Chapter 24: Radionuclide therapy
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Legal and professional issues
Regulations
Radiation regulations are an essential component designed to protect healthcare workers. It is law that all organizations involved in a procedure using ionizing and non‐ionizing radiation must adhere to radiation regulations.
The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) oversees radiation safety. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has statutory responsibility for advising UK government departments as well as other professional groups such as the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM) on radiation protection and regulation.
Box 24.1 describes the legal Acts that all organizations must adhere to when providing diagnostic and therapeutic unsealed and sealed source radioisotopes.
Box 24.1
Legal Acts and guidance governing the use of radioactive materials
The Radioactive Substances Act 1993
Controls the use and disposal of radioactive materials in hospitals and elsewhere, and is enforced by the Environment Agency via a system of licensing and inspection.
Pregnancy and Work in Diagnostic Imaging. Report of a Joint Working Party of the Royal College of Radiologists and British Institute of Radiology, 1992
This report provides a summary of present knowledge on radiation effects in the fetus and recommends the steps to be taken when a member of staff declares she is pregnant.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Provides the umbrella for all safety‐related legislation.
- Regulates safety in the workplace.
- Puts the responsibility for safety on the employer, for example the health authority, trust board or chief executive.
- Enforced by inspectors of the Health and Safety Executive who can prosecute for contravention of regulations and serve improvement and enforcement notices.
- Provides for health and safety representatives.
Ionising Radiations Regulations, SI 3232, 1999
- Regulates all radiation work from dental X‐rays to nuclear power stations.
- Covers dose limitation and management systems for radiation safety including local rules, appointment of advisers and supervisors.
Approved Code of Practice, ‘Work with Ionizing Radiation’, 2000
- ‘Approved’ by the Health and Safety Commission.
- Gives acceptable methods of complying with legal requirements.
- Should be followed unless there is good reason to use alternatives.
Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations, SI 1059, 2000
- Employers are responsible for the radiation safety of patients.
- Staff must be competent and properly trained to undertake their role in any process that exposes patients to radiation.
- Expert advice must be sought from a medical physicist.
- Patient doses must be justifiable.
Medical and Dental Guidance Notes
- A good practice guide on all aspects of ionizing radiation protection in the clinical environment.
- Practical guide to safe practice.
- No legal status.
