Safety Precautions for Operators and Service Users

Medical professionals need to use procedures that aim to reduce exposure to ionising radiations. This is critical for both operators and individuals who receive medical services.
Adequate shielding is a safety measure employed in the medical physics sector. It serves to protect both operators and service users. Heavy, high-density lead aprons and screens are commonly used in radiology departments to absorb the radiation and prevent exposure.
Time is a significant factor in radiation safety. The less time spent in the vicinity of the radiation source, the lower the risk. Operators, when possible, must stand at a safe distance from the radiation source.
Distance from the radiation source is critical. Operators try to maximise this distance as much as possible, to minimise exposure to radiation.
Frequent monitoring of radiation levels is necessary. This is important to ensure that permissible exposure limits are not exceeded. Personal dosimeters are often used by operators to monitor their exposure.
It is also vital to ensure that medical equipment such as X-ray machines are serviced regularly and checked for any defects.
For patients, it is essential to clarify that their medical condition needs diagnosis/treatment using ionising radiations. This makes sure that the benefit outweighs the risk.
Communicating about the procedure, potential risks and benefits is an important part of protecting patients – informed consent is their right.
In the case of pregnant service users, extra caution has to be exercised due to the sensitivity of the developing fetus to radiation. Alternative diagnostic procedures that do not involve ionising radiation may be considered.
Use of the lowest possible dosage of radiation that yields the required diagnostic information or the necessary treatment response, sparing all non-target tissues and organs as much as possible.
Repeated exposure to radiation should be minimised. Detailed records of exposure history must be maintained to ensure that allowable dose limits for individuals are not exceeded.
Child patients require special considerations because their growing bodies are more sensitive to radiation. Adjustments in radiation dosage are necessary when dealing with this age group.