OHP-032 Radioprotection contamination events: retrospective study from 2008 to 2014

Abstract

BackgroundIn 2008, the French national nuclear safety authority published recommendations for the reporting of significant radioprotection events. To go further, the radioprotection department of our hospital started recording non-significant radioprotection events that occurred in the nuclear medicine department.PurposeTo retrospectively analyse these records to understand these events and to improve radioprotection in our department.Material and methodsEvents reported in the 6 past years were classified and analysed. The people who made the reports or were involved were identified. In addition, we devised a quiz to check if the staff knew the register and its location.Results76 events were reported, which equated to 92 contamination events. Six types of contamination were identified: environment, staff, patient, errors occurring during radiopharmaceuticals preparation, related to radiopharmaceuticals, medical device dysfunction. Contamination was most frequently classified as affecting the environment (49%) and staff (32%). These results illustrate the problems of preparing and conditioning radiopharmaceuticals. Despite regular briefing on radioprotection measures and practices, it is difficult to completely eradicate any radioactive contamination.Eleven people had reported events and 16 persons were involved in them. Among the staff, 2 people had reported 75% of events. These results pointed out more awareness of radiation protection issues of these two workers rather than a problem of how they handle radioactive sources. In fact, they were involved in departmental quality processes (risk management, controls, personal protective equipment).The quiz revealed that all staff knew about the radioprotection events register but only paramedics were using it. Only one worker did not know where it was kept. These results were quite positive, apart from the medical staff.ConclusionIn 2014, these results will be presented during the next triennial radioprotection training sessions. Medical doctors in particular will be encouraged to report incidents. Finally, a new analysis of the register will be made within 3 years before the next regulatory training period in order to check radioprotection practices and reports.References and/or acknowledgementsDécision 2008-DC0103 ASN.No conflict of interest.