Category: Radiation Safety

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20 Apr 2022
nurse guiding patient entering mri scanner
ALARA, Health Effects, Radiation Safety, Radiation Shielding, Regulatory Versant Physics 0 comment

The Basics of Radiation Shielding in Medicine

Basic radiation protection guidelines can be summed up in three simple concepts: time, distance, and shielding. While both limiting the time spent and increasing the proximity to an ionizing radiation source is something that lies within the power of the individual, shielding and X-ray room design require careful planning and execution by the facility or Radiation Safety Officer.

What is radiation shielding?

Radiation shielding is simply a barrier placed between a source of radiation and the area or person that needs to be protected. The purpose of radiation shielding is to limit, control, or modify the radiation exposure rate at a set point.

Shielding is based on attenuation or the gradual reduction in the intensity of energy through a specific medium. X-ray radiation that passes through certain materials decrease and are absorbed, thereby reducing the exposure to the other side of the barrier.

Without shielding, the public, radiation workers (including dentists and veterinarians), and even nearby office workers could be exposed to levels of radiation outside regulated exposure limits, which can potentially lead to negative health effects. Although it is impossible to completely avoid exposure to radiation, shielding is a critical consideration in any medical facility that greatly reduces unnecessary exposure.

Shielding Materials

There are several different materials that provide protection from penetrating radiation. Concrete, water, special plastic shields, air stops, and lead are all barriers that stop different types of rays and particles, reducing the overall dose a person receives.

In medical environments, the most common shielding materials used include lead, lead-free shielding, and lead composites.

Lead

Lead is one of the most used and most effective shielding materials. It is a highly dense material with a high atomic number and a high number of electrons which make it ideal for shielding in most medical radiation environments. This is because the type and energy of radiation in a medical environment that passes through lead are absorbed or scattered by the electrons present in the material.

Vet team wearing shielding garments during exam

Lead is also cheap and easy to process. It can be mixed with other materials like glass, or binders like vinyl, which allows it to be used as construction materials in X-ray rooms or worn as shielding garments.

Lead-Free Shielding

Technological advances have allowed for the creation of non-toxic, lead-free shielding materials as well. Other attenuating materials such as antimony (Sb), tungsten (W), and tin (Sn) are used in place of lead and combined with additives and binders to create wearable protective garments or materials. They offer equal protection from scatter radiation.

Lead-free shielding has several benefits, including being both recyclable and non-toxic. Lead-free shielding materials can also be lighter which makes them easier for personnel to wear during longer procedures.  

Lead Composite

Lead composite shielding is a long-lasting mixture of lead and lighter materials that attenuate radiation just as successfully as traditional lead shielding barriers.

Because of lead’s weight, it can be cumbersome to use and wear for long periods of time, limiting the efficacy of a radiation worker. Lead composites solve this problem. They are made with blends of tin, vinyl, and rubber and create a shielding barrier that can be up to 25% lighter than traditional shielding without sacrificing their ability to block penetrating radiation.

Shielding and Scatter Radiation

In some diagnostic X-ray procedures, medical personnel such as operators, radiologists, and technologists are required to remain in the room with the patient. This proximity frequently exposes them to something called scatter radiation or radiation that bounces off a patient’s body during a procedure.

To limit this exposure, some medical personnel are required to wear frontal or full wrap-around style lead aprons, thyroid shields, and lead glasses/gloves. These protective garments can attenuate roughly 93% of photons at typically scattered energies.

Lead apron and thyroid collar on hangar

Shielding Products and Design

There are several different ways radiation shielding can be applied or designed to protect healthcare workers.

Room Shielding

Shielding may be required in the floor, ceiling, doors, or any wall of any X-ray or radioactive material use room.  Shielding is used to protect workers, patients, or the public that may be in the adjacent areas/rooms.

During a room’s construction, special shielding materials are installed where their need has been determined. These materials can include lead-lined windows and doors, lead-lined drywall or plywood, lead sheets for floors and ceilings, pipe shielding, and more.

X-ray room shielding requirements vary from state to state. It is important to consult with a qualified expert familiar with these regulations as well as work with an architect experienced in constructing X-ray suites before building a new room.

Leaded Glass and Curtains

In some cases, it isn’t possible for a facility to build shielding into the physical structure of a building.

Leaded glass barriers are a barrier used by techs and doctors which allow them to safely view a patient during an imaging procedure. This type of glass is ideal for radiation-producing equipment in the 80-300 kV range thanks to its high lead content.

Lead curtains are also used to shield radiation workers, particularly in large animal hospitals or operating rooms. These curtains are leaded rubber or vinyl sheets that are ideal for protection against low-level or secondary radiation. They make for room-saving partitions that can be open or closed as needed and typically offer protection from 0.5mm to 2.00mm lead equivalency.

