45 Radiation Safety Policy
All radiography students are required to wear lead aprons when in a room in which x-rays are being produced, regardless of their position in the room. Students without lead aprons are to step out of a room in which exams are being done during any exposure. This policy applies to all exposures, including mobile procedures. Students should report problems with lead aprons (e.g. not enough aprons and/or thyroid shields, ill-fitting or damaged aprons) to their clinical instructor so adequate protection can be provided to the student.
The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT), accreditation standard 5.3, states that students must not hold image receptors during an exam. In addition, students should not hold patients during any radiographic procedure when an immobilization method is the appropriate standard of care. Programs must develop policies regarding safe and appropriate use of energized laboratories by students. Students’ utilization of energized laboratories must be under the supervision of a qualified radiographer who is available should students need assistance. If a qualified radiographer is not readily available to provide supervision, the radiation exposure mechanism must be disabled.
PATIENT SHIELDING POLICY
As of January 2021, the NCRP recommends all routine gonadal shielding be discontinued. Regardless of this recommendation, all students must follow their assigned clinical site’s shielding policy.
RADIATION MONITOR POLICY
The Program will issue each student a current radiation monitoring device provided through the IUI Radiation Safety Office.
Personnel exposure reports, received from Mrs. LeMay, the RISP Radiation Safety Coordinator (RSC), will be sent electronically to the students monthly. The Program follows ALARA guidelines, which include policies and procedures for monitoring and intervention in the event of excessive personnel exposure. If a student’s measured dose equivalent exceeds 125 mrem (1.25 mSv) at any time during a calendar quarter, the student will receive an “Investigation of Elevated Radiation Exposure” form from the RISP RSC. This report is generated by the IUPUI/IUMC Radiation Safety Office and is to be completed and returned to that office as soon as possible. The student will print the report and meet with the RSC to review it. The RSC will electronically submit the signed report to the Radiation Safety Office.
The student must wear a radiation monitoring device while in the clinic. The monitor type assigned is to be worn on the torso (between the waist and collarbone) to get the most accurate reading. When wearing a lead apron, the device should be worn on the outside of the lead. Students not wearing a current monitoring device or not wearing the correct monitor will not be allowed to remain in the clinic.
IN-CLINIC WITHOUT A MONITOR
For a student who left the monitor at home, they have the option to go home, retrieve the monitor, and return to the clinic. This option will result in the use of a half p-day for the time away from the clinic. The student also has the option of not returning to the clinic thus using a full p-day.
REPLACEMENT FOR LOST MONITORS
Students are responsible for replacement costs of lost monitoring devices and monitoring device holders and for any delinquency fees assessed. Students who lose their monitoring device should inform their clinical preceptor immediately. Arrangements need to be made to obtain a replacement monitor. Students will report to Gatch Hall and report the incident to the RISP RSC. The RSC will instruct the student on how to obtain a replacement monitor. Once a replacement monitor has been assigned the student will return to the clinic. This will result in the use of either a half p-day or full pday for the time away from the clinic.
RADIATION MONITORING EXCHANGE PROCESS
Monitoring devices are exchanged once a month in the RISP office area near the x-ray lab, room 147
- Students will turn in their old monitoring device and pick up their new one around the 1st of each month.
- NO email reminder will be sent to students to exchange his/her device.
- Students should double-check to ensure they have picked up the correct monitor.
After the 10th of each month, non-compliance penalties will apply.
RADIATION MONITORING NONCOMPLIANCE
Non-compliance examples include, but are not limited to:
- exchanging a monitor for the wrong radiation device
- failure to exchange monitor by the monthly deadline
- losing a radiation monitoring device
- washing, drying, or otherwise damaging the device so that it cannot be read
| 1st offense | Written warning |
| 2nd offense | -1/3 letter grade reduction |
| 3rd offense | -2/3 letter grade reduction |
| 4th offense | -1 full letter reduction and probation |
| 5th offense | Course Failure and Program Dismissal |
Penalties are cumulative throughout the entire program
In addition, the Radiation Safety Office charges the Radiologic and Imaging Science Programs delinquent fees for late exchanges or lost radiation monitoring devices. A lost device fee is $10.00. A late fee is not assessed until the 15th of the month, however, noncompliance penalties will apply after the 10th of the month. If the device is not turned by the 15th, the student will receive an email indicating that a $10.00 fee is due. Checks for the late fee should be made out to the IU Foundation and turned into the RISP RSC. Students will be check-listed with the university if assessed fees go unpaid. Students cannot register for classes or graduate if check-listed.
1) Go to http://www.myldr.com
2) Enter Username and Password. At any time after logging in, you can click on “System Demonstration” at the top of the screen to watch a video produced by Landauer to learn about Individual Dose Report in more detail than explained
- Username: IUDose2
- Password: IUDoseCheck1 (case-sensitive)
3) Enter Account Number and Serial Number as described on screen. Then click “submit”
The screen is then populated by a brief overview of your occupational radiation dose history.
By clicking “View Details,” you can view a more detailed dose report.
- You can export either of your Individual Dose Reports to Excel, PDF, and XML by selecting your desired format and clicking “Export.”
- To protect your privacy, no personal information is displayed.
IUSOM Radiation Safety – Indianapolis
541 Clinical Drive, CL 159
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Policy Revised 5/15/21