Radiation

Ionizing radiation is a potentially dangerous hazard that many nurses work with in operating rooms, cath labs, surgical daycare areas and medical imaging/x-ray departments.

Also there is potential exposure from ionizing radiation associated with portable x-ray procedures on all the other units in a hospital, especially where nurses can not get further than 3 metres from the x-ray machine.

October 27, 2006 Bulletin – Fraser Health Authority agrees to protect nurses from radiation

The employer has a responsibility under the Workers' Compensation Act to educate, train and protect workers about potential exposure to hazards, such as ionizing radiation. There is also a responsibility to provide and educate workers on the use of personal protective equipment, such as lead gloves, goggles, thyroid shields and aprons.
See the National Safety Code for Ionizing radiation Safety Code 20A.
National Health Canada Standard

BCNU recommends that nurses who are exposed to ionizing radiation in their work be monitored with a personal dosimeter to monitor if there is excess radiation exposure. All personal protective equipment is to be checked annually for its protectiveness.

If you work in the cath lab assisting in fluoroscopy procedures you should have protective eyewear as there is a increased risk of cataracts from the exposure.

Ionizing radiation from fluoroscopy is known to increase the risk of thyroid, brain and breast cancer. There are concerns that many young nurses may unknowingly be pregnant and be exposed to ionizing radiation, which has serious implications for the fetus.

It is imperative that nurses use the Lead personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of exposure. Also all workers should be as far away as possible from the radiation source, when beams are emitting ionizing radiation.

If you have a history of working in areas with ionizing radiation such as fluoroscopy or x-rays and you develop cancer fill out a WCB claim and inform the BCNU OH&S officer. Document the history of exposure and the history of what the employer provided for protection/education.

WCB Regulations Section