Precautionary Measures

Premises

• The constructional factors to be considered in the selection of particular part of a veterinary hospital for undertaking radiography.

• The essential requirements is that X-ray examinations should be undertaken only in a clearly marked and suitable room in which there is no likelihood of the entry of unauthorized persons during the procedure of the irradiation of nearby workers.

• Entry to the room should be restricted by notices, by displaying the international radiation symbol and by warning lights which are linked to the X-ray apparatus and are illuminated when exposure are being made.

Equipment

• New X-ray apparatus obtained from a reputable dealers or manufacturer will have been designed to comply with safety requirements.

• The fitting of a light beam diaphragm to any new or old X-ray machine facilitates visualization of the primary beam and contributes greatly to the safe use of such apparatus.

Aprons

• Aprons are designed to protect the body against scattered radiation and should be of a minimum of 0.25 mm lead equivalent for voltages of up to K.V. The materials usually used are lead-rubber covered with cloth, or plastic impregnated with metallic lead.

Lead-rubber Gloves

• The standard gloves which offer full protection are not very flexible and it is most difficult to hold small animals when wearing them.

• A number of devices are employed in which the hands are free , but covered by hand shields , cuffs or sheets of lead rubber.

The care of protective clothing

• A peons should be hung when not in use either on a pair of stout hooks or on a protective hanger of no less than 3 cm in diameter. They should never be folded as this will cause the lead-rubber to crack.

• Gloves should be examined periodically for cracks around the fingers by placing them on a film cassette and irradiating them by a strong exposure. The film should be developed, and if cracks are found the gloves should be discarded. Cracks can be missed by a visual inspection.

• The leather outer covers can usually be removed for cleaning. It is pleasanter in warm weather to wear a pair of cotton inner gloves.

Safety routine before undertaking radiography

• 1. Decide if radiographic investigation is justified (owners often demand unnecessary X-ray examinations).

• 2. Decide whether, in the best interests of the patient and of the staff, the animal should be anaesthetized, sedated or manually restrained.

• 3. Remove all unnecessary persons from the room.

• 4. Check all that essential personal are wearing protective clothing, and that they understand the part they are expected to play in the examination.

• 5. Check that the primary beam will be collimated to the required field and directed so that it will not irradiate people in adjacent rooms.

• 6. See that all assistants are poisoned as far as possible from the primary beam and will not be exposed to it.

• 7. Press the button and make the exposure.