Who Is Responsible for Radiation Safety in Your Facility?

In every imaging department, radiation safety is critical — but it’s also one of the easiest responsibilities to assume someone else is handling.

Administrators assume the department has it covered. Department leaders assume the radiation safety officer is monitoring it. Technologists assume the equipment and protective gear are compliant. But when everyone assumes… things get missed. Radiation safety is not a single person’s job. It is a shared responsibility that depends on leadership, staff, equipment, inspections, and consistent oversight. And when any part of that system breaks down, patient safety, staff safety, and regulatory compliance are all put at risk.

Why Radiation Safety Matters

Long-term radiation exposure — even at low doses — increases the risk of cancer, thyroid disease, and tissue damage. Healthcare professionals who work around X-ray, fluoroscopy, and C-arm systems are exposed to scatter radiation every day, often for years. The good news is that with the right shielding, protocols, and equipment management, occupational radiation exposure can be reduced dramatically. Lead aprons, thyroid collars, and protective eyewear are proven to block a large percentage of scatter radiation when properly selected, fitted, and maintained. But simply owning protective gear isn’t enough. It has to be the right gear. It has to be in good condition. And it has to be inspected and cleaned regularly.

Who Is Responsible for Radiation Safety?

Radiation safety is a shared responsibility across your entire facility. No single person can keep a facility safe alone — radiation protection works only when everyone participates.

Most hospitals and imaging centers designate a Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or safety committee to oversee policy, dose monitoring, and compliance. However, day-to-day radiation protection depends on many people:

Administrators
Ensure the facility has a radiation safety program, proper documentation, and compliant equipment.

Department Leaders
Oversee radiation protection within their imaging or surgical departments and ensure staff follow safety protocols.

Physicians
Justify radiation use, minimize dose, and ensure imaging is clinically necessary.

Technologists and Staff
Operate equipment, position patients, wear protective gear, and follow safety procedures every day.

Radiation Safety Officer
Monitors dose levels, oversees audits, maintains protocols, and ensures the facility stays compliant.

The Three Core Principles of Radiation Safety

All radiation protection programs are built on three foundational principles:

Time – Minimize how long staff are exposed
Distance – Stay as far from the radiation source as possible
Shielding – Wear and use proper protective equipment

In real clinical environments, time and distance aren’t always controllable. That’s why shielding is often the most important line of defense. Lead aprons, thyroid collars, glasses, and mobile shields protect staff when they must be close to the beam.

Radiation Safety Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist to quickly assess whether your facility’s protection program is truly up to date:

Protective Equipment

☐ Are lead aprons, thyroid collars, and eyewear available in every radiation area?
☐ Are multiple sizes and styles available for proper fit for all your staff?
☐ Do garments meet appropriate lead-equivalent thickness standards?

Condition & Inspection

☐ Have lead aprons and thyroid collars been inspected within the last 12 months?
☐ Have any garments been removed due to cracks, tears, or internal damage?
☐ Are garments stored properly on racks (not folded or draped)?

Cleaning & Infection Control

☐ Are thyroid collars and lead aprons disinfected after use?
☐ Are garments deep-cleaned on a regular schedule?
☐ Is contamination risk addressed for shared PPE?

Training & Oversight

☐ Have staff received radiation safety training?
☐ Are dose levels monitored?
☐ Does the RSO or safety committee review protective equipment status?

If you cannot confidently check every box, there is risk — even if no one has raised concerns yet.

Why Facilities Turn to Z&Z Medical

Radiation safety is not just about buying protective gear. It’s about having a system — the right products, the right fit, the right maintenance, and the right guidance.

At Z&Z Medical, we can help facilities:

• Evaluate their current protection programs

• Select the right lead aprons and thyroid collars

• Replace worn or outdated garments

• Understand inspection and compliance requirements

• Build a radiation safety strategy that stands up to audits

Don’t Assume. Know.

Radiation safety isn’t something your facility can afford to assume is being handled. The smartest facilities review their protection programs, audit their equipment, and ask questions before problems arise. If you are unsure whether your radiation protection program is truly compliant, Z&Z Medical is here to help. Give us a call or email us at info@zzmedical.com with any questions you may have.

Because when it comes to radiation safety, confidence comes from expertise.