Safety measures among workers occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in Tanta University Hospitals

Abstract

Background Nowadays, there are wide applications of ionizing radiation in medicine, which can lead to serious health hazards to healthcare workers (HCWs) and nearby environment if safety measures are not properly applied. Aim The aim of the present work was to assess applied safety measures in workplace and the practice of HCWs occupationally exposed to ionizing radiation in Tanta University Hospitals. Patients and methods This study was cross-sectional survey study conducted at Diagnostic Radiology Department (11 units), Radiotherapy Department (two units), and Nuclear Medicine Unit (two units) in Tanta University Hospitals. The study participants were 225 HCWs. The study tools included workplace observation checklist and observational checklist for the practice of HCWs toward safety measures. Results Radiation safety measures were insufficient in 54.4 and 50% of diagnostic radiology units, and radiotherapy units, respectively, but were sufficient in all nuclear medicine units. The majority of HCWs did not wear personal protective clothes and equipment, but they used lead aprons more than any other personal protective clothes and equipment. Conclusion There was an insufficient application of radiation safety measures in the workplace as well as insufficient protective practices by HCWs. Therefore, HCWs are more prone to the hazardous effects of ionizing radiation rendering us recommending an ongoing audit system to ensure that all aspects of safe work (radiation safety standards) are being strictly adhered to and holding more basic and refreshing training courses that are needed to raise staff safety practice and good performance.