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Re: OSHA & Radiation (was: Badges for surgery)
Lesson to learn? How about: learn CPR.
--- "Bradt, Clayton" <Clayton.Bradt@Labor.State.Ny.Us>
wrote:
> John Jacobus wrote:
>
> "And when was the last (or first) time OSHA
> inspected a
> hospital? We had an overexposure at our cyclotron
> facility, and OSHA did not respond even when we
> contacted them. We are a federal agency, and do not
> come under state regulations. I assume a state
> agency
> would have been interested."
>
> We had a near electrocution at a cyclotron facility
> not too long ago. OSHA
> investigated that incident, but radiation exposure
> wasn't an issue. OSHA
> has very few people with any radiation background.
> This of course does not
> prevent them from claiming that they regulate in the
> area of radiation
> hazards from x-ray and non-AEA materials. They want
> the turf but won't
> invest in the personnel to do the job.
>
> With regard to the electrocution incident: We have
> had a running battle with
> local code enforcement people in some municipalities
> who insist on requiring
> posting on the outside of all buildings where
> radioactive materials are
> stored/used - regardless of the form or quantities.
> (For the protection of
> first responders, they claim.) The cyclotron
> facility was located in one
> such municipality, and had a radiation sign on the
> outside of the building.
> When the EMTs arrived, they at first refused to
> enter because of the sign.
> Meanwhile the victim was unconscious on the floor
> and the pharmacist was
> yelling and cursing at the EMTs to get them to come
> in to treat him. They
> finally overcame their radiophobia and the
> individual was transported to
> hospital. The victim recovered but had some severe
> burns. Here again we
> have an agency (code enforcement this time) guarding
> turf in an area in
> which they have no expertise. This time with near
> fatal consequences.
>
> I'm sure there is a lesson here for all of
> us......but I at the moment I
> just can't think of what it is.
>
> Clayton J. Bradt, CHP
> Principal Radiophysicist
> NYS Dept. of Labor
> Radiological Health Unit
> voice: (518) 457-1202
> fax: (518) 485-7406
> e-mail: Clayton.Bradt@labor.state.ny.us
>
=====
+++++++++++++++++++
"I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."
Thomas Jefferson
-- John
John Jacobus, MS
Certified Health Physicist
e-mail: crispy_bird@yahoo.com
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