Radiation Protection Officer (RPO)
It is highly recommended that the licensee appoint a person to oversee and implement radiation protection matters in the hospital. This person is called the Radiation Protection Officer (RPO) or Radiation Safety Officer.
The Radiation Protection Officer should possess:
- Theoretical and Practical Knowledge: A good understanding of the properties and hazards of ionizing radiation, as well as knowledge of radiation protection techniques and practices.
- Legislative Knowledge: Familiarity with all relevant legislation, regulations, and codes of practice related to the use of ionizing radiation in medical settings, particularly in fields such as nuclear medicine.
- Responsibility Scope: The RPO has the responsibility to ensure that radiation protection protocols are properly implemented, but they do not hold responsibility for radiation protection in medical exposure unless they are also a qualified medical physicist in nuclear medicine.
The role of the RPO is primarily focused on ensuring that all radiation protection measures are followed correctly, minimizing the exposure of hospital staff, patients, and the public to ionizing radiation. However, the RPO does not take part in decisions regarding the radiation protection of patients directly unless they have additional qualifications.
The RPO's responsibilities include:
- Monitoring radiation levels throughout the hospital or medical facility to ensure they are within safe limits.
- Ensuring that all medical staff are properly trained in radiation protection practices.
- Establishing and overseeing protocols for the safe handling and disposal of radioactive materials.
- Ensuring that all radiation-emitting equipment is regularly checked and maintained for safety and compliance.
Ultimately, the RPO plays a vital role in managing and implementing radiation safety procedures, contributing to the overall protection of both patients and healthcare professionals.