Mobile Shielding Barriers

In some cases, additional barriers are needed to protect doctors and techs during radiology, nuclear medicine, cath lab, or diagnostic imaging procedure. These barriers are lead-lined partitions on wheels, often with a protected window to allow for patient observation.

Mobile radiation barriers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and lead equivalencies. They are ideal for maintaining flexibility and ease of movement in a procedure room while successfully minimizing the scattered radiation dose to workers in the room.

Versant Physics Shielding Services

Understanding the detailed shielding requirements for your state or facility can be a time-consuming challenge. If executed incorrectly, there can be serious consequences to the health and safety of radiation workers, patients, and building staff as well as potential regulatory compliance fines.

That’s why it is important to have a radiation safety consultant like Versant Physics on your side. Whether you’re constructing a new X-ray room, remodeling or repairing an existing shielding setup, or looking to upgrade your current shielding equipment, our team of expert health and medical physicists can assist.

We provide radiation shielding calculations, evaluation, and design for facilities of all kinds, including hospitals, clinics, dentist offices, chiropractor offices, and veterinary clinics. Our range of expertise includes:

  • Radiography
  • Fluoroscopy
  • Computed Tomography (CT)
  • Nuclear Medicine/PET
  • Mammography
  • Dental/Veterinary X-ray

Not sure what materials or type of shielding is right for your facility? Contact our regulatory experts for a free 30-minute consultation.

25 Feb 2022
Medical equipment. In the room of computed tomography at hospital.
Radiation Medical Event, Radiation Safety, Radiation Safety Officer, Regulatory Versant Physics 0 comment

What are Radiation Medical Events and How to Prevent Them

The use of radiation in medicine via radiology, nuclear medicine, and radiotherapy helps detect and treat a variety of medical conditions in humans. It is a commonly used practice, with over 10 million procedures performed in the United States each year and thousands of lives saved as a result.

When radiation is administered improperly it is classified as a radiation medical event. A radiation medical event can occur when certain forms of radioactive sources are applied differently from what was intended or prescribed.

Although a radiation medical event does not necessarily result in harm to the patient, it does indicate that there is a potential problem in the medical facility’s use of radioactive sources (materials or equipment). An investigation into the event is required as soon as a medical event is suspected, typically by a clinical health physicist, as well as a written report documenting their findings.

What is a Radiation Medical Event?

The NRC defines an incident as a radiation medical event when (10 CFR 35.3045) the administration of byproduct material or radiation from byproduct material for, except permanent implant brachytherapy, results in—

  1. A dose that differs from the prescribed dose or dose that would have resulted from the prescribed dosage by more than 0.05 Sv (5 rem) effective dose equivalent, 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to an organ or tissue, or 0.5 Sv (50 rem) shallow dose equivalent to the skin;
    • The total dose delivered differs from the prescribed dose by 20 percent or more; or
    • The total dosage delivered differs from the prescribed dosage by 20 percent or more or falls outside the prescribed dosage range; or
    • The fractionated dose delivered differs from the prescribed dose for a single fraction, by 50 percent or more.
  2. A dose that exceeds 0.05 Sv (5 rem) effective dose equivalent, 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to an organ or tissue, or 0.5 Sv (50 rem) shallow dose equivalent to the skin from any of the following—
    • An administration of a wrong radioactive drug containing byproduct material or the wrong radionuclide for a brachytherapy procedure;
    • An administration of a radioactive drug containing byproduct material by the wrong route of administration;
    •  An administration of a dose or dosage to the wrong individual or human research subject;
    • An administration of a dose or dosage delivered by the wrong mode of treatment; or
    • A leaking sealed source.
  3. A dose to the skin or an organ or tissue other than the treatment site that exceeds by:
    • 0.5 Sv (50 rem) or more the expected dose to that site from the procedure if the administration had been given in accordance with the written directive prepared or revised before administration; and
    • 50 percent or more the expected dose to that site from the procedure if the administration had been given in accordance with the written directive prepared or revised before administration.
  4. For permanent implant brachytherapy, the administration of byproduct material or radiation from byproduct material (excluding sources that were implanted in the correct site but migrated outside the treatment site) that results in—
    • The total source strength administered differing by 20 percent or more from the total source strength documented in the post-implantation portion of the written directive;
    • The total source strength administered outside of the treatment site exceeding 20 percent of the total source strength documented in the post-implantation portion of the written directive; or
    • An administration that includes any of the following:
      1. The wrong radionuclide;
      2. The wrong individual or human research subject;
      3. Sealed source(s) implanted directly into a location discontiguous from the treatment site, as documented in the post-implantation portion of the written directive; or
      4. A leaking sealed source resulting in a dose that exceeds 0.5 Sv (50 rem) to an organ or tissue.
  5. Intervention of a patient or human research subject in which the administration of byproduct material or radiation from byproduct material results or will result in unintended permanent functional damage to an organ or a physiological system, as determined by a physician.

