Working Rules for OHCWA Intra-oral Dental X-ray Units

Working rules are essential to ensure that all intra-oral dental x-ray units are used in accordance with legal requirements and with a high standard of safety for patients, staff, students and others. 

1. Intra-oral dental x-ray units may only be operated by a qualified dentist, by dental ancillary personnel (Refer 2) under the direction and supervision of a dentist, or by a qualified radiographer on the instructions of a dentist or medical practitioner, and only for the purposes for intra-oral radiography and lateral oblique radiography of the mandible. No other person is authorised to operate these units.
2. Dental ancillary personnel means a person who has satisfactorily completed a Radiological Council approved radiation safety training course. 
3. These units are not to be operated or used for human diagnostic radiography unless covered by a current Certificate of Compliance.
4. Note that the default exposure value when turning on the unit is the adult mode.
5. Select and fit the cone to be used in the exposure. It is recommended that whenever feasible that the long cone be used in order to keep the absorbed dose to the patient as low as possible. 
6. The exposure values must be selected according to the cone used, image mode, adult/child, exposure region, time and kV (usually pre programmed).
7. Ask the patient to sit down. Place a protective lead apron over the patient’s chest.
8. Position the film/sensor and cone as required.
9. When taking an exposure ensure the patient remains as still as possible. Move as far away from the x-ray tube as the length of cable permits. No one except the patient may remain in the radiation area whilst the exposure is taken. Operators and observers should be standing at least two metres from the patient’s head during exposures and conscientiously using any protective shielding provided.
10. Maintain visual contact with the patient and x-ray unit during the exposure. 
11. Check that the ready light is on. Press and hold the exposure key on the control panel for the duration of the exposure. The exposure warning light will come on. An audible warning sound should accompany the exposure.
12. Immediate measures must be taken to remove potentially hazardous situations arising from x-ray beams that may be emitted due to an equipment defect, misalignment or any other reason.
13. The OHCWA School Radiation Safety Officer (SRSO) is: Professor Paul Abbott.
14. Service may only be carried out by a technician with a suitable license from the Radiological Council. 
15. All incidents and injuries must be reported to the SRSO and UWA Safety and Health.
16. These working rules are to be prominently displayed by the x-ray unit control panel at all times.