Radiation Safety

Radiation safety focuses on protecting patients, technologists, and the public from unnecessary exposure. Students learn about time, distance, and shielding, as well as dose limits, protective equipment, scatter control, and safe operation of imaging equipment. Understanding radiation safety ensures compliance with national regulations and promotes responsible clinical practice.

To build a strong foundation, begin with Radiographic Physics to understand how radiation interacts with matter. Review Radiographic Principles to learn how technique selection affects dose. Study Patient Care to understand how communication and preparation reduce exposure and improve safety.

Summary: Radiation safety protects patients and staff by minimizing exposure. Strengthen your understanding by reviewing physics, applying technique concepts, and learning patient protection strategies.


Major Radiation Safety Websites

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Radiation regulation and compliance.

FDA Radiation‑Emitting Products

Federal safety standards for imaging equipment.

CDC Radiation Safety

Public health and radiation exposure information.

OSHA

Workplace radiation safety guidelines.

IAEA RPOP

International radiation protection guidelines.

ACR

Radiation safety standards and accreditation.

AAPM

Radiation physics and dose management reports.

Image Wisely

Adult dose reduction and safety practices.

Image Gently

Pediatric radiation protection resources.

AuntMinnie

Radiation safety news and updates.


Core Radiation Safety Principles

IAEA – ALARA Principles

Time, distance, shielding, and optimization.

NRC – ALARA

Regulatory definition and safety expectations.

AAPM Dose Guidelines

Dose limits, occupational exposure, and monitoring.


Patient Radiation Protection

Image Wisely

Adult dose optimization strategies.

Image Gently

Pediatric dose reduction and safety.

Radiopaedia – Protection

Patient shielding, collimation, and technique.


Staff Radiation Protection

OSHA Radiation Safety

Occupational exposure and PPE requirements.

NRC Dose Limits

Annual dose limits and monitoring rules.

AAPM Shielding Guidelines

Barrier design and scatter protection.


Dose Monitoring & Dosimetry

Mirion

Dosimeters and exposure tracking.

Landauer

Radiation badges and dose reports.

AAPM Dosimetry Reports

Occupational and patient dose monitoring.


Fluoroscopy Radiation Safety

ACR Fluoroscopy Safety

Fluoro dose limits and safe operation.

IAEA Fluoro Safety

International fluoroscopy protection guidelines.

AAPM TG‑125

Fluoro dose monitoring and QC.


CT Radiation Safety

CTisus Dose

CT dose optimization and protocols.

ACR CT Safety

CT accreditation dose requirements.

AAPM TG‑233

CT dose measurement and reduction.


MRI Safety (Non‑Ionizing)

MRIsafety.com

MRI zones, screening, and safety rules.

Siemens MRI Safety

Magnet safety and system operation.

FDA MRI Safety

Regulatory MRI safety guidelines.


Nuclear Medicine Radiation Safety

SNMMI

Nuclear medicine radiation protection.

NRC Rad Materials

Radioisotope handling and regulations.

IAEA Nuclear Medicine Safety

International NM safety guidelines.


Pediatric Radiation Safety

Image Gently

Pediatric dose reduction and safety campaigns.

Radiopaedia Pediatrics

Pediatric anatomy and dose considerations.