Study of Radiation Safety Concerns in Departments of Diagnostic Radiology of various Hospitals of Kashmir valley

BACKGROUND: A primary consideration in any radiographic procedure is to reduce the dose to the patient and the operator while still achieving the diagnostic goals. OBJECTIVE: To study the radiation exposure and protective measures in different units of various hospitals in Kashmir valley in compliance to recommendations from regulatory authorities. METHODS: Twenty-eight stationary X-ray units of various major hospitals of the Kashmir Valley were surveyed by the radiation safety group of SKIMS. Panoramic survey meter, Thyac-V survey meter-470A, Prima-7 digital survey meters were used for radiation exposure estimations. The radiation level measurements were carried out at different critical locations like control console, door and the corridor adjacent to the Diagnostic equipment and were compared with the standards of AERB and IAEA. RESULTS: Of the 28 stationary X-Ray units identified 21 were functional and surveyed. Seventy seven Radiation workers (Technicians) operating these units perform about 1335 diagnostic procedures daily on these units. Out of 21 X-ray units surveyed, 9 (42.86%) had dose rate at the control panel within the permissible limits and 12(57.14%) had exposure levels higher than permissible limits. The dose levels at the door and corridor were exceeding the permissible limits in all the units. Most of the radiation workers had no concept of radiation protective measures and did not use any personal radiation monitoring device like TLD (Thermo-luminescent dosimeter). CONCLUSIONS: To avoid radiation exposure, the radiation safety measures ought to be strictly followed which is possible by making the concerned authorities answerable and accountable. Also the radiation workers need to be made aware of hazards of radiation exposure, importance of using personnel monitoring devices and providing knowledge about the safety measures. (JMS 2010;13(2):51-55)