Summary of "Radiation Safety Training - Nuclear Medicine"
Summary of Radiation Safety Training - Nuclear Medicine
Presenter: Brandon Holman, Corwin Health Physics
Main Ideas and Concepts
This training focuses on radiation safety principles specifically tailored for nuclear medicine technologists. It emphasizes safe handling of radioactive materials, regulatory compliance, and fostering a safety culture within nuclear medicine departments.
Key Topics Covered
1. Purpose of Radiation Safety Training
- Reminds workers of risks related to ionizing radiation.
- Helps reduce exposure by applying basic safety principles.
- Provides foundational knowledge to answer common radiation questions.
- Mandatory annual training per state and federal regulations.
2. Regulatory Authorities and Documentation
- Licensing authorities vary by location:
- Washington: Department of Health (DOH)
- Oregon: Oregon Health Authority
- NRC-licensed states: Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
- Radioactive material licenses and applicable regulations should be accessible in the nuclear medicine department.
- Annual radiation safety training is required by law.
3. General Safety Practices in Nuclear Medicine
- Wear lab coats and disposable gloves when handling radioactive material.
- Change gloves frequently to prevent cross-contamination.
- Remove gloves when handling non-radioactive items.
- Monitor hands and clothing with survey meters when leaving the lab.
- Do not wear contaminated clothing outside the lab.
- Wash hands immediately if contamination occurs; notify supervisor if serious.
- No eating, drinking, smoking, applying cosmetics, or mouth pipetting in radioactive areas.
- Store radioactive materials in secured rooms to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Handling and Assaying Radioactive Materials
- Use dose calibrators following manufacturer instructions.
- Assay each dose before injection and the empty syringe afterward.
- Record dose data accurately in the hot lab computer.
- Use vial and syringe shields during preparation and injection.
- Transport radioactive materials in shielded, labeled containers compliant with Department of Transportation regulations.
- Perform wipe tests on incoming and outgoing packages to check for contamination.
5. Dosimetry and Exposure Limits
- Radiation workers must wear whole body badges and finger (ring) dosimeters.
- Body badge worn near collar; ring dosimeter on dominant hand during handling.
- Dosimeters must be stored in low radiation areas when not worn.
- Dose limits:
- Occupational workers have higher limits than the general public.
- Eye and skin limits are higher, but eye limits may be lowered due to new cataract research.
- Pregnant workers must declare pregnancy in writing to receive a lower dose limit (500 mrem during gestation).
- Workers must report if working at multiple radiation facilities to combine dose records.
- Annual dose limits and investigational levels guide monitoring and notifications.
6. ALARA Principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable)
- Radiation safety programs must maintain doses ALARA.
- ALARA involves:
- Time: Minimize time near radiation sources.
- Distance: Maximize distance from sources.
- Shielding: Use appropriate shielding materials.
- Lead and concrete are common shielding materials; note lead is not ideal for beta radiation due to bremsstrahlung production.
7. Daily and Routine Safety Procedures
- Perform daily dose calibrator constancy checks.
- Survey incoming and outgoing radioactive packages (surface and one meter away).
- Perform wipe tests for contamination.
- Check doses before administration; diagnostic doses within ±20%, therapy within ±10%.
- Perform daily surveys in all areas using radioactive materials.
- Maintain secure storage and inventory of sealed sources and pharmaceuticals.
- Proper disposal of radioactive waste per license conditions.
- Maintain waste logs, separate long-term and short-term waste, and label bins consistently.
- Weekly wipes may be required depending on state regulations.
8. Medical Events
- Defined by dose deviations from prescribed amounts combined with specific conditions.
- Must notify Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) before contacting DOH or NRC.
- Reporting deadlines:
- Initial notification within 1 day.
- Written reports within 15 days.
- Special precautions for pregnant or breastfeeding patients to avoid unintended exposure.
9. Emergency Procedures
- Contact RSO immediately for lost/stolen radioactive material or suspected overexposure.
- Procedures for spills:
- Major spills: Isolate area, stop spread, notify others, survey post-cleanup, inform RSO, document incident.
- Minor spills: Isolate, clean with soap or decontamination agents, survey, report incident.
- Use appropriate shielding and monitoring after spills.
10. Radiation Sources and Exposure Context
- Ionizing radiation comes from many sources including natural background (radon, thoron) and medical procedures.
- Medical imaging (CT and nuclear medicine) contributes significantly to medical radiation exposure.
- Awareness of radiation sources helps contextualize occupational exposure risks.
11. Employee Rights and Responsibilities
- Radiation safety notices (e.g., RHF-3 form in Washington) must be posted visibly.
- Workers must know their RSO and report unsafe conditions.
- Workers can contact state or NRC regulatory bodies with concerns.
Methodology / Instructions
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Wear lab coats and disposable gloves at all times when handling radioactive materials.
- Change gloves frequently.
- Remove gloves before handling non-radioactive items.
- Monitor for contamination with survey meters.
- Do not wear contaminated PPE outside the lab.
Handling Radioactive Materials
- Store materials securely.
- Use dose calibrator to assay doses before and after injection.
- Use vial and syringe shields.
- Transport in shielded, labeled containers.
- Perform contamination wipe tests on packages.
Dosimetry
- Wear whole body and ring dosimeters correctly.
- Store badges in low radiation areas.
- Combine doses if working multiple jobs.
- Monitor dose limits and respond to investigational level notifications.
Daily Checks
- Dose calibrator constancy checks.
- Surveys of work areas and packages.
- Dose verification before administration.
- Battery and response checks on survey meters.
Waste Management
- Separate long-term and short-term waste.
- Maintain detailed waste logs.
- Label bins and keep inventory updated.
- Dispose or return radioactive material per license.
Medical Event Response
- Consult RSO immediately.
- Report events to DOH/NRC within regulatory timeframes.
- Follow procedures for suspected overexposures.
Spill Response
- Isolate and contain spill.
- Use appropriate cleanup methods.
- Perform surveys post-cleanup.
- Notify RSO and document incident.
Speakers / Sources Featured
- Brandon Holman (Primary presenter and trainer from Corwin Health Physics)
- Regulatory bodies referenced:
- Washington Department of Health (DOH)
- Oregon Health Authority
- Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
- Corwin Health Physics (provider of the training and medical physics services)
This summary encapsulates the core safety principles, regulatory compliance, operational procedures, and emergency protocols essential for nuclear medicine technologists working with radioactive materials.
Category
Educational
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