Page 42 - Radiography Flipbook

Standard Five: Health and Safety

5.3 The program assures that students employ proper safety practices.

Explanation:
The program must assure that students are instructed in the utilization of imaging equipment, accessories,
optimal exposure factors, and proper patient positioning to minimize radiation exposure to patients,
selves, and others. These practices assure radiation exposures are kept as low as reasonably achievable
(ALARA).
Students must understand basic safety practices prior to assignment to clinical settings. As students
progress in the program, they must become increasingly proficient in the application of radiation safety
practices.

• Students must not hold image receptors during any radiographic procedure.
• 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.
Programs must establish a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) safety screening protocol and students
must complete MRI orientation and screening which reflect current American College of Radiology (ACR)
MR safety guidelines prior to the clinical experience. This assures that students are appropriately
screened for magnetic field or radiofrequency hazards. Policies should reflect that students are mandated
to notify the program should their status change.

Required Program Response:

• Describe how the curriculum sequence and content prepares students for safe radiation practices.
• Describe how the program prepares students for magnetic resonance safe practices.
• Provide the curriculum sequence.
• Provide policies/procedures regarding radiation safety.
• Provide the MRI safety screening protocol and screening tool.

Possible Site Visitor Evaluation Methods:

• Review of program curriculum
• Review of radiation safety policies/procedures
• Review of magnetic resonance safe practice and/or screening protocol
• Review of student handbook
• Review of student records
• Interviews with faculty
• Interviews with clinical preceptor(s)
• Interviews with clinical staff
• Interviews with students