Radiology
Click on the area for more specific information.
Common safety and health topics:
Tuberculosis Bloodborne Pathogens
Ergonomics - Lifting Hazards Workplace Violence
Radiation Exposure
Ergonomics - Computer Workstation
Slips/Trips/Falls
Virtual Reality
Review the hazards and then tour the virtual reality room.
Tuberculosis
Potential Hazard
Exposure of radiology staff to patients with tuberculosis during x-ray procedures.
Exposure may also occur after radiology procedures are completed, from treatment rooms
not properly ventilated after being occupied with a patient who has TB.
Possible Solutions
The hospital's safety and health plan should address safe handling of TB patients in the
radiology area [Enforcement Procedures and Scheduling for Occupational Exposure to Tuberculosis.
OSHA Directive CPL 2.106, (1996, February 9)] including:
Facilities in which TB patients are frequently treated should have an area in the radiology
department that is ventilated separately for TB patients.
If this is not possible, TB patients should wear surgical masks and should stay in the
radiology suite the minimum amount of time possible, then be returned promptly to their
isolation rooms.
Healthcare facilities serving populations that have a high prevalence of TB may need to
supplement the general ventilation or use additional engineering approaches in general-use
areas where TB patients are likely to go (e.g., waiting-room areas, emergency departments,
and radiology suites). Engineering approaches include:
A single-pass, non-recirculating system that exhausts air directly to the outside.
A re-circulation system that passes air through HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters
before re-circulating it to the general ventilation system.
Upper Air Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UGVI) may be used in such areas.
Signs and Tags:
Employees should receive adequate information about the hazards of TB through the use of
labels and signs, as indicated in 29 CFR 1910.145, Specifications for Accident Prevention
Signs and Tags. The CDC and OSHA recommend that signs should be posted at the
entrance to:
Isolation rooms or areas, such as radiology examination rooms where procedures
or services are being performed on an individual with suspected or confirmed
infectious TB. The signs could bear a "STOP" sign and the legend "No
admittance without wearing a type N95 or more protective respirator."
Employers should use biological hazard tags on air transport components (e.g.,
fans, ducts, filters), that may reasonably contain air infected with tuberculosis to
warn employees, temporary employees, or contractors of possible hazards of
contamination.
Contaminated air ducts leading from this area should have a warning label posted
on them. The warning labels on these air systems could be labeled
with,"Contaminated Air-Respiratory Protection Required."
After the area is vacated by an individual with suspected or confirmed infectious TB, the
sign shall remain posted at the entrance, until the room or area has been ventilated
according to CDC recommendations for removal efficiency of 99.9%. (Appendix A, CDC
Guidelines [2 MB PDF*, 141 pages]. OSHA Directive CPL 02.106, (1996, February 9). See
Appendix A, p. 35 and Table S3-1, p. 72).
Appendix A, CDC Guidelines [2 MB PDF*, 141 pages]. The OSHA Directive CPL 02.106,
(1996, February 9). See Appendix A, p. 72 in Table S3-1. The CDC has published guidelines
regarding the length of time for such sanitation of the room air based upon the air
exchanges per hour. Requiring that the sign remain posted until the room or area is
adequately ventilated will assure that unprotected employees do not inadvertently enter
while an infection risk is still present.
For additional information, see Healthcare Wide Hazards
- Tuberculosis.
Back to Top
Ergonomics
Potential Hazard
Exposure of radiology staff to possible work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
(e.g., strain and sprain injuries to back and shoulder areas) from constant lifting and
reaching for patients during x-ray procedures and/or transfers.
Possible Solutions
Employers should assess the radiology area for ergonomic stressors and identify and
address ways to decrease stressors such as:
Train employees in proper lifting techniques:
Lift items close to the body.
Avoid awkward postures, such as twisting while lifting.
Avoid lifting/reaching or working above shoulder height.
Use mechanical aids to reduce the need to lift.
Provide sufficient staff to handle lifts.
Instruct the patient in ways to help facilitate the lift and procedure.
