Radiation Safety Procedures and Licenses APPENDIX X

APPENDIX XRADIATION SAFETY PROCEDURES:GENERAL GUIDELINES:Excessive x-ray radiation can damage any cell, but is particularly dangerous to rapidly dividingcells such as the reproductive organs or the developing foetus. Radiation is insidious in that itcannot be seen, smelled or felt, but it should be treated with the utmost respect. Effects arecumulative.The following procedures should be strictly adhered to:-1. Avoid being in the x-ray room when films are being exposed.2. If you must be in the room, stay behind the protective screen.3. Positioning devices and tie-downs must be provided; and must be used whenradiographing patients under general anaesthesia to eliminate the need to restrain theanimal during radiography.4. Only in exceptional circumstances should an animal be held during film exposure (suchas when sedation or anaesthesia could be fatal to the patient). If an animal must be held,protective gown, arm and hand shields and a thyroid protector must be used. Theseshields are protection only against reflected (scatter) radiation, not against the powerfulradiation of the primary x-ray beam.5. The lead-lined protective clothing is damaged by folding, creasing or rough handling. Itmust be handled gently and hung appropriately after each use on the provided hangers.6. There are NO circumstances which justify any part of your body, protected or not, beingexposed to the primary beam.7. Staff have the right to refuse to hold animals for x-ray.8. When an x-ray is being taken the door to the room must be closed and the red warninglight illuminated (this light should not be alight at other times).9. Radiation stickers, provided by the RHU, must be placed on the x-ray room.POSSESSION LICENCES:This is required by the clinic for each x-ray machine in its possession; it is renewable annually.This is the responsibility of the clinic director.• Forms IA-U2 and DH 1271 (S) to be completedIn addition to the possession licence full service and maintenance is necessary to be arranged onannual basis for each centre possessing an x-ray machine.

IRRADIATING APPARATUS USER LICENSE:This is required by all “users” of the x-ray machines i.e. the veterinary surgeons. It is renewableannually. Renew letters should be sent to vet surgeons automatically. Renewal is theresponsibility of the clinic director.First time user applications need the following to apply:• Forms IA-U2 and DH 1271 (S) to be completed• Copy of ID card• 2 passport photos• Copy of certificates of your stated qualifications (Degree/ VSB/MRCVS andPracticing Certificate)For renewal need the following to apply:• Forms IA-U2 to be completed• 2 passport photosDOSIMETERS AND RADIATION MONITORING SERVICE (RMS):Individual x-ray monitoring badges (dosimeters) must be provided for all staff receiving 6mSv ofradiation or above per year. This dose is unlikely to be obtained in small animal veterinarypractice, so if no staff members are receiving this dose a minimum of two staff namely thoseexposed to the most radiation e.g. primary surgeon and theatre nurse. These should be worn at allappropriate times i.e. when in the when the vicinity of the x-ray machine. 2 dosimeters arerequired by each user and they are sent back for checking every month.Once yearly; staff possessing dosimeters are required to undergo a medical exam (starting withinone year after commencement of using service). This is the responsibility of the clinic director.Application for RMS (dosimeters and RMS):• Forms RMS-19 and RMS-09 to be completedApplication for medical exams:• Made during the first year of service• Form RB-MEF1 to be completed• Once first application (and exam) is made these exams will be automaticallyscheduled on a yearly basis for users.For more information please contact:Radiation Health Unit Dept. of Health,3/F, Sai Wan Ho Health Centre28 Tai Hong StreetSai Wan Ho, Hong KongTel: 2886 1551Fax: 2834 1224Email: rhu@dh.gov.hkWebsite: http://www.info.gov.hk/dh-rhu or http://www.dh-rhu.gov.hk