Training activity information
Details
Carry out safety checks on non-ionising radiation equipment for at least one of the following:
- Lasers
- Phototherapy
Type
Developmental training activity (DTA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee​.
Reflection on the activity at one or more time points after the event including learning from the activity and/or areas of the trainees practice for development.
An action plan to implement learning and/or to address skills or knowledge gaps identified.
Considerations
- Methods available for non-ionising radiation equipment
- Safety features and requirements of non-ionising radiation equipment
- Use and requirements on PPE
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What practical skills in performing safety checks on laser or phototherapy equipment are you aiming to develop?
- How does this align with the practical non-ionising radiation safety content?
- What are the key safety features and checks required for the specific type of non-ionising radiation equipment you will be working with (laser or phototherapy)?
- How can you identify potential hazards associated with the use of this equipment through safety checks?
- What are the relevant safety standards and guidelines that need to be considered during the checks?
- How will this activity contribute to your ability to ensure the safe use of non-ionising radiation equipment in the workplace?
- Are there specific checklists or protocols provided for carrying out safety checks on this equipment?
- What are the potential failure modes or common issues that you should be looking for during the checks?
- Will you ensure you understand how to use any necessary test equipment or measurement tools for the safety checks?
In action
- Pay attention to your actions. How are you systematically performing the safety checks on the chosen non-ionising radiation equipment?
- What specific checks are you undertaking?
- What decisions are you making as you perform the checks (e.g., which parameters to measure, how to interpret readings, when to escalate a concern)?
- What aspects of the safety checks for this equipment feel familiar based on your training, and what requires more careful adherence to checklists or guidance?
- How effective are your safety checks in identifying any potential hazards or non-compliances with safety standards for the equipment?
- What challenges are you facing during these checks (e.g., difficulty accessing certain parts of the equipment, unclear instructions, uncertainty about acceptable limits)?
- What can you learn about the practicalities of performing safety checks on non-ionising radiation equipment and the key safety features to look for as you carry out this training activity?
- How do these safety checks relate to your understanding of the specific hazards associated with lasers or phototherapy, relevant safety standards, and the importance of routine equipment checks?
- Are there alternative checks or measurements you could perform if your initial assessment raises concerns or if the equipment presents unexpected features?
- What support or clarification might you need in the moment regarding specific safety protocols or the interpretation of equipment readings?
- Are you ensuring your safety checks are conducted thoroughly and in accordance with established procedures and your level of training?
On action
- What type of non-ionising radiation equipment (laser or phototherapy) did you perform safety checks on?
- What specific safety checks did you carry out?
- What were the expected safety features and standards for this equipment?
- What were your findings during the safety checks? Were any issues identified?
- What documentation or guidelines did you refer to during the checks?
- What did you learn about the key safety considerations for the specific type of non-ionising radiation equipment you examined?
- Did you develop or improve your practical skills in performing safety checks on such equipment?
- What did you learn about relevant safety standards, regulations, and guidance (e.g., BSI manufacturing standards, MHRA guidance, AORD)?
- How does this activity relate to ensuring a safe environment for both staff and patients?
- What areas for continued development have been identified in your ability to carry out safety checks on non-ionising radiation equipment?
- How will you apply the knowledge and skills gained to future safety checks and risk assessments?
- What actions or ‘next steps’ will you take to further develop your expertise in non-ionising radiation safety?
- What support or resources might you need to enhance your skills in this area?
Beyond action
- Consider evaluating and re-evaluating the safety checks you performed on the non-ionising radiation equipment.
- What specific checks did you undertake, what were the expected outcomes, and did you identify any issues? Have you had opportunities to see if any identified issues were rectified?
- Compare this experience with carrying out a critical examination on an ionising radiation facility. While the type of radiation differs, what similarities and differences exist in the principles and processes of safety checking? What practices in equipment safety evaluation have you developed by comparing these experiences?
- Revisit your notes and any checklists you used during the safety checks. Has your understanding of the potential hazards associated with lasers or phototherapy equipment and the relevant safety standards (e.g., BSI manufacturing standards, MHRA guidance) increased with further learning? What aspects would you now check more thoroughly?
- Discuss your safety checks and findings with your training officer or colleagues. Have they offered insights into common safety issues with these types of equipment or best practices for conducting checks?
- How has this activity heightened your awareness of the specific hazards associated with lasers and phototherapy and the importance of routine safety checks?
- How has this experience developed your ability to apply relevant safety guidelines and protocols in a practical setting?
- Identify the transferable skills you developed, such as attention to detail, systematic inspection, and application of safety standards.
- How will these skills be valuable in future roles involving the management and maintenance of various types of radiation equipment?
- Identify clear actions for continued development in the area of non-ionising radiation safety checks.
- Are there specific types of non-ionising equipment or safety standards you would like to learn more about?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 2 |
Outcome
Critically appraise the risks and safety requirements associated with ionising and non-ionising radiation. |