Working Alone in MRI?: Policies to Reduce Risk when Working Alone in the MRI Environment

Abstract

Working alone in MRI is an uneasy reality for an MRI technologist. Regardless of geographical location, facility type or size, most technologists will find themselves working alone at some point. As experts in the field, MRI technologists are acutely aware of the inherent MRI safety risks, and recognize the escalation of hazards when working alone. Conscientious technologists seek guidance and search for regulations to circumvent working alone. A review of published MRI safety documents and guidelines offers insights to the risks within the MRI environment that, in combination with careful analysis of the federal and provincial occupational health and safety legislations, can provide corroborative support based on Canadian law that justify the creation of specific strategies and policies to mitigate risk and eliminate working alone.