ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY MEASURES IN THE DESIGN AND BUILDING OF X-RAY (MEDICAL IMAGING) CENTRES IN PORT HARCOURT

ABSTRACT

Imaging facilities within the Port Harcourt metropolis are ever on the increase, imaging practitioners are constantly trained and deployed into the work force. An issue constantly facing the imaging and radiology practice is the issue of work safety. Against this background, this study specifically aims at assessing safety measures employed in the design and construction of imaging centres in the Port Harcourt metropolis. A case study design was employed to investigate into 3 imaging facilities within the Port Harcourt metropolis, data was collected using a question and some 15 respondents across the 3 facilities (5 per facility) where sampled. There was 100% response with respect to the completion of data collection instrument. Findings show a relative compliance to radiation safety principles and guidelines, as some guidelines and principles where upheld while others were not. It was recommended that there should be strict supervision of the design and construction of imaging facilities to ensure that NNRA and IAEA guidelines are closely adhered to, also, periodic assessment of workers is encouraged as well as creating awareness on radiation safety guidelines and principles to ensure occupational safety.

 

 

 

                                                          

 

 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Contents                                                                                                                  page

Cover                                                                                                                         i

Declaration                                                                                                              ii

Certification                                                                                                 iii

Dedication                                                                                                                iv

Acknowledgement                                                                                    v

Abstract                                                                                                                    vi

Table of Contents                                                                                                   vii-x

List of Tables                                                                                                            xi

CHAPTER ONE                                                                                           

INTRODUCTION

1.1.         Background to study                                                                                 1-5

1.2.         Statement of problem                                                                              6-7

1.3.         Research objectives                                                                                   7

1.4.         Research Questions                                                                                   8

1.5.         Scope of Study                                                                                            8

1.6.         Significance of Study                                                                                 8-9

CHAPTER TWO

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. Production of X-ray                                                                                      10-13

2.2. X-ray interaction                                                                                            14-16

2.3. Health effects of radiation                                                                          16

2.4. Radiation protection Quantities and Units                                             17-20

2.5. Principles of radiation protection                                                 20-24

2.6. Specifications for X-ray room design                                                       24-28

2.7. Empirical Review                                                                                           29-30

CHAPTER THREE

RESEARCH METHODS

3.1. Research Design                                                                                             31

3.2. Population of Study                                                                                      31-32

3.3. Study area                                                                                                       32

3.4. Sampling size and Sampling Technique                                                   32-33

3.5. Instrument for Data collection                                                                 33

3.6. Data analysis and procedure                                                                      33

CHAPTER FOUR

Results and discussion                                                                                        34-43

CHAPTER FIVE

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Summary                                                                                                         44-45

5.2. Conclusion                                                                                                       46-47

5.3. Recommendations                                                                                        47-48

REFERENCES                                                                                                           49-51

APPENDIXES                                                                                                           52-55                                                            

 

 

 

 

LIST OF TABLES

TABLES                                                                                                                      PAGE

2.1. Radiation Weighting Factors                                                                      18

2.2. Tissue Weighting Factors                                                                             19

2.3. IAEA Dose Limits for Radiation Workers and Public                            24

4.1. Social and Demographic Data                                                                    34

4.2. Specific Safety Measures upheld by facilities                                        36

4.3. Adherence to NNRA and IAEC guidelines with respect to design, construction and use of Imaging facility                                                       40