Radiation Medical Event Reports

Any of these medical events must be reported by telephone to the appropriate regulatory agency (i.e., Nuclear Regulatory Commission or Agreement State agency) no later than the next calendar day after discovery. A detailed written report, as described in 10 CFR 35.3045, must be submitted within 15 days after the discovery of the event. Such reports do not include information that could identify the affected patient as these reports are made available to the public.

medical event report

While medical events are accidental, it should be noted that a radiation medical event and a radiation accident are not the same things. Radiation accidents are defined as an event that “has led to significant consequences to people, the environment, or the facility,” such as a nuclear reactor core melt.

The purpose of medical event reporting is to initiate a process that will: (i) determine the root cause(s) and contributing cause(s); (ii) implement immediate corrective actions as may be necessary; (iii) identify preventative actions necessary to prevent a reoccurrence, and (iv) ensure appropriate notification of the patient and referring physician has occurred.  Additionally, the event may trigger the regulatory agency to alert other licensees to a potential problem that should be addressed.   

A medical event may indicate that there are problems within a facility that needs to be addressed. Communication problems, improper labeling, lack of training, and basic human error are all possible explanations.

An investigation into the technical aspects of the procedure, overall quality assurance practices (i.e., audits), and treatment delivery are required. A physician may also need to provide a separate analysis of potential injury or inadequate treatment to determine if any harm came to the patient because of the medical event.

Other medical event reports include:

  1. Report and notification of a dose to an embryo/fetus or a nursing child (10 CFR 35.3047) This includes an unintended dose to an embryo/fetus or a nursing child greater than 5 rem resulting from administration of a byproduct material to the mother/breast feeding individual. No report is required if the dose to the embryo/fetus was approved by the authorized user; or
  2. Report of a leaking sealed source (10 CFR 35.3067). The written report should include the model number, serial number, the radionuclide and its estimated activity, the date and results of the leak test, and the action taken.

How Are Patients Notified of a Medical Event?

NRC regulations state that it is the licensee’s responsibility to notify the exposed individual and their referring physician of the medical event within 24 hours of its discovery. If the notice is made verbally, the patient can request a written notification as well as access to the full report.

Severe events are rare, and harm is unlikely to befall a patient involved with a radiation medical event. However, it is important that the individual receive the appropriate medical care as soon as possible if needed.

Radiation Medical Events Can Be Prevented

With proper continuing education training, regular machine and technology upkeep, a working standard operating procedure, and efficient reporting systems, radiation medical events can be prevented.

It also helps to have a third-party consultant who can identify potential problems in your radiation safety program.

The team at Versant Physics is trained and equipped to help radiology departments and medical facilities prevent radiation medical events. Our board-certified medical and health physicists can help by performing acceptance testing of radiation-producing machines, conducting regulatory compliance audits, performing shielding evaluation and design calculations, and leading training opportunities.

Contact our regulatory team to discuss your radiation safety program needs.

Further Reading:

07 Feb 2022
Dosimetry, Instadose+, Personnel Dosimetry, Radiation Safety, Regulatory Versant Physics 0 comment

How to Increase Dosimetry Compliance Rates with Versant Physics Proven Management Process 

One of the many responsibilities of a Radiation Safety Officer is to manage their facility’s personnel dosimetry program and monitor the exposures of the radiation workers employed there. This may seem like a simple task; however, it can be a challenge to get workers to wear and exchange/read their dosimeters in accordance with state and federal regulations. This leads many RSOs to wonder if it is possible to improve dosimetry compliance rates, particularly in large programs that have hundreds of occupationally exposed individuals to monitor. 

With the right dosimeter and the right management process, improving dosimetry compliance rates is very possible, regardless of the size of your dosimetry program.

Below we explain the common problems associated with traditional methods of personnel dosimetry program management, as well as offer a solution for improving your dosimetry compliance rates without increasing costs or workload for your staff.

The Problem with Traditional Methods of Dosimetry Management

Dosimetry is one of the key elements of a radiation safety program, but it can also be one of the biggest headaches for Radiation Safety Officers and Environmental, Health, and Safety managers. There are several problems with traditional methods of dosimetry management that managers often encounter, including:

  • A time-consuming badge collection and redistribution process
  • High costs of running a badge monitoring program
  • Time between when an exposure or anomaly is received and when an individual is made aware of the exposure
  • Keeping track of historical dose reads and measurements
  • Efficient communication with wearers regarding read reminders, exceeding dose limits, and more

These problems can make an RSO feel as though they’re herding cats at worst and like they’re constantly one step behind at best. Juggling these many tasks within just one aspect of a radiation safety program, along with a variety of other responsibilities, it’s not hard to see why dosimetry compliance rates can be rather low.  

