During a procedure in theatre that requires imaging, a team member refuses to wear a lead apron. What should you do first?

During a procedure in theatre that requires imaging, a team member refuses to wear a lead apron. What should you do first?

• A. Explain to the member they need to wear the lead apron for their own safety.
• B. If they still refuse inform the surgeon - don't screen!
• C. Inform senior radiographer and radiation protection advisor (RDA)
• D. If they still refuse get a glass screen if one is available or ask them to leave the theatre whilst you are screening.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is protecting the team from radiation exposure. When someone refuses to wear a lead apron, the first step is to address it directly: calmly explain that donning a lead apron during imaging is required to reduce their exposure to scatter radiation and is a standard safety measure within the theater. Emphasize that following this protection protocol is part of the duty to maintain a safe workplace for everyone involved in the procedure. Often, a clear, respectful explanation about personal safety is enough to gain compliance and keep patient care on track. If the person still refuses after you’ve explained the rationale, the next step is to escalate the matter to the senior radiographer and the radiation protection adviser to ensure the policy is enforced and to determine the appropriate actions. Only after proper escalation would you consider additional measures such as using available shielding options or removing the person from the theater during imaging, in line with local safety procedures.

The key idea is protecting the team from radiation exposure. When someone refuses to wear a lead apron, the first step is to address it directly: calmly explain that donning a lead apron during imaging is required to reduce their exposure to scatter radiation and is a standard safety measure within the theater. Emphasize that following this protection protocol is part of the duty to maintain a safe workplace for everyone involved in the procedure. Often, a clear, respectful explanation about personal safety is enough to gain compliance and keep patient care on track.

If the person still refuses after you’ve explained the rationale, the next step is to escalate the matter to the senior radiographer and the radiation protection adviser to ensure the policy is enforced and to determine the appropriate actions. Only after proper escalation would you consider additional measures such as using available shielding options or removing the person from the theater during imaging, in line with local safety procedures.