7 Common Radiation Protection Mistakes That May Increase Dose

Radiation protection is not only about having an authorization, a dosimeter, or a lead apron. In daily work, dose can be influenced by apparently simple actions: where the operator stands, how the dosimeter is worn, how much time is spent near the source, the distance from the patient, and how procedures are applied.

The basic principles of radiation protection are time, distance, and shielding: reducing time spent in a radiation field, increasing distance from the source, and using an appropriate barrier between the person and the source.

In Romania, diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology practices are covered by the radiation safety regulations approved by CNCAN Order No. 186/2022, which address radiation safety, activity organization, worker protection, quality control, and applicable documentation.

Below are some of the most common mistakes encountered in practice.

1. The dosimeter is worn incorrectly

A personal dosimeter is used to estimate the occupational exposure of the monitored worker. For the result to be meaningful, it must be worn according to the instructions provided and in the position established for the type of activity.

Common problems occur when:

• the dosimeter is left in a drawer;
• the dosimeter is forgotten in the exposure room;
• it is worn only occasionally;
• it is worn by another person;
• it is stored near radiation sources;
• it is worn in a different position than required;
• it is not returned on time for reading.

A dosimeter cannot correctly reflect occupational exposure if it is not worn correctly. An unusual value may result not only from a real exposure, but also from incorrect use or storage.

2. The dosimeter is shared between colleagues

A dosimeter is personal. It is assigned to one individual and linked to that person’s dosimetric history.

Sharing dosimeters between colleagues is a serious mistake because it affects exposure traceability. If a dosimeter is worn by someone else, the result can no longer be correctly interpreted for the worker to whom it was assigned.

This situation may create problems for both the worker and the employer:

• the dosimetric history becomes inaccurate;
• a high value may be assigned to the wrong person;
• investigation of an unusual dose becomes difficult;
• records no longer reflect reality;
• questions may arise during an inspection.

The rule is simple: each monitored worker must wear their own dosimeter according to the instructions received.

3. Attention decreases just because a lead apron is available

A lead apron is an important protective device, but it should not be seen as a solution that eliminates every risk.

Proper radiation protection is based on a combination of measures:

• justification of the procedure;
• optimization of exposure;
• reducing time spent in the exposure area;
• increasing distance from the source;
• using appropriate shielding;
• correct positioning of staff;
• using suitable protective equipment;
• following working procedures.

A lead apron should not replace distance, correct positioning, or proper organization of work. In many situations, a simple change in position or increasing the distance from the source can significantly reduce exposure.

For X-rays and gamma radiation, dose decreases as distance from the source increases, and the inverse square relationship is a principle used in radiation protection.

4. Staff remain too close to the source or patient without a clear reason

In many activities, especially interventional radiology, veterinary radiology, dental radiology, and mobile procedures, staff positioning affects exposure.

A common mistake is unnecessary presence near the patient, near the X-ray tube, or close to areas where scattered radiation may be higher.

This may happen when:

• staff remain in the room even when not required;
• the maximum possible distance is not used;
• the operator does not stand in the protected area;
• work is performed out of habit rather than according to a clear procedure;
• available mobile shields or barriers are not used;
• procedures are performed in a hurry.

In radiation protection, distance is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce exposure. It costs nothing, but it must be applied consciously.

5. Procedures are known in theory but not applied in practice

Many facilities have written procedures, but problems arise when these procedures are not applied in daily work.

Common examples include:

• dosimeters are not stored in the designated location;
• staff do not know what to do in case of an incident;
• protective equipment is not used consistently;
• warning signs are ignored;
• access to controlled areas is not clearly managed;
• working steps described in procedures are not followed;
• training is performed only formally.

A procedure has value only if it is understood and applied. During an inspection, the difference between documentation and actual practice may become immediately visible.

6. Protective equipment is not checked or stored correctly

Radiation protection equipment must be kept in good condition and used correctly.

Common mistakes include:

• folded lead aprons;
• thyroid collars thrown into drawers;
• damaged protective eyewear;
• equipment without clear records;
• protective equipment not checked periodically;
• no responsible person for inventory;
• equipment that is unsuitable for the type of activity.

A protective apron should not be treated as a simple clothing item. If it is stored incorrectly or damaged, the protection it provides may be affected.

7. Dosimetric results are not reviewed

Dosimetric monitoring does not end when the dosimetric report is received. Results must be reviewed, archived, and correlated with the work performed.

Problems arise when:

• reports are simply saved in a folder;
• unusual values are not investigated;
• staff are not informed;
• results are not compared with previous history;
• no one checks whether the dosimeter was worn correctly;
• conclusions are not documented;
• no action is taken when repeated elevated values appear.

A dosimetric value should not be interpreted in isolation. It must be analyzed together with the worker’s activity, how the dosimeter was worn, the monitoring period, and any unusual situations.

Why do these mistakes occur?

In most cases, mistakes do not occur because of bad intentions. They occur because of:

• lack of practical training;
• routine;
• haste;
• insufficient communication;
• overly general procedures;
• absence of someone monitoring the application of rules;
• limited understanding of the actual risk;
• the belief that “we have always done it this way and nothing happened.”

Effective radiation protection should not frighten personnel. It should help them work correctly and safely.

How can these mistakes be prevented?

Prevention begins with proper organization.

A facility working with ionizing radiation should have:

• clear and applicable procedures;
• real periodic training;
• well-defined responsibilities;
• organized dosimetric monitoring;
• appropriate protective equipment;
• updated records;
• technical checks performed on time;
• periodic review of dosimetric values;
• communication between staff, the RPO, and management;
• technical support whenever changes or uncertainties arise.

Radiation protection should be seen as a continuous process, not something prepared only before an inspection.

How can Q RAD Laboratory help?

Q RAD Laboratory supports organizations carrying out activities involving ionizing radiation through integrated radiation protection, dosimetric monitoring, and technical support services.

We can help with:

• organizing dosimetric monitoring;
• establishing the required types of dosimeters;
• checking how dosimeters are worn and stored;
• staff training;
• identifying common mistakes in daily activity;
• reviewing radiation protection documentation;
• preparing for CNCAN inspections;
• supplying radiation protection equipment;
• cooperating with authorized experts and partners for the required checks;
• supporting continuous compliance.

Through our own resources and authorized strategic partners, Q RAD can become a single point of contact for organizations that want to manage radiation protection correctly and efficiently.

Conclusion

The most common radiation protection mistakes are not always obvious. Sometimes they involve an incorrectly worn dosimeter, standing too close to the source, improperly stored protective equipment, or a procedure that exists only on paper.

Good radiation protection is built through discipline, training, monitoring, and consistent application of the basic principles: time, distance, and shielding.

Q RAD Laboratory can support your organization in identifying these issues and implementing practical solutions for safer and better-organized activity.

This article provides general information. Exact requirements depend on the type of practice, installations used, authorization conditions, and applicable regulations.