Versant Physics Personnel Dosimetry Management

Versant Physics manages personnel dosimetry programs a bit differently. In addition to using top-of-the-line electronic dosimeters that utilize the latest monitoring technology, our team of badge specialists and physicists combines customer service, technical support, and quality administration tactics to manage everything your program needs to run successfully. From ordering new badges to ensuring wearers read their badges promptly, our team’s management process is proven and effective.

Versant Physics also utilizes their proprietary radiation safety software Odyssey to manage the personnel dosimetry programs of their clients.

Personnel Dosimetry Management Module

Odyssey is a cloud-based software that features an entire module devoted to personnel dosimetry management. The module includes useful tools like a query builder for compiling data records and a Form Generator for easy management of Form-5s. The module also features a series of customizable widgets that allow users to visualize pre-set metrics in their program, including a User Watch List for wearers likely to exceed internal or annual dose limits, Read Activity, and Badges Communicated.

Instadose+ by Mirion Technologies

Personnel dosimetry programs managed by Versant Physics also utilize the Instadose+ dosimeter. These small, lightweight badges combine Bluetooth technology, Direct Ion Storage (DIS), and SmartMonitoring to wirelessly and remotely transmit radiation dose data. Mobile devices, such as a smartphone or tablet, as well as PCs or hotspot stations, assist with this process.

Instadose+ Dosimeter

Each dosimeter has a built-in memory chip with a unique serial code that is assigned to the specific wearer. The badges are assigned long-term, meaning they do not need to be sent in for processing at the end of a monitoring period. Instead, wearers are responsible for reading their badges per the monitoring period set up by their radiation safety program.

Reading the badge is easy and takes less than a minute to complete from start to finish. Wearers typically read their badge by opening the Instadose+ app on their mobile device and holding down the button on the back of the dosimeter for 5 seconds, or until the light on the top of the badge turns green. Readings are then stored within their secure account.

The Instadose+ allows for unlimited, on-demand dose reads, so wearers can complete this process as often as they desire. Not only is this useful from a dose history standpoint, but it also gives wearers the power to view their current and historical dose reads from their online account anytime they want. If they have a question or a concern, the answers are already at their fingertips.

Overall, the Instadose+ simplifies dose reads and makes them more accessible to the individual worker and radiation safety officer. This allows for improved dosimetry compliance across the board.

Its user-friendly read process, historical dose transparency, and accurate, reliable readings are some of the reasons why it is a key player in Versant Physics’ badge management process.  

Badge Administration

Our experienced technical support specialists are equipped to handle the entire badge management process. This includes ordering badges from the manufacturer to removing wearers from the program. They also handle:

  • Remote and/or in-person badge training
  • Initialization of badges
  • Vendor credentialing and attestation
  • On-site event support

Compliance Administration

Versant Physics assigns a physicist to each client to help drive program compliance. The physicist works with the program RSO to develop an effective plan for making sure wearers read their badges. In the event there is no program RSO, Versant Physics’ physicists can serve as in-house RSOs as well.

Together with the badge team, they are also responsible for: 

  • Regular communication with wearers (weekly, monthly, or quarterly)
  • Read-day reminders
  • Non-communicated follow-up reminders
  • Comprehensive monthly compliance reports
  • Dose monitoring
  • High dose alerts
  • Dose discussions with RSOs/workers

Consistent communication with wearers is a necessary part of improving overall dosimetry compliance rates. Depending on the monitoring period set by the program RSO, Versant Physics sends out scheduled read-day reminder emails. They also send follow-up emails to those that have not read their badge.

Furthermore, RSOs and program leadership are always kept in the loop as to where their program currently stands. This is done through the use of a comprehensive monthly report.

Versant Physics monthly report displays badges that have not submitted a reading during the monitoring period. It also lists duplicate badges, lost and defective badges, as well as any new badges that were assigned in that month. The report provides status updates on mid-month follow-up with wearers, an active wearer list organized by location, and high dose reports as well.

This report paints a clear picture of program compliance month over month and helps pinpoint areas of concern. It also addresses program elements that could be improved upon in the following months.

Customer Service and Technical Support

When issues arise or wearers experience problems with their badges, Versant Physics’ team of technical support specialists are trained and ready to handle them promptly. They will help with:

  • Badge troubleshooting
  • Issuing replacement badges
  • Phone and email support

Additionally, wearers have access to the Versant Physics support desk, where they can submit questions or concerns with their badges 24/7. All requests submitted by wearers and program personnel receive a response within 24-hours.

A Note on Radiation Dose Limits

Versant Physics clients can set their own dose limits for their employees (within the regulatory limits) depending on what works best for their program.