For additional information, see Healthcare Wide Hazards
- Ergonomics.
Back to Top
Radiation Exposure
Potential Hazard
Staff exposure to radiation from portable and fixed X-ray machines as they are used for
diagnostic procedures. Potential health effects of radiation exposure are somatic (body)
and/or genetic (offspring) in nature:
Acute: Erythema and dermatitis. Large whole-body exposures cause nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, weakness, and death.
Chronic: Skin cancer and bone marrow suppression. Genetic effects may lead to congenital
defects in the employee's offspring.
Radiation exposure occurs when unprotected employees are near a machine in operation.
The degree of exposure depends on the amount of radiation, the duration of exposure,
the distance form the source and the type of shielding in place.
Possible Solutions
OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) - Hospital Investigation Health Hazards .
Section VI:
Chapter 1. In regards to x-ray machines, recommends:
Film badges or their equivalent should be used for long-term
monitoring. Examples include:
Film Badge: Passive dosimeter for
personal exposure monitoring should be
worn whenever working with x-ray
equipment, radioactive patients or
radioactive materials. Depending on the
work situation, body badges may be worn
at collar level, chest level or waist level.
Double-Badging: Personnel who
work in high-dose fluoroscopy
settings may be asked to wear two
badges for additional monitoring.
Ring badges: (used for measuring beta
and gamma doses to the hand) should be
worn on the hand which is closest to the
radiation source.
Other controls include:
X-ray rooms that are equipped with a barrier wall with a lead platted glass window so
technician can step behind barrier wall to take the x-ray, and avoid radiation exposure.
Lead plated glass is also used as a barrier to protect against radiation exposure when
procedures must be done close to the patient.
Lead strips provide some protection from radiation exposure for employee running
fluoroscopy procedures.
Lead aprons and lead gloves offer some protection for employees and patients and
should be worn in the direct x-ray field. Opaque goggles are to be worn in the direct x-
ray field. OSHA Technical Manual (OTM) - Hospital Investigation Health Hazards.
Section VI: Chapter 1.
Some procedures like those that use remote fluoroscopy can be run from controls in an
adjacent room, free from radiation exposure.
A specific person should have the responsibility for assuring proper maintenance of the
portable x-ray machines. Preventive and corrective maintenance programs for x-ray
machines are detailed in 21 CFR 1000, Radiological Health.
Kits containing radioactive isotopes or specimens and excreta of humans and animals
who have received radio nucleotides may pose a hazard. Exposure may also result from
handling of radioactive spills [29 CFR 1910.1096, Ionizing Radiation Standard].
There should be a separate storage area for radioactive sources. This area
should be adequately shielded.
Document and retain inventories of radioactive materials. Only authorized
personnel should have access to storage areas.
For information about exposure limits see: 29 CFR 1910.1096, Ionizing Radiation
Standard. The standard also requires:
Every employer shall supply appropriate personnel monitoring equipment,
such as film badges, pocket chambers, pocket dosimeters, or film rings, and
shall require the use of such equipment [29 CFR 1910.1096(d)(2)].
Employers shall maintain records of the radiation exposure of all employees
for whom personnel monitoring is required under paragraph (d) of this
section and advise each employee of his individual exposure at least yearly.
At the request of a former employee an employer shall furnish to the
employee a report of the employee's exposure to radiation records 29 CFR
1910.1096(o)(1).
Such report shall be furnished within 30 days from the time the
request is made.
The report shall also include the results of any calculations and
analysis of radioactive material deposited in the body of the
employee.
The report shall be in writing and contain the following statement:
"You should preserve this report for future reference."
Each radiation area shall be conspicuously posted with a sign or
signs bearing the radiation caution symbol [See Figure G-10], with
the wording "Caution Radiation Area" [29 CFR 1910.1096(e)(2)].
