Health and Safety Executive (HSE) 1 The practice has registered with the HSE that radiographic equipment is being used on the premise and confirmed compliance with IRR17 by 5/2/2018. 2 HSE have confirmed receipt of notification and this available in the practice. Radiation Protection File includes the name and contact details of: 3 Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS) 4 Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) 5 Medical Physics Expert (MPE) or RPA to act as MPE 6 The Legal person the employer Radiation Protection File includes the Local Rules and IR(ME)R written procedures 7 There is a written risk assessment of the use of Ionising radiation within the practice 8 The staff have been informed and trained following the risk assessment of the use of Ionising Radiation 9 The controlled area within each surgery has been identified and there is a Information and Guidance All practices must re-register with HSE between 3/1/2018 and 5/2/2018. To inform the HSE, go to the Radiation section and complete the new registration form. Under IRR17, you ll need to apply to: notify register get consent you may need more than one You ll need to apply even if you ve previously notified us that you work with ionising radiation. If you ve previously notified us you must apply by 5 February 2018. There is fee of 25 for registration and questions to answer to confirm compliance with IRR17. HSE Ionising Radiation sheet No 6 Radiation Protection Supervisors 2.3 2.7 2.8 2.2 2.13 to 2.16 and section A2.1 3.2 to 3.6
written description of the controlled area 10 There are arrangements for restricting access to each controlled area.
11 There are working instructions intended to reduce exposure to ionising radiation 12 There are contingency plans to address reasonably foreseeable accidents whilst using ionising radiation in dental practice 13 There is a written annual review of the need to designate any staff as classified persons 14 There are written arrangements for use of dosemeter films/ badges within the practice 15 The written results of dosemeter films/ badges are saved and discussed annually with the RPA 16 There are written arrangements for pregnant staff in respect of ionising radiation 17 There are Written procedures for all medical procedures 18 There is a written procedure for the correct identification prior to a radiographic (xray) exposure 19 There is a written procedure for making enquiries of female patients of child bearing age to establish if the individual is or may be pregnant 20 There is a written procedure for the assessment of patient dose A4.6 to A4.7 A4.8 to A4.11 3.7 It would be extremely rare, if ever for dental staff to be designated as classified persons 3.8 Another use resource on the HSE website is: INDG3344 Working Safely with Ionising Radiation: Guidelines for expectant and breastfeeding mothers 2.19 A4.6 to A4.7 A4.16 to A4.17 2.38 to 2.4 section 1.2 and 2.1.5 3.18
21 There is a written procedure for the use of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) 22 There is a written protocol (guideline exposure settings) for every standard projection for each x-ray machine 23 There is written guidance on justification for individual patient radiographic (x-ray) exposure 24 There is a method of informing patients of the risks and benefits of Ionising Radiation 25 There is written guidance for carers and comforters exposed to a radiographic (xray) exposure that must include established dose constraints 26 There is a method for authorising each radiographic (x-ray) exposure to ensure that there is a record that justification has taken place 27 There is a written procedure for carrying out and recording of a clinical evaluation of each radiographic (x-ray) exposure 28 There are written arrangements for investigating and reporting incidents, such as excessive exposure of patients or staff, including the notifying of appropriate authorities 29 The dose investigation level is recorded in the Local Rules 30 There is evidence of annual review of the Local Rules to ensure the document A4.12 to A4.13 and section 2.47 to 2.5 section 2.1.6 2.42 2.32 to 2.35 section 1.2 IR(ME)R 2018 requires that the patient should receive information on the risks and benefits of each radiographic (x-ray) exposure A carer and comforter is defined as an individual who (other than as part of his/her occupation) knowingly and willingly incurs an exposure to ionising radiation resulting from the support and comfort of another person who is undergoing a medical exposure. IR(ME)R2018 requires that the carer and comforter be informed of risks and benefits and the employer must establish dose constraints 2.32 to 2.35 section 1.2 2.45 to 2.46 2.51 to 2.56 A4.12 to A4.13 A4.5 and paragraphs 5.23 to 5.25
remains up to date and effective
X-ray Equipment 31 There is a written record of the critical examination undertaken by the installer of the x-ray equipment 32 There is a written record of the acceptance test before the x-ray equipment is put into clinical use 33 There are written arrangements and evidence of the maintenance and servicing of all the x-ray equipment 34 There is a written record of the safety testing of all the x- ray equipment (every 3 years) 35 There is a written inventory of all the x-ray equipment within the practice Quality Assurance (QA) in Dental radiography 36 The Practice has a written Quality Assurance programme 37 There are regular audits of the Quality Assurance programme 38 There is evidence that every radiograph taken in the practice is assigned an image quality rating (NRPB standards) IR(ME)R staff roles and training 39 Every staff member understands the duties of the IR(ME)R Referrer, Practitioner and Operator 40 A written record of all IR(ME)R practitioner and operator training (every 5 years) A5.3 to A5.5 A5.6 to A5.7 5.15 A5.8 5.17 5.3 to 5.5 5.28 to 5.29 section 9.2.1 to 9.2.6 5.6 to 5.10 2.4 to 2.6 A3.5 to A3.8 and section 5.26
41 There is written evidence of Induction training for all new staff for safe use of x-ray equipment and the contents of the Radiation Protection file 42 There is written evidence of on-going training for all staff for safe use of x-ray equipment, the contents of the Radiation Protection file and their duties as employees 2.22 5.27
Useful Documents Safe Use of X-ray Equipment (D of H June 2001) section Ionising Radiation Regulations 1999 (IRR 1999) Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2000 (IRMER 2000)