For example, some clients prefer to set specific limits for single doses. Others have more lenient thresholds that are measured quarterly. Whatever your program’s monitoring preferences are, Versant Physics is prepared to help you implement and manage them.

The Takeaway

Versant Physics badge specialists, physicists, and technical support teams provide efficient badge management catered to the needs of your program. With the help of the Instadose+ dosimeter, Odyssey radiation safety software, and years of experience managing dosimetry programs of all sizes, we can work with you to help improve dosimetry compliance rates in your program.

Contact our team to learn more about our badge management process and pricing.

18 Jan 2022
laser safety
Laser Safety, Non-ionizing radiation, Odyssey Software Versant Physics 0 comment

Why We Need Laser Safety Officers

The role of the Laser Safety Officer (or LSO) is a key element to a successful laser safety program.

But what is it that they do? Why are they an important part of a successful workplace safety program? And just what does this all have to do with radiation?

Let’s begin by defining what a laser is and how it works, along with some common applications for lasers.

What is a laser?

Laser is an acronym that stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The device, which emits a narrow beam of light, is made of a sealed tube with the laser medium inside of it. A pair of mirrors sit at either end of the sealed tube, and both reflect and transmit light in the form of the laser beam.

Laser in Use Sign

Energy applied to the laser medium excites and releases energy as particles of light. This light is a specific wavelength and singular color. Most importantly, laser light is coherent, which means all of the photons are in phase with one another. This allows laser light beams to be tightly focused to a tiny spot, and to stay very narrow over long distances.

Chances are, you’ve encountered lasers in your day-to-day life. In addition to their prevalence in science fiction stories and films, they are common in products like Blu-ray and DVD players, bar code scanners, at concerts or laser light shows, and as presentation tools.

Lasers are also frequently used for scientific and research purposes, in cosmetic procedures (tattoo removal, hair removal), LASIK eye surgery, construction, and material processing including engraving, drilling, and cutting. Lasers emit radiation in the form of light particles called photons, which are generally within or near the visible spectrum. Generally speaking, the frequencies of photons emitted by lasers are not harmful and do not behave like ionizing radiation or microwaves.

Hazards and Risks Associated with Lasers

Although lasers are not considered hazardous in the same way that ionizing radiation or radioactive substances like radium are, they can pose certain risks to humans when they are viewed or operated incorrectly. The coherence of the beam makes the light emitted by a laser much more intense than that of other light sources, so exposure to laser light can cause injury to the eye or skin.

Laser effects on the eye

When unprotected, the eye can be permanently damaged from direct or reflected laser beams. The type of damage depends on the wavelength of the laser beam. The retina, cornea, and lens are areas that typically receive the most severe damage.

Structures of the human eye

Laser beams in the visible to near-infrared spectrum (400-1400 nanometer) travel through the cornea and lens and can damage the retina. The highly concentrated, narrow beam of light is further focused by the lens and cornea, amplifying the intensity of the beam by a factor of approximately 100,000. This often results in thermal burns to retinal tissue structures which cannot be repaired, resulting in permanent effects such as vision loss.

Ultraviolet (100-400 nm) or far-infrared (1400-10,600 nm) laser light emissions are damaging to the cornea of the eye. The lens of the eye is damaged by radiation produced by near-ultraviolet (315-400 nm) light.

Protective eyewear designed for the wavelength and classification of the laser should be worn to protect against accidental injury from a laser. The LSO will identify the appropriate equipment for users and enforce its use.

Laser effects on the skin

Although not typically as serious as the effects on the eye, lasers can create thermal burns, blisters, and tissue damage to directly exposed skin. Exposure and severity depend on the laser wavelength, power (or wattage) of the laser beam, duration of exposure, and size of the irradiated area.

Most often, this tissue damage is temporary with varying degrees of painfulness, similar to a sunburn. There is a chance these burns can create scars or hyperpigmentation at the injury site. However, under certain levels, the heat from the laser beam can be felt on the skin before any serious damage can occur.

UV lasers introduce the risk of sunburn (erythema), skin cancer, and skin aging. UV-B lights are the most dangerous, in the 280-315 nm range.

What is a Laser Safety Officer?

Let’s start by breaking down what a laser safety officer is and the role they play in radiation safety or EHS program.

Regulatory bodies including the Laser Institute of America and the International Electrotechnical Commission have created laser safety standards that dictate the need for a Laser Safety Officer.

According to the ANSI Z136 standards published by the Laser Institute of America, the Laser Safety Officer is responsible for managing an organization’s laser safety program in university, government, or business institutions. They monitor and enforce control over laser hazards in work environments like research labs, mobile events, surgical centers, and more.

