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The Design of Diagnostic Medical Facilities where ... - ResearchGate

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Table 5.2: Suggested minimum distances to the vital organs <strong>of</strong> an occupant in an adjoining area<br />

Boundary<br />

Walls<br />

Ceilings<br />

Floors<br />

Minimum distance to occupant in adjoining area<br />

0.3 m<br />

0.5 m from floor above<br />

1.7 m from floor below<br />

Based on NCRP, 2004.<br />

Figure 5.1: Suggested minimum distances to the vital organs <strong>of</strong> an occupant in adjoining area<br />

0.5m<br />

Room above<br />

X-ray tube<br />

(source <strong>of</strong> primary radiation)<br />

Patient<br />

(source <strong>of</strong> scattered radiation)<br />

0.3m<br />

Patient<br />

table<br />

Room below<br />

1.7m<br />

Adapted from NCRP, 2004<br />

5.2.2 Workload in radiology<br />

An essential factor in a shielding calculation is realistic knowledge <strong>of</strong> the workload for the X‐ray room in<br />

question. <strong>The</strong> BIR recommend that the workload should be based on Entrance Surface Doses (ESD) and<br />

Dose-Area Product (DAP) values (BIR, 2000). Most modern X‐ray systems are now fitted with DAP meters,<br />

making it relatively easy to obtain DAP values for the clinical workload in a particular X‐ray room.<br />

For new examinations, or <strong>where</strong> no local workload data is available, published values should be consulted for<br />

guidance. However, much <strong>of</strong> the published guidance is from UK studies and caution should be exercised as it<br />

may not always be representative <strong>of</strong> doses in Irish hospitals. In addition, published values will not necessarily<br />

reflect the current or new technology being installed. Local values should be used <strong>where</strong> possible.<br />

<strong>The</strong> workload in many rooms is increasing for reasons that include increased working hours, faster patient<br />

throughput with some digital imaging systems, and the increases in the number and complexity <strong>of</strong> procedures.<br />

<strong>The</strong> most satisfactory workload data used for shielding design is based on a realistic audit <strong>of</strong> current practice,<br />

projected for any envisaged increases in the future. It is better to generously provide for this at the beginning<br />

<strong>of</strong> the project, as retr<strong>of</strong>itting additional shielding at a later stage will be expensive. Consideration should also<br />

52<br />

<strong>The</strong> <strong>Design</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Diagnostic</strong> <strong>Medical</strong> <strong>Facilities</strong> <strong>where</strong> Ionising Radiation is used

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