Radioactive Contamination of Lead Shielding. OSHA Hazard Information Bulletin, (1997,
June 24). Some shielding products used for radiation protection contain lead
contaminated with small amounts of naturally occurring radio nuclides. The products
identified to date include medical devices used for radiation protection such as lead
aprons, gonad shields, and thyroid shields manufactured after October 1, 1996.
Additional Information:
Health Effects. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Office of Air and Radiation has
published the Ionizing Radiation Fact Book [1 MB PDF, 22 pages] which includes
information on the health effects of ionizing radiation.
Appendix A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality
Weekly Report (MMWR) Supplements 60(02);7-10, (2011, April 15). ALARA (as low as
reasonably achievable) exposures by practicing the basic principles of radiation protection.
OSHA coverage of Ionizing Radiation Sources not Covered by Atomic Energy Act of 1954.
OSHA Directive, (1978, October 30). OSHA covers all radiation sources not regulated by
(AEC) Atomic Energy Commission. Radiation sources such as X-ray equipment,
accelerators, accelerator-produced materials, electron microscopes, betatrons, and some
naturally occurring radioactive materials are under the jurisdiction of OSHA.
Duke University Radiation Safety
Back to Top
Slips/Trips/Falls
Potential Hazard
There is a potential for slips and falls in the radiology area, and when using portable X-ray
machines if employees slip on fluids spilled on the floor such as blood, vomit, or excreta,
or trip over x-ray power cords.
Possible Solutions
Keep floors clean and dry [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)].
Aisles and passageways shall be kept clear and in good repairs, with no obstruction across
or in aisles that could create a hazard [29 CFR 1910.22(b)(1)]. Provide floor plugs for
equipment, so power cords need not run across pathways.
Good work practice recommends:
Spills reported and cleaned up immediately.
The use of no skid waxes and surfaces coated with grit or waterproof footgear to
help decrease slip/fall hazards.
For additional information, see Healthcare Wide Hazards
- Slips/Trips/Falls.
Back to Top
Bloodborne Pathogens
Potential Hazard
Exposure of staff to blood and Other Potentially Infectious Materials, (OPIM) (e.g.,
excreta, vomit, sputum), during the x-ray process. Definition for OPIM is found in 29 CFR
1910.1030(b).
Possible Solutions
Implement Universal Precautions according to the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard [29 CFR
1910.1030(d)(1)].
Treat all blood and OPIM with appropriate precautions such as:
Use gloves, masks, and gowns if blood or OPIM exposure is anticipated.
Use engineering and work practice controls to limit exposure.
Provide appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves or gowns as
required by the Bloodborne Pathogens Standard 29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(i), if there is
occupational exposure to blood or OPIM.
Gloves must be worn when hand contact with blood, mucous membranes, OPIM, or non-
intact skin is anticipated, and when performing vascular access procedures, or when
handling contaminated items or surfaces [29 CFR 1910.1030(d)(3)(ix)].
For additional information, see Healthcare Wide Hazards
- Bloodborne Pathogensand Universal Precautions.
Back to Top
Workplace Violence
Potential Hazard
Exposure of employee to potential violence from uncooperative, disoriented, or combative
patients. Many radiology patients come from the emergency area and may be confused
and violent.
Possible Solutions
Have a plan in place to deal with difficult patients.
Provide training to staff to identify, recognize, and diffuse potentially violent situations and
patients.
Be alert for potential violence and suspicious behavior and report it.
Provide adequate staffing levels, with experienced clinicians on each shift.
Use appropriate engineering controls to provide security such as:
Install concealed panic buttons-in the x-ray area, that can be pushed for
emergency help.
Improve lighting and video surveillance.
Use an escort or buddy system, when taking a possibly violent person to
radiology.
For additional information, see Healthcare Wide Hazards
- Workplace Violence and the Emergency Room.
Back to Top
Computer Workstation
Potential Hazard
Tasks that use a computer (e.g., remote radiology computer workstation, data entry clerk,
secretary) intensively for 4 hours or more per day, can lead to musculoskeletal disorders
of the hand/arm, shoulder, neck and back.
Possible Solutions
