New rules for X-ray equipment

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This article was published 10/6/2015 (1467 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

THE Manitoba government plans to update the rules governing the use of X-ray equipment.

Health Minister Sharon Blady introduced legislation to regulate the installation, operation and maintenance of equipment that emits or detects ionizing radiation. This includes X-ray machines, PET scanners and CT scanners.

Equipment covered under the proposed Radiation Protection Act will have to be registered with a director appointed under the act. The director will determine whether equipment is being installed in a proper location.

Bill 37 would also ensure ionizing radiation not be applied to a human or an animal unless the person applying it is authorized to do so. The legislation allows for maximum exposure limits for persons who work with such equipment to be set by regulation. Owners will be required to keep records of workers' exposures and provide the records to a central registry.

If a person receives an excessive or unintended exposure to radiation, the owner of the equipment would have to notify authorities.

"We want to ensure equipment is being operated to the highest standards to best protect Manitoba health-care workers and patients," said Blady. "This new legislation would update the existing legislation to current standards to make sure these needed tests are delivered as safely as possible."

The proposed legislation would include:

• updating requirements for registration and sites for use of X-ray equipment, CT scanners, PET scanners and other similar equipment;
• updating radiation dose limits for workers and the public;
• adding specific requirements for the use and maintenance of equipment as well as quality assurance programs;
• updating requirements for protective equipment; and
• modernizing inspection authority for radiation safety inspectors.

Blady said the province consulted representatives of Diagnostic Services Manitoba, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority, the Manitoba Quality Assurance Program, CancerCare Manitoba, the Manitoba Dental Association and the Manitoba Chiropractors Association in developing the proposed legislation.