Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1368676
Executive Briefing: 72 Executive Briefing: Healthcare organizations must adopt a radiation protection culture to protect employees In the United States, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates exposure to radioactive materials and OSHA requires employers to protect workers from ionizing radiation sources that aren't regulated by the NRC or other federal agencies. X-ray equipment, for example, falls under OSHA's jurisdiction. Under OSHA's Ionizing Radiation standard (29 CFR 1910.1096), employers must ensure that occupational dose limits aren't exceeded and must survey radiation hazards to comply with the standards, supply appropriate personal monitoring like dosimeters, post caution signs and labels and provide instruction to personnel and post-operating procedures. "By establishing a radiation protection culture, or RPC, healthcare organizations can promote a better understanding of radiation exposure risks and prevent unnecessary radiation exposure among staff and patients alike," said the Ansell team. The International Commission on Radiological Protection introduced the concept of a radiation protection safety culture in 2016. To cultivate this type of culture, healthcare professionals and staff must adopt a combination of beliefs, practices and rules regarding radiation protection. In most cases, the greatest challenge is improving radiation protection, rather than building a new standard of practice. "A radiation protection culture is driven from the highest levels in the organization and promoted in every unit. It requires continuing education for employees, effective communication among stakeholders at all levels and quality assurance programs," explained the Ansell team. The benefits of an RPC include reduced radiation doses, enhanced radiation risk awareness, fewer unsafe practices and higher-quality radiation protection programs. Innovative PPE is an integral part of a strong radiation protection culture An important component of a radiation protection culture is a commitment to using appropriate PPE, such as lightweight aprons and radiation protection gloves. Dedicated radiation attenuation gloves offset the risk of scattered radiation exposure during fluoroscopy and catheterization labs. "Ansell's radiation attenuation gloves, or RAGs, represent the next generation in this important form of PPE. Unlike lead mittens and lead-lined gloves, Ansell RAGs are made of bismuth oxide and/or tungsten. As a result, healthcare organizations can dispose of them safely and they pose no toxicological or environmental risks," explained the Ansell team. Ansell has developed both latex and latex-free radiation attenuation gloves. These include ENCORE® Latex Radiation Attenuation products and GAMMEX® PI Radiation Attenuation products. Ansell's RAGs offer higher tactile sensitivity than traditional PPE, as well as superior elongation and comfort. The new version of the GAMMEX PI Radiation gloves include the proprietary PI KARE skin- friendly technology which utilizes less accelerators than other competitor offerings to address glove-induced allergy concerns. Ansell's RAGs also attenuate up to 69 percent of scattered radiation without compromising dexterity, which occurring when using more antiquated lead mittens. "PPE plays a central role in a strong radiation protection culture. At Ansell, we're dedicated to delivering optimized solutions that provide a high degree of confidence to clinicians seeking protection with a high level of dexterity, comfort and grip so they can perform at their best. Healthcare workers around the world entrust their hands to ours," said the Ansell team. n Ansell is a global market leader in high-quality solutions for workplace safety. With over 125 years experience of developing innovative technologies that keep you safe, you can rely on our team to help you identify, select and implement the most appropriate solutions for your facility. Every day millions of people around the world depend on Ansell. With Ansell robust offering products, they always know they are protected and can perform safely and effectively. Ansell offers the widest range in surgical and examination glove portfolio ensuring a proper solution is available for your needs. Our category expertise, innovative products, trusted brands and advanced technologies give peace of mind and confidence that no other company can deliver. 1 "Intraoperative Radiation Exposure of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Mismatch Between Concerns and Protection," by Alexander Joeris et al., 2018, Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, Vol. 6(2), p. 273. 2 "Occupational Radiation Exposure From C Arm Fluoroscopy During Common Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures and its Prevention," by A. Mahajan et al., 2015, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, Vol. 9(3), RC01-RC4; and "Radiation Exposure of Patient and Operating Room Personnel by Fluoroscopy and Navigation During Spinal Surgery," G. Bratschitsch et al., 2019, Scientific Reports, Vol. 9, Article number 17652. 3 "Occupational Radiation Exposure From C Arm Fluoroscopy During Common Orthopaedic Surgical Procedures and its Prevention," by A. Mahajan et al., 2015, Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, Vol. 9(3), RC01-RC4. 4 "Fluoroscopic Radiation Exposure: Are We Protecting Ourselves Adequately?" by C. Edward Hoffler, MD, PhD, and Asif M. Ilyas, MD, 2015, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol. 97(9), p. 721-725. 5 "Intraoperative Radiation Exposure of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Mismatch Between Concerns and Protection," by Alexander Joeris et al., 2018, Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs, Vol. 6(2), p. 273.