How to Protect Yourself from X-Ray Radiation
Friday, December 14, 2012 3:11:25 AM
The x-ray technician plays the key role in x-ray imaging. The primary role of a technician of x-ray machine is to manage and operate the x-ray machine, which emits radiation to make the images and photographs that can be penetrated in depth within the body. The images provided by an x-ray system are effective and allow physicians to save human lives. However, there is more to the primary job than putting the x-ray system in order and operate it. The x-rays can be really dangerous if used many times, as well as, for a long time. People doing the job in this field especially the technicians must prepare themselves for x-ray hazards.
• It is extremely useful to understand each setting on x-ray devices. While they produce dangerous radiation, the technicians and other employees must also be aware of the exposure to x-ray radiation. It means that an expert technician will be aware of the basics, and when the x-ray machine is working, and x-ray imaging is being employed from the tube, he/she will employ all security measures.
• Another significant process required to ensure the safety is to confirm that safety tools and radiation protection are in working condition. These safety measures include warning lights, timers, shielding, and other relevant safety devices that are either x-ray equipment or meant to be utilized with it.
• It is vital that the technician should stand behind any wall or around some corner if the apron is not on hand or available.
• Occasionally, the electronic personal dosimeter must be used to monitor and check the radiation exposure, to make sure the technician is within safety limits.
• Whether the x-ray machine is of the fixed or portable type, it is truly vital to use universal precautions.
• The x-ray equipment can be exposed to different patients who may or may not have flowing blood, open wounds, or other fluids that can easily be in contact with the x-ray equipment. To avoid any communicable disease, the x-ray technician should use gloves while working.
• In a few instances, it can also be essential to use goggles, a gown or a mask. The x-ray equipment should be sterilized and cleaned after getting images of each patient to eliminate the spread of any disease to the x-ray technician, patients and other healthcare professionals.
• Normally, the x-ray machine is so enormous and needs more care. The machine not only needs movement in its aligning arm, but also the whole machine sometimes. Ergonomic techniques and postures should be utilized while moving the x-ray machine.
• Don’t overextend your body or overreach because this may cause a personal injury.
• Also, realize that several patients can have severe pain and may be active unexpectedly or irrationally. It will be beneficial to always stay vigilant.
Following the above said tips and guidelines can keep the x-ray technician secure for the whole of his/her professional career.
• It is extremely useful to understand each setting on x-ray devices. While they produce dangerous radiation, the technicians and other employees must also be aware of the exposure to x-ray radiation. It means that an expert technician will be aware of the basics, and when the x-ray machine is working, and x-ray imaging is being employed from the tube, he/she will employ all security measures.
• Another significant process required to ensure the safety is to confirm that safety tools and radiation protection are in working condition. These safety measures include warning lights, timers, shielding, and other relevant safety devices that are either x-ray equipment or meant to be utilized with it.
• It is vital that the technician should stand behind any wall or around some corner if the apron is not on hand or available.
• Occasionally, the electronic personal dosimeter must be used to monitor and check the radiation exposure, to make sure the technician is within safety limits.
• Whether the x-ray machine is of the fixed or portable type, it is truly vital to use universal precautions.
• The x-ray equipment can be exposed to different patients who may or may not have flowing blood, open wounds, or other fluids that can easily be in contact with the x-ray equipment. To avoid any communicable disease, the x-ray technician should use gloves while working.
• In a few instances, it can also be essential to use goggles, a gown or a mask. The x-ray equipment should be sterilized and cleaned after getting images of each patient to eliminate the spread of any disease to the x-ray technician, patients and other healthcare professionals.
• Normally, the x-ray machine is so enormous and needs more care. The machine not only needs movement in its aligning arm, but also the whole machine sometimes. Ergonomic techniques and postures should be utilized while moving the x-ray machine.
• Don’t overextend your body or overreach because this may cause a personal injury.
• Also, realize that several patients can have severe pain and may be active unexpectedly or irrationally. It will be beneficial to always stay vigilant.
Following the above said tips and guidelines can keep the x-ray technician secure for the whole of his/her professional career.


