Safe Use of X-ray Equipment

Did You Know?

Employers who own and operate diagnostic x-ray equipment need to know and follow the requirements of the Health Canada Safety Code and WCB Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in order to protect workers from the hazards of ionizing radiation.

X-ray equipment must be installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with the requirements of the appropriate Health Canada Safety Code - e.g., appoint a "responsible user," conduct radiation surveys, and investigate high exposure incidents.

If a worker exceeds, or may exceed, an action level of 1 mSv annual radiation dose, employers need to put in place:

• A person designated to run the radiation safety program
• A written plan of practices, procedures, and policies to keep exposure to x-rays as low as reasonably achievable
• Written instructions for the safe operation of equipment and for the correct use of any personal protective equipment
• Adequate and informed supervision of x-ray workers (e.g., physicians, x-ray technologists, and nurses) in the safe performance of their duties
• An adequate dosimetry service for monitoring exposures to workers on a timely basis
• Radiation surveys to monitor safe performance of equipment and to monitor radiation levels in work areas
• Education of workers in the hazards and risks from ionizing radiation

It's Your Health!

• X-ray workers, including technologists, nurses, and physicians, need to know and follow proper safe work procedures, as instructed by your employer.
• Personal protective equipment and dosimetry badges must be properly used.
• Identified radiation hazards need to be reported to your employer without delay.