The Department of Environmental Protection Monday announced it has partnered with a professor of health physics from Bloomsburg University to develop refresher training materials for operators of X-ray equipment who conduct low-risk procedures such as general radiography and dental X-rays.

“Continued radiation protection training can reduce the number and seriousness of accidents associated with X-ray usage,” DEP Bureau of Radiation Protection Director Dave Allard said. “So it is important that X-ray operators retain and further develop their skills to continuously improve safety practices and protect patients and public health.”

DEP regulations require operators to document that they have completed a recommended two contact hours or four units of continuing education every four years in specialized subject areas such as sources of radiation exposure and methods of protection. The subject areas should be applicable to the procedures they perform and equipment they use.

Generic training materials for low-risk procedures have been developed for DEP by a Bloomsburg University professor of health physics to assist X-ray equipment registrants in ensuring the continuing education regulatory requirements are met for the safe operation of X-ray systems.

Included in the refresher training materials posted online are a fact sheet, PowerPoint presentation and associated training notes that can be downloaded at no cost.

The refresher training program is available to X-ray equipment operators on DEP’s website by going to the X-ray Refresher Training webpage.

For additional information, contact DEP’s Bureau of Radiation Protection at 717-787-3720.

6/30/2014