Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Julie Innes — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:24:16 GMT

Thanks guys! I'm sure Shield used to do the servicing at my old practice (so knowing my old boss, they are not one of the more expensive ones ) Good to have some names, so I can get some quotes.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Rob Loxley — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:45:57 GMT

[quote user="Julie Innes"]is it a legal requirement to have your Xray machine serviced every year?[/quote]

Xray tube or processor?

I'm guessing there's no rules on the latter, but a well looked after and serviced unit will probably give a longer trouble-free life.

We just had Photon Imaging in. Most of the big companies seem to have a nationwide network of service personnel.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Stephen Putnam — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 13:33:48 GMT

Try Shield Medical Equipment 01899 229440. They are in Biggar.

They do all our equipment although we're in Cornwall.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Julie Innes — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:40:34 GMT

Thanks guys- Evelyn, unfortunately I am in Scotland! I know I'll need to do it, it's just that this is going to be a very expensive month for me, as we opened May last year, so EVERYTHING needs renewing at the same time- insurances, car parking, VDS, BVA....Was hoping that, given the machine was brand new, it might be like a new car not needing an MOT for a few years!

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

bob lehner — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:01:13 GMT

[quote user="Julie Innes"]is it a legal requirement to have your Xray machine serviced every year?[/quote]

Not sure if it is 'legal' - but must be 'best practice'.

PSS requires evidence of annual service of X-ray machine.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 01:43:20 GMT

[quote user="Julie Innes"]can anyone recommend a good, reasonable company?[/quote]

Reliatec, based in South Wales, if that's anywhere near you.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Julie Innes — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 23:13:02 GMT

I thought we had to have one! Mine, as someone else said, seemed a bit clueless- noted that we had no cradles (we did, he didn't ask to see them) and didn't manage to develop his xray!

While we are on the subject, is it a legal requirement to have your Xray machine serviced every year? I am told it is, although apparently every 3 years for dentists . If it is, can anyone recommend a good, reasonable company? I bought my Xray machine brand new last year, and was a bit miffed by the way the company I bought it off have handled it- instead of calling/ e-mailing ME to inform me I needed to service my machine, they "gave" the job to a company who work for them, who called me up and asked me when they should come! Given that I am paying for this, should I not get a say in who comes to do it, and possibly get some quotations, as i would for any other job?? Of course, now I have snottily refused their services, my developer went wonky today .....

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Michael Woodhouse — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:25:58 GMT

It's a good job I rang you then and you are going to come and see me next time you are 'up North'.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Peter Cockett — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:57:54 GMT

This is what as known as a bit of a late contribution to the topic. The only exception to the need to appount an RPA is any radiation employer who comes under Schedule 1 of IRR99. My view is that any veterinary use, even with a low workload does not fulfill this exception and hence all practices should appoint an RPA. There are legal (quantified) limits to exposure which are allowed before an area needs to be controlled and the RPA can advise on this. There is also a statutory requirement to keep exposure levels as low as reasonably practical (ALARP). The BVA Guidance Notes are also clear that an RPA should be consulted on Schedule 5 matters - which basically includes everyone.

This is sort of from the horse's mouth - I am a veterinary surgeon who has acted as an RPA for many years and I am happy to answer queries.

Peter Cockett BSc BVetMed DVR CertSAO MRCVS

RPA 2000 Certificate of Competence No 00000772

www.rpavet.co.uk

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Alex Allen — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:37:08 GMT

Give your xray company a call as they are up to date with the legal aspects of running equipment that produce ionising radiation. It's been a few years since I worked in this field but it can be complicated and they always used to know all the ins and outs of the regs. Certification for servicing, QC etc

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Martin Atkinson — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:04:37 GMT

Last time I looked at the regulations there was level of exposure within a given time limit (which I forget now but it was quite generous and many sole charge practices would fall below it) required to be exceeded before a RPA was required and one was also required if a horizontal beam was used. I was at the time below that level and only used a vertical beam so I was only required to appoint a radiation supervisor who could be someone within the practice i.e.me.

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Bob Russell — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:06:59 GMT

Ditto!

You do need to appoint one and at least in theory they should visit if there are any significant changes to your X-ray set up or if there are any serious problems. The interval between routine visits seems unclear and may depend on the individual RPA.

Obviously this is in addition to routine service/safety visits from the company supporting your X-ray equipment.

Our last RPA visit was a bit of a joke - the report indicated there were no X-ray aprons available so we had to question why the RPA hadn't asked for them or looked behind her because they were hanging on a rack!

We update names on the local rules etc when necessary.

Hopefully I am not going to be corrected on the need for a routine visit. We pay enough people to do fairly pointless visits already!

Re: Do I 'need' to appoint an RPA?

Evelyn Barbour-Hill — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 01:35:37 GMT

If anyone has better information I'll be happy to stand corrected but as far as I know you have to appoint a RPA. In the first year he would be quite useful, checking your local rules are satisfactory and maybe pointing out a few things you hadn't thought of, but after that it's just one of those pointless fees you have to pay to stay in business. Mine is on a non-visiting basis and I haven't actually seen him or had any contact for years. I suppose he'd be there if I did have any questions, and I suppose he has to notify us if there's anything new we should know.