IAEA International Atomic Energy Agency Radiation protection of the public IAEA Regional Training Course on Radiation Protection of patients for Radiographers, Accra, Ghana, July 2011

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization2 Public Exposure Definition “ Exposure incurred by members of the public from radiation sources, excluding any occupational or medical exposure and the normal local natural background radiation but including exposure from authorized sources and practices and from intervention situations.” [BSS]

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization3 Content Who are members of the public? Public dose limits Radiation protection measures

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization4 Cleanliness people who work in or visit facilities where radiation emitting devices are situated etc.; Other employees of the authorised facility where ionizing radiation are used (other than those authorized to deal with radiation emitting facilities ); Who are members of the public? The public may include, for example:-

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization Members of the public contractors (other than authorized service agents) e.g. electricians, painters, plumbers, etc. who may be required to carry out work in or adjacent areas to ionizing radiation facility

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization6 Radiation protection measures (BSS) The legal person shall ensure: Optimization of the protection of members of the public whose exposure is attributable to radiation devices within their control; that they have suitable and adequate facilities, equipment and services for the protection of the public commensurate with the magnitude and likelihood of the exposure;

IAEA Public Dose Limits Effective Dose Limits 1 mSv per year 5 mSv in any 12 month period Equivalent Dose Limits Lens of the eye15 mSv per year Skin50 mSv per year Effective Dose Limits 1 mSv per year 5 mSv in any 12 month period Equivalent Dose Limits Lens of the eye15 mSv per year Skin50 mSv per year

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization8 Registrants and licensees shall, if appropriate: (a) establish and carry out a monitoring programme sufficient to ensure that the requirements of the Standards regarding public exposure to sources of external irradiation be satisfied and to assess such exposure. [BSS Appendix III.13]

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization9 The legal person shall ensure : -That appropriate monitoring equipment and surveillance programs are in place and functioning so that the assessment of public exposure complies with the requirements of the Regulatory Authority. - that personnel having functions relevant to the protection of the public are appropriately trained

IAEA 15.1: Optimization of protection in radiography: technical aspects10 The legal person shall take into account : potential changes in any condition that could affect public exposure. eg structural changes to the facility, etc.; current good practice in the operation of similar radiation sources before commencing use of the radiation devices, ensure that all new installations and all significant modifications have been approved by the Regulatory Authority

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization11 Radiation protection aspects. establish public dose constraints to the satisfaction of the Regulatory Authority; ensure that shielding and other protective measures are optimized in accordance with the requirements of the regulations or other standards approved by the Regulatory Authority.

IAEA What radiographers can do in optimization12 The public as visitor: The legal person shall:- restrict access to controlled areas by physical barriers and by administrative procedures such as the use of work permits;

IAEA the privacy of patients should be respected. In principle, no person other than the patient and those persons who are necessarily present for the conduct of the x- ray examination should be present during exposures; and The public as visitors (cont)

IAEA What can radiographers do in optimization14 provide appropriate information and instruction to visitors before they enter a controlled area so as to ensure their protection and that of other individuals who might be affected by their actions; ensure that visitors, while in any controlled area, are accompanied and supervised by a person knowledgeable about the protection and safety measures for that area

IAEA In summary: It is the responsibility of the licensee to ensure the protection of the members of public Radiographer plays an important role in radiation protection of the public

IAEA THANK YOU! 16