I am getting radiation exposure at work

[Quasar44]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

 

[BackAgain]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

I was told recently by a radiologist that modern technology has radically reduced the amount of radiation delivered to the patient in order to obtain quality imagery.

They did still gtf out of the room, even so.

 

[JGalt]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

Always glad to help a brother out:

AI Overview

OSHA mandates safety regulations for portable X-ray machines under the Ionizing Radiation Standard, 29 CFR 1910.1096, which requires employers to protect workers by adhering to Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs) for radiation, implementing a comprehensive monitoring program with dosimeters, providing training on radiation safety, using appropriate PPE like lead aprons, ensuring proper equipment maintenance, and restricting access to X-ray areas to authorized personnel.


Key OSHA Requirements for Portable X-ray Safety

• Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs):
  Employers must ensure that employees do not exceed radiation exposure limits, including 1.25 rem to the whole body, 18.75 rem to hands and feet, and 7.5 rem to the skin per calendar quarter.
  

• Monitoring Program:
  A comprehensive monitoring program is essential, requiring employers to provide personal dosimeters to all employees who may receive doses exceeding 25% of the quarterly limit and to maintain detailed exposure records.
  
  
• Training:
  Workers must receive thorough training on safe operating procedures for the portable X-ray unit, radiation hazards, proper use of PPE, and emergency protocols.
  
  
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
  Workers must use appropriate PPE, such as lead aprons, thyroid collars, and lead gloves, to minimize their radiation dose.
  
  
• • Portable X-ray units should not be held by operators while energized; instead, secure stands or holders must be used.
    
• The useful beam must be collimated to avoid unnecessary scatter, and operators should avoid holding film cassettes or receptors in the path of the primary beam.
  
  
• Employees should be trained on the proper use of equipment for moving patients, wheelchairs, and other radiology equipment, ensuring clean and clear pathways and stable floors.
  
• Restricted Areas:
  Access to areas where X-ray equipment is in use must be restricted to minimize exposure to unnecessary personnel.
  
  
• Record Keeping:
  Employers must keep adequate records of both past and current radiation exposure to ensure compliance with the 5(N-18) rule, which allows for higher doses under specific conditions.
  

 

[Mr Natural]

I recently spent some time in the hospital and I was surprised that they still use x-rays what with MRIs and CAT scans and all.

 

[OhPleaseJustQuit]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

.

As far as I know, if there's any risk that you'll be exposed, they must provide you with a dosimeter and share the results of the readings.

At least it was that way when I worked with x-rays. New dosimeter every month.

.

 

[Mr Natural]

You need one of those Geiger counters they used to use in the movies back in the day.

 

[OhPleaseJustQuit]

.

About the same size as the ones I wore.

 

[Quasar44]

I recently spent some time in the hospital and I was surprised that they still use x-rays what with MRIs and CAT scans and all.

It’s a huge $$$ maker !!!

Also the insurance requires it first to save cost

 

[Dont Taz Me Bro]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

It’s hard to imagine you can get any stranger, so I think you’ll be fine

 

[toobfreak]

I was told recently by a radiologist that modern technology has radically reduced the amount of radiation delivered to the patient in order to obtain quality imagery.

That makes sense as they've gone from exposing actual film over to digital CCDs with high quantum efficiency to CMOS sensors now with nearly 96-98% efficiency!

 

[ozro]

If you notice your skin is getting a green tinge to it, quit the job. But whatever you do don't get angry, stay calm!

 

[Hafar1014]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

There are laws and codes make report to JACHO

 

[1srelluc]

OP needs to be faster on his feet.

 

[MisterBeale]

I recently spent some time in the hospital and I was surprised that they still use x-rays what with MRIs and CAT scans and all.

I think it has to do with cost. Ultrasound and old fashioned x-rays are far less expensive, and Ultrasound is the least intrusive and safest.

I have already surpassed my life time recommended number of CAT scans, so I always request MRIs, Ultrasounds and old fashioned x-rays whenever possible.

CATS are THE WORST. Being around a CAT and not a safe distance away when they are performed could be a serious long term risk for those in a health care setting.

Projected Lifetime Cancer Risks From Current Computed Tomography Imaging​

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2832778

Uh, You Should Think Twice Before Opting Out of a CT Scan Because You’re Worried About Cancer

Here's what to know about that viral paper.

slate.com

CT scan - Mayo Clinic

www.mayoclinic.org

 

[Quasar44]

It’s hard to imagine you can get any stranger, so I think you’ll be fine

Will the radiation damage my nice hair ??

 

[Quasar44]

There are laws and codes make report to JACHO

Are you crazy ! I can’t afford to upset anyone. !

I am on my best behavior

 

[Quasar44]

OP needs to be faster on his feet.

Yes yes yes !!

I am going to run out as fast as possible but sometimes I get trapped in small room with door closed between machine and tech

 

[1srelluc]

Yes yes yes !!

I am going to run out as fast as possible but sometimes I get trapped in small room with door closed between machine and tech

Soon!

 

[braalian]

In nursing homes we have contracted techs come in with portable x-ray machines.

By nature of the machine, they stay in room 100% of the time.

Doesn’t seem to be an issue.

If there was any real risk, the company that employed them wouldn’t let them do it that way because they wouldn’t want to risk the liability and litigation

 

[White 6]

I am just in training only and many times the techs just blast the portable X ray without obeying by the 6 feet of safe distance.

The problem is sometimes I am caught in the room and they blast me .

I don’t have time to get 6 feet .

They often blast themselves all the time .

I spoke up and they tell me it’s not important and part of the job

Let us know when you start to glow in the dark.