Saint Joseph Healthcare
Radiation Safety Training
Module: 1
Audience: Non-monitored ancillary personnel that
provide support to radiology including:
Environmental services
Security
Transporters / Assistants
Radiology Clerical personnel
Clinical Engineering
Objectives: Following completion of this module,
the participant will be able to:
•Define, in simple terms, radiation.
•Identify potential hazards associated with radiation exposure.
•Identify basic sources of radiation.
•Identify the radiation warning symbol.
•Identify the precautions used when encountering an area identified
with thee radiation warning symbol.
•Identify precautions used when working in or near radiation sources.
•Identify where radioactive sources are used and stored.
•Identify contact personnel for questions or concerns regarding
radiation safety.
Evidence of completion: 80% passing score on the post-test
What is radiation?
Radiation is, in simple terms, a form of energy that can pass through
some objects, including humans, under the right conditions.
Radiation surrounds us every day. Examples of radiation include:
Microwaves
Radio waves
Light
X-rays
Where does radiation come from?
Radiation can be both natural and man made.
Examples of natural radiation include:
•Sun (cosmic rays)
•Earth (radioactive elements)
•Our bodies (radioactive elements)
•Man made sources include:
•X-ray tubes (X-rays)
•Some radioactive elements
*During imaging exams, the patient is the main source for
radiation exposure to hospital personnel.
Is radiation harmful?
High energy radiation, such as X-rays or gamma rays, can be
harmful because of their ability to pass though the body.
Radiation damage to the body can result from an acute
exposure (large dose over short time) or chronic exposure
(small doses over long range of time). An acute exposure is
very unlikely in routine imaging procedures.
Potential effects of radiation exposure include (but not
limited to):
Cataracts
Cancer
Reduced fertility
Skin damage including hair loss
Fetal defects including retardation
How do I know if I am entering a radiation area?
This is the universal radiation warning symbol.
Hospitals are required to display this symbol in any radiation area.
Unless your job requires you to enter an area marked with this symbol,
Do not enter.
Examples of Radiation Areas:
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X-ray Room
Nuclear Medicine
CT Scan
Angiography
Heart Cath
Other areas as posted
 In Diagnostic X-ray, CT, Angio, and Cath Labs
 The only time x-radiation is present is during
the actual exposure, which is under the control
of the technologist.
 There is no residual radioactivity in these
rooms after exposure
 If you must enter this area, make sure that the
radiation source is not active (ask radiology
personnel if you are not sure).
 Do not enter such an area if you are pregnant.
.
What if my job requires me to enter a radiation area during
an active source?
When working in or near an active radiation source, follow the three
cardinal rules of protection:
•Time (minimize your time in the area)
•Distance (maximize your distance from the source of radiation;
the patient in most circumstances)
•Shielding (maximize the amount of shielding, such as lead aprons
and gloves, between you and the source)
*As always, follow the directions of the technologist or physicist while
in the area.
Where are radioactive sources used and stored?
• Radioactive sources are natural elements that give off radiation.
• Radioactive elements are used during nuclear medicine imaging
procedures and may be used as a therapeutic agent to treat some
tumors.
• Radioactive elements are sent form various nuclear pharmacies and
received /documented through the nuclear medicine department.
• Radioactive elements are decayed (wasted) in the
nuclear medicine “hot lab” or in a shielded safe until it reaches a
safe level, at which time it is disposed as general waste.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE HOT LAB
 Doors are always locked
 Non Nuclear Medicine Personnel are
not permitted in the Hot Lab unless they
are accompanied by a Nuclear Medicine
Technologist.
 Radiopharmacy delivery personnel do
have access and will be identified by ID
badge
What if I have questions or concerns
regarding radiation safety?
You may contact any of the following:
• Radiology technologists
• Nuclear medicine technologists
• Radiology management
Dr. Guy Simmons, Radiation Safety Officer (252-1122)