It’s something that most of us have gone through at some point or the other; while we’re initially awed by the size of the machine, we soon realize that having an X-ray taken is a painless procedure that is over in a matter of minutes. What we don’t see however, is the invisible harm caused by the radiation that pours into our bodies in the fraction of a second that we are exposed to the rays. While a few X-rays don’t cause too much damage, there is the possibility of repercussions in the long-term if we undergo the procedure too many times. So this begs the question – how safe are X-ray technicians who are in the vicinity of these machines day in and day out, every day of their working lives?
Yes, X-ray technicians are at risk, but only if they don’t follow the basic safety precautions. In general, if you’re working an X-ray machine all day, here’s what you need to do to stay safe in the both the long and short run:
- Know the settings of your device and operate them correctly at all times.
- Understand the acceptable limits of exposure to radiation and act accordingly.
- Understand the capabilities and limitations of the machine you are working with, whether it is fixed or portable.
- Since the machine is bulky and requires movement of the heavy arm, ensure that you’re in the right position when making the necessary adjustments. This helps prevent aches and pains and other side effects associated with bad posture.
- Don’t be careless with activating and deactivating the machine – both patient and your personal safety hinge on this factor since overexposure could lead to dangerous side effects for both.
- Use the right safety equipment to protect yourself against radiation. Ensure that your safety equipment is in good working condition before you start your job each morning.
- Check for the viability and preparedness of safety equipment on the machine (warning lights and timers) and those for personal use (shields, lead aprons).
- If a lead apron is required for a procedure but is not available, move behind a wall or other impenetrable and thick object.
- Use an electronic personal dosimeter to monitor personal radiation exposure to ensure that you are always within the safe exposure limits.
- Wear gloves, goggles and/or a mask as and when required.
- Ensure that your machine is well maintained and clean and sterile so that patients are not affected any more than they already are.
The safety of an X-ray technician lies in their own hands – if they are careless, they end up on the losing side.
By-line:
This guest post is contributed by Kathy Wilson, who writes on the topic of x ray technician school programs . She welcomes your comments at her email id: kathywilson1983@gmail.com
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