General Responsibilities

Like a radiation safety officer, the LSO is a record keeper, a training resource, a rule enforcer, and a safety guru. They are generally responsible for:

  • Establishing the organization’s laser safety program
  • Classifying the lasers in a facility
  • Creating and approving standard operating procedures
  • Enforcing the use of proper laser protection equipment and signage  
  • Laser safety training
  • Performing laser safety audits and inspections
  • Logging and investigating accidents associated with lasers in the workplace
  • Stopping laser operation if necessary

Extensive record-keeping and documentation are necessary to make these responsibilities possible.

Classifications of Lasers

As mentioned above, a Laser Safety Officer is responsible for identifying and classifying the types of lasers in their facility. These classifications are based on the power level of the beam and the hazard they present to the user:

  • Class I: These lasers do not emit laser radiation at known hazard levels. The hazard increases if they are viewed with optical aids such as magnifiers or telescopes. Direct eye exposure should be avoided.
  • Class IA: This type of laser applies to lasers that are not intended for viewing, such as the laser used to scan groceries. The hazard increases if viewed directly for long periods of time. Direct eye exposure should be avoided.
  • Class II: Low-power visible lasers that emit higher levels than Class I lasers but to do not exceed 1mW. Direct eye exposure should be avoided.
  • Class IIIA: Lasers with intermediate power (1-5mW) such as laser pointers used in presentations. These lasers can be momentarily hazardous if viewed directly.
  • Class IIIB: Lasers with moderate power, including laser light show projectors, research lasers, or industrial lasers. Immediate skin and eye hazards can occur when interacted with directly.
  • Class IV: High-powered lasers which are hazardous to view under any condition, such as lasers used to perform LASIK eye surgery. They are a potential skin and fire hazard. Facilities which house Class IV lasers are under strict controls and regulations.

Any facility using a Class IIIB or Class IV laser or laser system is required to designate a Laser Safety Officer to oversee the safety of all operations.

Using Software to Manage a Laser Safety Program

Odyssey, Versant Physics’ cloud-based software suite, has applications in EHS, radiation safety, and laser safety. There are several Odyssey modules that benefit Laser Safety Officers specifically and can help them manage their day-to-day responsibilities.

Incident Management

A vital role of the LSO is tracking and reporting hazards, accidents, and workplace safety incidents involving lasers. The Incident Management module makes tracking and analysis of incidents simple. It helps LSOs correct problems quickly and prevent future incidents relating to personnel or workplace safety events.

The module also allows for efficient follow-up with open cases, analyzes trends in logged incidents, which makes it easier to create a safe, compliant workplace.

Machine & Equipment Management

A machine profile in Odyssey
A machine profile in Odyssey’s Machine Management module

The machine and equipment management modules help LSOs store and track information regarding lasers, PPE, and more. Each machine or piece of equipment has its own profile which includes information like serial number, responsible owner, location, permit, and relevant documents like audits and registration certificates.

Reporting

To help with inventory holdings and incident management, Odyssey features a reporting module. LSOs can generate customizable reports from data within Odyssey, email them to Odyssey and non-Odyssey users from within the software, and create automated reports that can be sent out to specified users on a regular basis.

Permits

Individual permits for personnel, equipment, and other inventory in a laser safety program can be created and managed within Odyssey. The permits module allows LSOs to create authorized conditions on each issued permit and enforce them. It is also a great tool for record-keeping.

Learn more about Odyssey radiation safety software here.

Conclusion

Laser Safety Officers ensure the safe use of lasers in both medical and non-medical situations. They are necessary to maintain an efficient, well-managed laser safety program, which ultimately keeps operators and the public safe.

05 Jan 2022
Consumer Products, Health Effects, Non-ionizing radiation, NORM Versant Physics 0 comment

Top 3 Consumer Products that Contain Radioactive Materials

Radioactive materials are present in our natural environment and in man-made products we use every day. Such consumer products are defined as “a device or manufactured item into which radionuclides have deliberately been incorporated or produced by activation, or which generates ionizing radiation, and which can be sold or made available to members of the public without special surveillance or regulatory control after sale.”

Many devices that use WiFi or Bluetooth technology or connect to cell phone towers emit radio waves, also known as electromagnetic radiation (EMF).

This may concern consumers who are worried about the negative health effects associated with “radioactive materials” and “radiation.” However, in most cases, these materials we interact with are safe and pose no danger to our health.

Below we guide you through three common consumer products the average person uses or engages with regularly, discuss how the radioactive materials they contain work, and determine the health risk they pose to you and your family.

Cell Phones

Cell phones have become an integral part of daily modern life. We depend on them for communication, connection, and as a source of entertainment. However, their permanent presence and increased usage have raised concerns over the years that cell phones can cause negative health effects to humans, including brain tumors and hearing loss.

pile of cell phones

Do cell phones emit radiation?

