A key requirement of both the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR17) and the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER17) is the need to seek expert advice. In the case of dental practices this will always be from external consultants.
According to the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER17), An employer must undertake adequate—
(a) testing of any equipment before it is first used for a medical radiological purpose;
(b) performance testing at regular intervals;
(c) performance testing following a maintenance procedure which is capable of affecting the equipment’s performance.
More information can be found here: http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2017/1322/contents/made
DTS Services’ qualified engineers can carry out radiological testing (also known as 3-yearly quality assurance inspections,) and annual electro-mechanical inspections on most types of dental x-ray unit including handheld, intra-oral and panoramic. We work closely with a local independent radiation protection adviser in order to provide you with rapid results and certification. Upon completion we provide a copy of the inspection report for your records.
Radiological testing should be conducted at least once every 3 years for intra-oral, panoramic and pan/ceph type x-ray units, and annually for handheld and CBCT units. Electro-mechanical inspections should be carried out annually. Many practices find it more convenient to have both tests carried out at the same time.
It usually takes between 30-45 minutes to inspect most dental x-ray units.
• Review the paperwork from the previous visits
• Check the stability of the X-Ray mount and arms
• Check for any damage to the tube head
• Check the electrical and mechanical safety
• Check the condition of the x-ray exposure control
• In the case of a panoramic x-ray set, check the rotational movement of the X-Ray tube head and the fitting
• Complete exposures tests & record the results
• Ensure that the exposure settings are as found on arrival
• Results will be sent to the RPA for review
• Complete report paperwork, report will then be issued to the practice
A critical examination is a check carried out that any newly installed or modified X-ray equipment is safe, and that there is no risk to patients, staff or the public from accidental exposure to radiation, or from over-exposure due to miscalibration of machinery.
DTS Services’ qualified engineers can carry out critical examinations as part of a new surgery build and fit-out, when supplying a new x-ray unit for use within your practice, or following any move or major maintenance procedure of an existing unit. If you are in any doubt as to whether you need a critical exam, get in touch – we will be happy to advise you.
You will need to arrange for a critical examination to be undertaken if you install a new X-ray unit or replace an existing one, even if that unit has been used elsewhere in the practice or is second hand. In some cases a critical examination is required after major maintenance to an existing unit. If you would like to enquire about our x-ray radiological testing and electro-mechanical inspection service please contact our friendly team on 0800 978 8971 .