focus of the lecture by Lucy Trinder on X-ray safety?

  The focus is on X-ray safety, legislation, pregnancy, consent, and confidentiality.
• What should students be able to demonstrate at the end of the lecture?

  Students should be able to demonstrate an awareness of key legislation for a safe working environment in the imaging department.
• What are the four key areas focused on in the lecture regarding X-ray safety?

  • X-ray safety and key legislation
  • Pregnancy and contact shielding
  • Informed consent
  • Confidentiality
• What are the names of the key legislation related to X-ray safety?

  The key legislations are the Health and Safety Act (1974), COSHH (2002), IRR (2017), and IR(ME)R (2017/18).
• Why can X-rays be dangerous?

  1. rays are dangerous because they are types of ionising radiation that can remove electrons from atoms and molecules.
• What is one significant manifestation of damage caused by X-rays?

  One significant manifestation of damage caused by X-rays is cancer.
• How does the risk of developing damage from X-rays change?

  The risk increases with the level and duration of radiation contact.
• What are the responsibilities of employers under the Health and Safety Act (1974)?

  • Keep risks to people in the workplace to a minimum
  • Ensure the wellbeing of staff at work
  • Enforce minimum standards
• What does COSHH (2002) ensure for employees in imaging departments?

  • Protects staff from risks of hazardous substances
  • Enforced by risk assessment and surveillance of employee health
  • Controlled exposure to substances and planning for incidents
• What does IRR (2017) focus on?

  IRR (2017) focuses on safety in the working environment for both public and staff.
• What must be clearly marked in controlled areas according to IRR (2017)?


  Controlled areas must be clearly marked and equipment must be fit for purpose.
• What is the role of the Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA)?

  The RPA advises on safe practice in imaging departments.
• What is the purpose of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in radiology?

  PPE, such as lead-lined garments, is worn to block radiation and reduce the cumulative dose to staff.
• What does IR(ME)R (2017/18) focus on?

  IR(ME)R (2017/18) focuses on protecting patients and carers from unnecessary exposure to ionising radiation.
• Who are the four duty holders specified by IR(ME)R?

  1. Employer
  2. Referrer
  3. Practitioner
  4. Operator
• What is the role of the radiographer in IR(ME)R?


  The radiographer has a legal responsibility for appropriate justification of requests and optimisation of dose.
• What information is necessary for the justification of a request?

  1. Necessary patient information (name, date of birth, address)
  2. Referrer information (authorization and signature)
  3. Necessary clinical information (area to be imaged and reasons)
• What checks must be performed before an X-ray examination?

  A minimum of three forms of patient ID must be checked, including full name, date of birth, and address.
• What is the importance of patient ID checks in radiology?

  Patient ID checks are crucial to ensure patients are correctly diagnosed and treated and to prevent over-exposure.
• What should radiographers do if a patient is unable to respond during ID checks?

  • Follow a written protocol
  • Usually check the hospital wristband for identification
• What is the main goal of the lecture on X-ray safety?

  The main goal is to ensure a safe working environment in the imaging department.
• What is the significance of the quote by Thomas Edison regarding X-rays?

  The quote reflects the fear and caution surrounding the use of X-rays in early radiology.
• How does the role of the radiographer relate to the IR(ME)R regulations?

  The radiographer's role includes ensuring appropriate justification of requests and optimising patient dose, which aligns with IR(ME)R regulations.