X-Rays & Radiation Exposure
Fact: Humans should not be exposed to any more than 20 mSv/yr (milli Sieverts per year) of
radiation.
Risks: The more often you are exposed to radiation the greater the risk.
Increased risks of cancer, genetic mutations, genetic damage to reproductive cells, which can
potentially cause birth defects.
Use of equipment: Lead Aprons/gowns, lead gloves, thyroid collards, goggles, and 1 film
badge/employee. Everything should be properly fitted and maintained to prevent damage.
Beware: Use of appropriate equipment only protects you from scattered x-ray beams, not the
primary x-ray beam.
ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) Radiation Principles Program:
Time: Keep your time exposure to radiation as short as possible.
Distance: Stay as far away from radiation source as practical. Use of wooden spoons/paddles,
tape, or similar restraint devices to allow you the greatest distance.
Shielding: Use Appropriate personal protective equipment and portable leaded glass screen to
hide behind.
Tips:
1. Most effective option is to stand behind a portable lead barrier or leave the
room.
2. Minimize time exposed to radiation by using proper techniques to avoid retakes.
3. Avoid hand holding a patient.
4. For positioning patients use: troughs, sandbags, tape, velcro restraints, etc.
5. Try sedation as option number 2 if needed to ensure patient compliance.
6. If all other options fail- Use manual restraint but try to distance yourself from
patient as far as possible to reduce the dose of radiation from scattered x-ray
beams.
7. Rotate radiology duties between other employees to reduce amount of radiation
exposure.