[Name of Dental Practice] About Templates

Radiation Risk Assessment [Date]

Radiation Risk Assessment

This risk assessment deals primarily with the risks associated with radiographic equipment and radiation in the dental practice. The practice has also carried
out a separate Health and Safety risk assessment.

The regulations covered by this risk assessment are the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999.

Location:
Date:
Inspection carried out by:

I agree that this risk assessment is an accurate reflection of the Radiation Protection condition of these premises.

Employer: (signature)
Radiation Protection Adviser: (signature)

Risk Assessment Review

A review of this risk assessment will be undertaken at regular intervals [at least every 5 years or whenever there are significant changes to radiographic
equipment, working methods or introduction of new legislation]. A copy of each review is kept on file.

The next review will take place on or before [date].

Examples to be adapted and supplemented as required are included in the form below for information.

SDCEP Practice Support Manual template (Jul 2012)

Page 1 of 4
[Name of Dental Practice] About Templates
Radiation Risk Assessment [Date]

What are the Who might be harmed What are you already doing? What further action is Action Action Done
hazards? and how? necessary / by whom by when
recommended?
Over-exposure Patients and staff. Equipment subject to regular testing
to radiation Overexposure during and maintenance.
radiographic examination Equipment is of suitable quality to
due to equipment failure ensure radiation doses are as low as
or staff error. reasonably practicable.
Collimation and fast film speeds
used.
Diagnostic reference levels in
accordance with national DRLs in
place and adhered to.
Contingency plans in place.
Only entitled staff may carry out
tasks related to radiography.
Staff training and CPD.
Total yearly Staff. Exposure greater Dose investigation level set. A formal review of working
exposure than dose investigation Personal dosimetry will be carried conditions will be undertaken
exceeds level due to large volume out if estimated annual dose exceeds if results of personal
practice dose of examinations carried 1 mSv. dosimetry suggest annual
investigation out. dose exceeds the dose
A. Number of films per week
level. investigation level to ensure
B. Number of work weeks/year that exposure to radiation is
C. Estimated max dose per restricted as far as
radiograph to staff at 2m from reasonably practicable.
tube and patient outside main
beam = 0.125 µSv
Estimated max annual dose

SDCEP Practice Support Manual template (Jul 2012)

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[Name of Dental Practice] About Templates
Radiation Risk Assessment [Date]

AxBxC =
Accidental Staff, patients and Patient identification procedure in
exposure to members of the public. place.
radiation Unintended exposure to Controlled area defined.
radiation due to mis-
Only patient allowed in controlled
identification, equipment
area when x-ray beam is activated.
failure, staff error or
inadequate shielding. If parent or carer is required to stay
in controlled area during exposure,
they will be informed of the risks and
issued with a lead apron.
Additional Patients. Poor image Regular maintenance and testing of
exposure to quality or processing processing equipment.
radiation resulting in clinically Quality assurance programme
unacceptable x-ray monitors image and processing
images and retakes are quality.
required.
Clinical audit and peer review.
Unnecessary Patients. Radiographic Full clinical history and exam
exposure to examination undertaken required before referral for
radiation unnecessarily i.e. radiography.
previous radiographs Justification and authorisation
were sufficient for required before exposure.
patient’s treatment
Other comments

SDCEP Practice Support Manual template (Jul 2012)

Page 3 of 4
[Name of Dental Practice] About Templates
Radiation Risk Assessment [Date]

SDCEP Practice Support Manual template (Jul 2012)

Page 4 of 4