The strategy governing the regulation of radiation use focuses on influencing the attitudes and operations of radiation users through information distribution, communication and training. A well-developed safety culture is of particular importance to the medical use of radiation, in which patients are intentionally exposed to radiation.
Changes are expected in the statutes and regulations for radiation use, and implementation of some of these may be needed in the strategy period. The EU is preparing rationalisation of regulations by merging some of the existing directives. It is also working on the revision of Basic Safety Standards. The long awaited EU directives for the monitoring of radioactivity in drinking water are also expected to be completed.
STUK takes part in the work of expert groups preparing European statutes and recommendations. It is in Finland’s interest to stay alert in order to ensure that changes do not weaken Finnish safety levels or result in needless additional costs or problems. STUK also makes Finnish experience and research information available for the development of good practices, especially in the field of medical use of radiation.
Optimising medical use of radiation is a challenge
Modern medical uses of radiation (computer tomography, new examination applications) can provide accurate diagnostic information but may also cause higher radiation doses than needed. The patient dose from the same type of examination can vary manifold. A new challenge to medical practitioners is optimising patient doses in a professional manner and following good procedures. In its regulation, STUK emphasises training on radiation safety and the active use of quality management methods to develop operations.
Radiotherapy will become more common in the strategy period. New techniques will enable an increased radiation dose that is targeted more accurately to the tumor. In its safety regulation, STUK emphasises that the quality assurance of new methods must be carried out proficiently and reliably. In the case of new treatment methods, STUK assesses their justification from the point of radiation safety.
The most demanding medical use of radiation, in terms of employee safety, is interventional radiology. Keys to restricting radiation exposure include expertise, working methods and the optimisation of protective equipment. STUK registers the radiation doses of employees and monitors their accumulation.
The use of examination methods that replace ionising radiation is part of the optimisation of radiation safety. STUK promotes balanced development of the safety norms in different fields, considering the situation as a whole, so that for example the use of magnetic imaging equipment is not restricted needlessly in healthcare.
Restructuring of business challenges definition of responsibility
Radiation uses are being reorganised into entities managed by larger companies. In other cases different uses have been outsourced. Problems may arise if responsibilities are not clearly defined during the implementation of changes. This puts to the test the ability of the party in charge of operations, as well as the manager responsible for safe radiation use, to ensure the safety of operations.
STUK assesses the safety risks involved in changing environments and enhances its control in critical locations. It also clarifies the license criteria used for different types of new situations. This may require a revision of statutes concerning the role and duties of the person who bears responsibility for safe use of radiation by the licensed organisation.
Foreign companies offering special services in radiology provide healthcare with new opportunities. They also present challenges to safety control. Who is in charge of safety? Does the service provider need a license issued in Finland? Subcontracting can be arranged in many different ways. Coherent license procedures that are well justified in terms of safety must be developed and documented during the strategy period.
STUK will increase cooperation and information exchange with other countries, especially with peer authorities in the Nordic countries. The goal is to ensure logical and rational development of special services based on use of radiation.
Non-ionising radiation: communication key to success
In the field of non-ionising radiation, rapid development is seen especially in wireless communications and radio frequency identification of products. The biological and potential health impacts of electromagnetic fields are studied worldwide. Possible risks have become the subject of active public discussion in which STUK participates as a national expert organisation.
When dealing with electromagnetic fields, communication becomes a particularly important success factor. STUK must be able to convey the best available information from research to both decision-makers and citizens. Good communication also means recommending sensible caution in everyday life, since many of the issues still lack reliable answers.
In the regulation of non-ionising radiation, STUK focuses on technically demanding targets and on new applications. Safety is assessed on the basis of the latest international recommendations and standards. The measurement techniques and calculation methods used in regulatory oversight are kept up to date. The oversight of applications available on the market emphasises cooperation with other authorities and the distribution of information to citizens.
STUK develops its capability to conduct electromagnetic field measurements and exposure assessments as an expert service to health and safety authorities when the requirements for electromagnetic fields laid out in the EU directive on occupational health and safety take effect in Finnish workplaces.