Cell phones are not consumer products that contain radioactive materials. However, they communicate by transmitting EMF, a type of non-ionizing radiation at the low-energy end of the electromagnetic spectrum in the 100kHz to 300GHz frequency range.

RFs are widely used in communication technologies such as cell phones, Wi-Fi, radio, and TV. They are also found in MRI equipment, from natural sources like outer space, and in the microwave oven sitting on your kitchen counter.

Are there health risks?

Decades of research on RF radiation have concluded that exposure to this frequency has minimal health effects. Due to their frequency, RF radiation can be absorbed by the human body. In large amounts, this can produce heat, which has the potential to cause burns or tissue damage.

Numerous short-term studies have taken place on the link between cancer rates and cell phone usage. Small, individual studies have found slight associations between cell phones and cancer of the salivary glands, as well as a possible increase in the risk of gliomas. In 2011, the International Agency for Research on Cancer evaluated these studies and concluded that there is limited or inadequate evidence of carcinogenicity. Longer-term studies may need to be conducted to accurately determine the level of cancer risk associated with cell phones.

Those uncomfortable with incurring any level of risk can take steps to limit their cell phone usage by purchasing a hands-free headset or utilizing the speakerphone function when making calls.

Smoke Detectors

Most smoke detectors in the United States are ionization smoke alarms, which contain a small amount of the man-made radioactive element called americium-241.

how smoke alarms work

Why is radioactive material present?

Ionization smoke alarms are more responsive to flaming fires. The radioactive material present in the smoke alarm rests between two electrically charged plates which ionize the air and causes a current between them. Smoke entering the chamber disrupts the flow of ions, reducing the current and thereby activating the alarm.

Are there health risks?

Smoke detectors pose little to no health risk to human beings. The amount of americium-241 present is minimal, wrapped in gold foil, and shielded by the plastic case and stainless steel. These protective measures prevent easy tampering rather than limiting radiation exposure. However, there is no risk of significant exposure as long as these sources are contained in the detector housing.

Granite Countertops

Like many natural materials found on Earth, granite, a type of durable stone used in construction and home décor, contains small amounts of radioactivity.

Granite is a consumer product that contains a small amount of natural radioactive material.

Does granite emit radiation?

Trace elements of uranium, thorium, and radium can show up in slabs of granite. When these elements are present, they decay into radon. According to the EPA, radon released from granite materials can be released over the lifetime of its use but is typically diluted by ventilation.

Are there health risks?

It is extremely unlikely that the radiation emitted from granite countertops in your home would increase radiation doses above normal background levels. The radon released from granite is a significantly lower concern when compared with radon which originates in the soil and can build up inside the home. This type of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States and should be tested for on a regular basis.

Conclusion: Are Consumer Products That Contain Radioactive Materials or Emit Radition Unsafe?

It is true that some common consumer products contain trace amounts of naturally occurring radioactive materials or emit non-ionizing radiation. However, this does not mean they are dangerous or pose a health risk to humans. In fact, in products like ionizing smoke detectors, the presence of radioactive material is crucial for keeping humans safe.

Further Reading:

Radiation Safety for Consumer Products, Specific Safety Guide No. SSG-36

23 Dec 2021
Odyssey software Forms Module
Odyssey Software, Radiation Safety Versant Physics 0 comment

Odyssey “How To” Series: Forms Module

Join us for week 12 of our Odyssey How-To series with Odyssey Implementation Analyst Katelyn Waters. This week, we take a look at the recently updated Forms module and answer some of your frequently asked questions.

Odyssey is a radiation safety software suite designed to help RSOs, EHS managers, and Radiation Safety Specialists manage affordable and efficient programs.

KB 00:11: Welcome to Part 12 of our 12-week How-to series highlighting Odyssey Radiation Safety Software. Today we’re back with Odyssey Implementation Analyst Katelyn Waters to talk about the Forms module. We’ll be addressing some frequently asked questions we get about the module’s functionality. Katelyn, I understand that the Forms module was recently updated. Can you tell us a little bit about that before we jump into the FAQs?

Katelyn 00:33: Absolutely, KB. The Forms module is in the upper left-hand corner here, and it is 1 of the 12 modules of Odyssey, which is a radiation software suite. It provides tools to build electronic forms. The advantage to using the Forms module instead of some of the alternatives like a PDF, word document, or paper form, is that when you’re filling out a form within this module of Odyssey, it can actually populate fields on the form with existing data that’s already in the software. For example, if you’re filling out a machine survey form and select one of the machines that was surveyed, you can automatically have information such as the machine’s serial number or the site of that machine added to the form.

