44 Radiation Safety Expectations

The Radiology and Imaging Sciences Radiography Program considers radiation safety and protection against ionizing radiation a top
priority during hospital and clinical rotations. To ensure compliance with the ALARA principles, the following rules have been
established for the student’s safety and will be strictly enforced:

1. If not required to stay in the room with the patient, the student must position themselves behind the control booth and observe the patient through the lead window whenever x–rays are being generated. Peeking around the doors or through cracks is prohibited

2. If it becomes necessary for a student to remain in the room while x–rays are being generated, the student must wear a lead apron and thyroid shield or remain behind a lead protective screen and not be in direct line with either the tube or patient. The student should stand as far away from the patient and tube as reasonably possible and should never allow the tube to be pointed directly toward the student’s body

3. Students are prohibited from holding image receptors during any radiographic procedure while enrolled in the radiography program

4. Students must not hold patients during any radiographic procedure when an immobilization method is available and is considered the appropriate standard of care

5. Radiation monitoring devices shall be worn at or near thyroid level on the outside of the uniform top unless the student is wearing a lead apron, at which time the monitoring device should be worn at the level of the thyroid outside the apron

6. Radiation monitoring devices must be worn when working with diagnostic imaging equipment. Dosimeters will be read once a month. The RISP Radiation Safety Coordinator, will send the students an electronic copy of all personnel exposure reports monthly. 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. Exceeding annual exposure limits may result in the student’s removal from the clinical setting

7. Students are prohibited from operating fluoroscopic units with indirect supervision, including spot filming and the operation of remote–control fluoroscopic units for positioning

8. The use of gonadal shielding should only be used when it aligns with the clinical facility’s shielding policy and its use does not interfere with the examination’s purpose