Radiology safety procedures must be followed by all students and personnel in diagnostic radiology.
- X-ray machines are to be used for diagnostic procedures on animals only, no human use.
- X-ray equipment must be used under the express consent and/or supervision of a faculty or staff member.
- Pregnant individuals that have declared they are pregnant to the appropriate faculty or staff member should take appropriate exposure risk reduction measures based on sonsultation with their licensed healthcare providers and legal regulations. Pregnant individuals are encouraged to reach out to the University Title IX office to help manage any specific restrictions made by their health care provider.
- Individuals under 18 years of age are not permitted to operate or be within the restricted area during the operation or radiation generating equipment.
- X-ray equipment on site includes a stationary x-ray unit in SA129, a mobile x-ray unit housed in the Equine Teaching Center, and a dental x-ray unit housed in SA129.
- Restricted areas
- All areas identified with “Caution X-ray Radiation” signs. Unauthorized personnel must not be present in area during the use of radiation generating equipment. Only personnel (student or faculty/staff) required to take image is allowed in the room where images are being taken.
- Utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for operation and assisting
- Lead lined apron
- Lead lined gloves
- Lead eye glasses
- Lead lined thyroid protector
- Avoid primary beam at all times
- PPE is located in the X-ray viewing room and personal dosimeters (monitoring badges) are located in the hallway outside SA129. PPE and dosimeter badges are also located in the Equine Teaching Center for the mobile unit.
- Ionizing radiation which is generated when taking and x-ray, can be harmful to your health if precautions are not taken.
- When operating radiological equipment, users must remain at a minimum of 6 feet away from the primary beam if possible. An exception is the plate holder who must be a minimum of four feet from the primary beam when using the mobile unit.
- Authorized personnel should share responsibility of animal restraint so the same individual is not always in the area of greatest risk for exposure
- Consider chemical restraint to minimize need to hold animal during exposure
- Use mechanical holding devices when possible (sand bags, etc.)
- Personnel should avoid direct scatter and not be in the beam
- Radiation exposure monitored with personal monitoring badge
- Required for all authorized personnel operating or assisting with radiation generating equipment
- Worn on collar or near the hip outside of protective clothing (PPE)
- Reports of exposure level will be provided to individuals yearly
- Dental X-ray Unit
- “All stationary, mobile or portable x-ray systems used for veterinary work shall be provided with either a two meter (6.5 feet) high protective barrier for operator protection during exposures, or shall be provided with means to allow the operator to be at least 2.7 meters (nine feet) from the tube housing assembly during exposures.”