I’m going to go ahead and navigate in and we can take a look at that before we get to some of your questions, KB. Once I do select that Forms module we have four main sections, which are Data Entry, Form Builder, Analysis, and PDF Templates. The Form Builder section is where administrators can come and create forms initially. Data Entry is where you fill out existing forms. They can also be linked to other modules of Odyssey to quickly access them so you don’t have to necessarily come to that section. Analysis has tools to compare multiple different responses to the same form over time, so you can analyze trends that are occurring, and PDF templates are used to format the header and footer of those forms once you convert those to PDFs.

I’m going to probably focus on Form Builder and Data Entry today as these are the most frequently used sections. If I go into Form Builder, this is the initial screen that we see. We did recently update this module, as we talked about at the beginning here. The insert tab will allow us to add a variety of things to one of our forms. I can start with the heading, which will help me organize these other question elements that I can add to my form. And I’ll add a couple of examples so you can see what these look like here. While I’m in Form Builder, as an administrator, I have a variety of different tools that aren’t available in that Data Entry section where you fill out the form. I can change what these say, as well as my questions. For something like this here, which is what we call a radio question, I can also change the options that they can select from. This is a date question, so the user filling it out as we’ll see in a little bit here, can select a date from this date picker. And this is what we call a user question, where you can have a drop-down list of users from the account.

So that’s just a few items of different form elements that we’ve added here so you can see what that looks like. But if we wanted to take a look at a completed example, we can do so in Data Entry.

Selecting New I can fill out any of the existing forms we have. We have two example forms on this Demo Account, an audit checklist, and a Machine Survey Form. I’ll go ahead and select the latter. And on this form, we can see there’s definitely a cleaner formatting for someone visually to actually fill out this form. A lot of the question IDs we saw at the top of each question element, as well as some of the features, are not available here for them to edit the questions as we want this to remain a static form so you can compare it over time. I can come through and select different options as my answers, here’s that date picker I was talking about, user questions, you can have just text fields so they can enter letters or numbers there, or you can limit them to one or the other.

And the true strength of this form lies within these questions here which are going to pull data from the other modules of Odyssey, like I mentioned. This is a drop-down menu of all of the machines that are in the Machine Management module, and when I select one of those I can have it automatically populate other fields like the Serial Number here.

Same thing with Equipment Catalog. If I want to choose the instrument that was used for the survey I can. Also another example of the serial number, but there’s a lot of other data besides that particular field that you can fill out in that manner. We also have images and the ability to edit those. These at the top are Canvas tools from the Canvas module where you can come in and do some simple image markups to this while you’re actually filling out the form. This form also has a table, as well as a place for a signature at the bottom for this example.

KB 05:30: That looks great. The module has really improved visually, and I like all the options for what you can actually include on a form. Speaking of that, what are the more common forms that you see created in the module?

Katelyn 05:42: I’d say the most common use cases we’ve seen so far are for area surveys because you can upload a floor plan like this example stock image here that you can actually edit and markup with your different survey points that you were surveying at throughout the survey. We also have the ability to do inspections and audit checklists which we see frequently done, as well as machine surveys like this example form that we’re looking at. In addition to those, the module is pretty flexible, you can recreate most of your needed forms here.

KB 06:15: One of the questions we get since we market the software as mobile-friendly is if forms can be filled out on a mobile device, like a phone or tablet. Is this possible?

Katelyn 06:27: Absolutely. So that’s one of the biggest strengths of this module. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access these forms to be filled out on your mobile device. They can even be accessed on a screen as small as your phone, which I have used before myself, and they are still definitely usable there. Although I highly recommend using a tablet because you still get that portability along with a larger screen size. We see a lot of our clients filling out forms while they are out in the field with tablets. They might be doing a survey, audit, or inspection like I mentioned, and then you can immediately get that information electronically instead of going back to the office and doing it afterward or having a paper copy that you took with you.

And in addition, it’s really nice if you have a tablet pen as well because for these images down here where you want to do markups–I’m on my desktop right now, I can just use my mouse, right–but when you’re out in the field it’s nice to have a tablet so you can mark up the images.

KB 07:25: I can definitely see how that would be more efficient than doing it on the desktop when you’re out walking around in the field. Once the forms are filled out, I noticed the save button at the top of the page. How are the completed forms accessed?

Katelyn 07:38: Good question. Once you save these forms, they can still be accessed here in the Data Entry section of Forms. However, they can also be linked to other areas of Odyssey. One of the most commonly used areas to link these forms is on Lab Profiles. If you have a lab survey that you’re routinely doing, you could have a saved template in the Form Builder section there, and you can just click on that to fill into ut each time you need to do a lab survey. So then you’ll have that whole survey history in one place on those profiles.

KB 08:10: Great! And that wraps up our list of frequently asked questions for the Forms module. Thank you Katelyn, for walking through the module with me and clarifying how users can use it to create and fill out forms that are usable in their Radiation Safety program.

Schedule an in-depth demo with our Odyssey team to discuss how the software can assist you with your radiation safety management needs.

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