As a result of an approach from the Health & Safety Executive the AXREM Service Managers Specialist Focus Group believe there is an important rationale for the development of a common Radiation Controlled Area and Equipment Handover Document
AXREM members believe it is important to ensure there is cooperation between employers in line with IRR 99 when making Service or Maintenance visits to site and have produced a Radiation Controlled Area and Equipment Handover Document to provide consistency of the processes.
The AXREM Handover document defines who is responsible for the radiation protection of the controlled area during on site work and that a professional hand over approach should have three stages which consists of:
• An exchange of information from the Customer to the Field Service Engineer
• Documentation and exchange of information regarding the work completed by the Field Service Engineer
• Documentation of the Customers decision to return the equipment to clinical use
Many hospitals have introduced their own version of a handover form but for consistency of understanding AXREM believe it is important to have commonality between the forms. Because of a multitude of different documents, Field Service Engineers have been reluctant to sign off in some circumstances, particularly where there are clauses outside the remit of an engineers’ hand over, such as clauses relating to equipment being fit for return to clinical use.
The AXREM hand over document adheres to this professional 3-stage approach. First and foremost there should be an exchange of information between the customer and the Field Service Engineer, which amongst other things could identify any specific rules stipulated by the customer. From the completion of this section the Engineer will work to the Company local rules, method statements and risk assessments and will be responsible for the controlled area.
Section 2 of the Handover document then details the work undertaken to enable the customer, in consultation with their Radiation Protection Advisor, to determine what actions are necessary before returning the system to clinical use.
Section 3 of the hand over documents is available to record that decision.
AXREM believe it is a best practice to have a consistent approach and their document can be downloaded from the AXREM website www.axrem.org.uk and is freely available for all to use.
The Handover document can be branded by the user organization although the AXREM branding of the form will prove to be instantly recognisable to the service engineers of the participating organisations, and its use will provide for consistency and safety whilst minimizing disruption to the workplace.
Version control of the document will be maintained within AXREM and only the official AXREM document is entitled to display the AXREM logo; no user alterations are permitted.
About AXREM
AXREM is the trade association representing the suppliers of diagnostic medical imaging, radiotherapy, healthcare IT and care equipment in the UK. AXREM members supply most of the diagnostic medical imaging and radiotherapy equipment installed in UK hospitals. In doing so, our member companies and their employees work side by side with Consultant Radiologists, Radiographers and Practitioners, Oncologists and a wide range of healthcare professionals in delivering healthcare to patients using our technologies. Our members therefore have unique knowledge, experience and insight into the workflow and challenges faced by healthcare professionals on a day-to-day basis, which enables us to develop and offer innovative solutions to improve the speed and quality of diagnostic procedures and treatments with the ultimate aim of improving patient care.
Source & Image Credit: AXREM
Note: Alan Birks writes on behalf of the AXREM members
For additional information about AXREM, call 020 7642 8087, email [email protected]
