Which regulation is primarily concerned with patient safety during exposure in radiography?

• A. Health and Safety Executive guidelines
• B. IRMER - Ionising Radiations Medical Exposure Regulations
• C. COSHH regulations
• D. Data Protection Act

Answer: (B)

Protection of patients during radiographic exposure is governed by a regulation that requires every exposed image to be justified and the dose to be optimized. This regulation, the Ionising Radiations Medical Exposure Regulations (IRMER), ensures that imaging is only done when it is necessary for diagnosis or treatment, and that the radiation dose is kept as low as reasonably achievable while still obtaining the needed information. It also sets duties on the clinician and supervisor to use trained personnel, appropriate equipment, and written protocols, and to document the justification and details of each exposure. In dental practice, this means adhering to IRMER priorities—justification, optimization, and proper supervision—to protect patients during imaging. Other options address different areas (general workplace safety, control of hazardous substances, or data privacy) and do not focus on patient radiation exposure.