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Using a Badge for X-ray Radiation in the Philippines
Protect yourself, the people around you, and the entire facility with the use of a badge for X-ray radiation
In the Philippines, facilities handling radiation-emitting devices such as x-ray machines are required to measure occupational radiation exposure using any setting-appropriate device. One such device is the personnel badge for X-ray radiation that is if the environment depends on X-rays.
Also called radiation dosimeter, there are various types of radiation badges in the market today. The badge type that an individual needs to wear depends upon the type of work that the person does and his/her work environment.
Badge for X-ray radiation
The different types of badges are TLD (thermoluminescent dosimeter), film and OSL (optically stimulated luminescence) badge. For radiology workers constantly exposed to X-ray machines (diffraction equipment, fluorescence equipment, and cabinet systems), the whole body radiation badge is advisable.
The badge must be worn at all times when working with X-ray equipment. However, you should not wear the badge for X-ray radiation when the imaging is intended for medical or dental purposes, for these are not considered as occupational exposure.
There are also whole body and ring badges. Radiation badges are usually worn on torso, collar, or chest level (whole body badge) and on the finger (ring badge). If a worker is required to wear protective equipment such as a lead apron, the badge should be worn outside the gear to obtain a more accurate reading. The ring badge has a minimum detectable dose of 200 mSv for X-rays whereas the body has a minimum detectable dose of 100 mSv for X-rays.
The assigned dose is calculated using a formula, multiplying the badge reading by a factor that can better reflect the true effective dose.
Why do you need to use a badge for X-ray radiation?
X-rays are a form of energy that can pass through the body when exposed to. This radiation passes through the bones, tissues, and various organs with some varying effects. When this happens, the body absorbs some radiation, contributing to the radiation dose. This is known as the effective dose which is measured by millisievert (mSv).
When not intended for medical or imaging purposes, radiation exposure could pose some risks. One poignant example of the risk of constant exposure to radiation is the possibility of developing cancer later in life. This is because our tissues are generally sensitive to radiation.
People working on X-rays are constantly exposed to radiation. Their effective dose accumulates the more they are exposed to radiation. Therefore, there is a need to evaluate the risk by carefully measuring and monitoring their occupational radiation exposure. Badges for X-ray radiation are specifically designed for this purpose.
Nagase’s X-ray radiation badge
Nagase offers a personnel dose monitoring service, using our whole body badge, to various facilities in the Philippines and depending on their monitoring needs. Badge services are typically provided for any environment where workers are exposed to certain amounts of radiation.
We strongly believe that any form of exposure requires the use of a radiation badge, to make sure that the workers do not go over the occupational dose limits set by international standards.
Our radiation badges ensure proper identification. The device is equipped with Landauer’s technology that yields more accurate exposure pattern discrimination. Accurate readings are crucial for more effective radiation dose monitoring. Furthermore, our badges are above industry standards that can detect high radiation exposure.
Features
- Personalized badges to each user
- Short- or long-term use
- Equipped with the latest technology
- Accurate readings
- Dose reports (monthly or bi-monthly)
- Tamper-proof
How Nagase may help
With more than 20 years of experience, Nagase Philippines Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary that expanded its parent company’s business segments to include medical devices and radiation detection and monitoring services. We aim to deliver the best radiation solutions to our valued clients.
Nagase is the exclusive distributor of Landauer’s OSL badges in the Philippines. The company was able to launch its own radiation monitoring services called Personnel Radiation Dose Monitoring. Furthermore, Nagase has its own dosimetry laboratory that helps in providing expert radiation monitoring services while complying with the standards of ISO 17025 and IAEA recommendations.
Nagase envisions itself ensuring safe and optimal radiation in various facilities in the country. It commits itself to provide accurate radiation dose reports consistently. As part of this commitment, the company works with industry stakeholders through continuous education on the latest trends related to dosimetry technology.
We have remained loyal to our vision and mission. We firmly believe in our role as a vanguard in protecting employers, employees, and the work environment, and, of course, our surrounding communities.
The people using our radiation badge are the same people we strive to keep safe so they may keep others safe as well. We take pride in the noble work they do. Nagase takes a portion of this as we take our responsibility to provide reliable and efficient radiation badges very seriously as well. After all, we are in the business of safety.
FAQs
Is there really a safe exposure dose?
According to the International Commission on Radiation Protection (ICRP), there is no safe dose wherein exposures to amounts below the limits are generally not safe.
Therefore, permissible doses can still lead to certain illnesses, making detection and radiation monitoring services a priority of both the public and private entities.
Furthermore, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) asserts that the radiation levels in the country are between 100 and 115 nano Sieverts per hour. These amounts should not be a cause for concern.
What are the acceptable dose limits (as per IAEA’s lab’s standards reference)?
IAEA provides recommendations on limits for occupational dose exposure. Each facility needs to ensure that the following dose limits will not be exceeded:
- An effective dose of 20 mSv per year averaged over five consecutive years (100 mSv in 5 years) and of 50 mSv in any single year
- An equivalent dose to the eye lens of 20 mSv per year average over five consecutive years (100 mSv in 5 years) and of 50 mSv in any single year
- An equivalent dose to the extremities (hands and feet) or to the skin of 500 mSv in a year
How frequently should the badges be changed?
Depending on the nature of your work and the expected exposure, the use of a badge for X-ray radiation may be changed monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. However, the rule of thumb is not to let six months pass without changing the badge.
How are radiation doses determined?
When it comes to reporting radiation doses, it can be identified as deep or shallow. A shallow dose applies to external exposure of the skin or an extremity. This applies to the skin dose limit of 500 mSv in one year. Deep dose applies to external whole-body exposure. This, on the other hand, applies to the effective dose limit of 20 mSv for one year.
What does the dose data report contain?
Radiation monitoring services provided by Nagase include the issuance of reports with insights and suggestions on how you can minimize the exposure. The reports are available for inspection of the badge users.
As part of its reporting duty, Nagase also alerts the facility if one or more of the users are nearing the investigation or action level as imposed by the service provider in accordance with the prescribed dose limits of IAEA.
Sources:
https://ehs.princeton.edu/laboratory-research/radiation-safety/radiation-monitoring-badges
https://www.safety.duke.edu/sites/default/files/badge_tutorial.pdf
https://www.uth.edu/safety/radiation-safety/personal-radiation-dosimeter.htm
Posted on: May 25, 2021