Health Physics Service (Radiation Safety) 
Mission
Subject Matter Expert and the main supporting body for the radiation tasks at DDEMAC
Vision
Regional hub of radiation safety and the most reliable resource of the information that enables the safe use of radiation
About
The Health Physics Service ensures radiation safety throughout MACH and manages the radioactive material permit issued through the Defense Health Agency’s Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Broad Scope license. This includes both ionizing (i.e. x-rays, radioactive materials) and non-ionizing (i.e. LASERs, Radiofrequency) forms of radiation. It is accomplished through education of best practices of handling radiation sources, reducing total radiation dose as low as reasonably achievable (ALARA), monitoring occupational radiation dose, monitoring patient radiation dose, ensuring efficacy of personal protective equipment, internal surveys and audits in use areas, safe disposal and storage of radioactive materials, fetal dose assessments, annual radiographic compliance surveys. Additionally, health physics service provides consultations and mission support for Medical Readiness Command, East (MRC, E).
Services
- Fetal dose assessment
- Area and/or Contamination Surveys
- Radioactive materials (RAM) management
- Radiation safety training
- X-ray system surveys
- Shielding evaluations
- Laser safety training
- Occupational Dosimetry
- ALARA investigation
- Lead apron inspection
Radiation Safety Committee
Health Physics Service manages the MACH Radiation Safety Committee (RSC), to follow standardized procedures for the content, assembly and distribution of agendas and supporting documentation, and for writing, approval, and distribution of RSC minutes. RSC holds quarterly meetings at MACH with a DHA representative attending remotely. The committee is chaired by ADCN. The voting members include Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Nursing, Clinical Engineering, Clinical Investigation, DENTAC, and Veterinary Service.
Regional Support Capabilities
- Assist MTFs to prepare NRC inspections under the DHA broad scoped license
- Conduct HP (Radiation Safety) program audit/OIP/SAV to assess program’s performance
- Conduct X-ray room shielding evaluation and verification
- Review Research Protocols using Radiation
- Perform Dose Calculation for patients and healthcare workers
- Conduct diagnostic X-ray system surveys
- Provide Radiation Safety Officer Training
Radiation Safety FAQs
Call Health Physics Service at 762-408 or 762-408 for any questions or concerns related to Radiation Safety or its programs and services.