Health and safety control measures and MR quality control results in the MRI units of two public hospitals within the Mangaung metropolitan

Evaluating Adherence to Safety Standards for Physical Space Design, Equipment, and Patient and Staff Protection in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Centers: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

ABSTRACT

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revolutionized disease diagnosis and treatment. However, the technology poses safety risks, such as exposure to magnetic fields, RF pulses, and cryogens, necessitating strict adherence to safety protocols to protect patients and healthcare workers. This cross-sectional descriptive study assessed compliance with MRI safety standards in Khuzestan province, Iran) imaging centers, focusing on electromagnetic fields and other key safety domains. A 61-item researcher-developed checklist, based on international safety guidelines, was used to evaluate safety protocols in 11 MRI centers across seven domains, including facility design, equipment labeling, static magnetic and gradient fields, RF waves, cryogens, patient and staff protection, and infection control. MRI staff responded with yes/no answers. Responses to three additional questions also were collected. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 26. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Overall, facility design scores ranged from 54.5% to 100%, but static magnetic field safety ratings were significantly lower (25% to 100%). Although safety equipment availability reached 100% in some centers, gaps were noted in labeling ferromagnetic devices. Infection control adherence was high, but only seven centers featured seamless flooring in the magnet room. Cryogen safety showed partial compliance with some centers lacking exhaust fans. Employee and patient safety measures were inconsistent, with one center scoring as low as 18%. While MRI centers demonstrated strengths in infection control and facility design, critical deficiencies in static magnetic field safety and emergency protocols highlight the need for targeted training, regular audits, and updated policies. Addressing these gaps is essential to enhancing MRI safety practices and aligning with international standards.

Risk-Based Assessment of 132 kV Electric Distribution Substations and Proximal Residential Areas in the Mangaung Metropolitan Region

Annually, an estimate of 2.3 million workers die prematurely due to occupational injuries and illnesses. In this study, a risk assessment was conducted to evaluate the compliance of 132 kV electric distribution substations and proximal residential areas with the South African occupational health and safety Act 85 of 1993. Data were collected from 30 electric distribution substations and 30 proximal residential areas using a checklist. Distribution substations of 132 kV were assigned an overall compliance value of ≥80%, while a composite risk value of < 0.5 was assigned to individual residential areas. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to check for data normality before multiple comparisons and the Bonferroni adjustment was applied. Non-compliances in electric distribution substations were as a result of poor housekeeping and inappropriate fencing conditions. Ninety-three percent of the electric distribution substations (28/30) scored < 75% compliance on housekeeping and 30% (7/30) were non-compliant (<100%) on fencing. Conversely, there was compliance in the proximal residential areas concerning the substations. Statistically significant differences were found when substation positioning and surrounding infrastructure (p < 0.00), electromagnetic field sources (p < 0.00) and maintenance/general tidiness (p < 0.00) were compared. A peak risk value of 0.6 was observed when comparing the substation positioning with proximal electromagnetic field sources in the residential area. Housekeeping and fencing in the distribution substations must be improved to prevent occupational incidents such as injuries, fire outbreaks, theft and vandalism.

MRI Safety Practice Observations in MRI Facilities Within the Kingdom of Jordan, Compared to the 2020 Manual on MR Safety of the American College of Radiology

Purpose

The absence of ionizing radiation in MRI applications does not guarantee absolute safety. Implementing of safety guidelines can ensure high-quality practice in the clinical MRI with the minimum risk. For this purpose, this cross-section quantitative study conducted in Jordan Kingdom aimed to assess current MRI safety guidelines in comparison with those of 2020 Manual on MR Safety of the American College of Radiology (ACR).

Patients and Methods

A site observation study of 38 MRI units was undertaken in June 2021. A well-structured MRI safety questionnaire was the primary data collection method. Data were subjected to a descriptive statistics content analysis by the SPSS version 20. The results were analyzed to yield comprehensive discussions.

Results

A total of 38 MRI facilities in participated in this study with the responding rate of 44.7%. Patient screening areas and changing rooms were available in about 29% (11/38) of the MRI facilities. Most facilities (55%, 21/38) conducted verbal screening only whereas 21% implemented both written and verbal screening for their patients and companions in zone II, which was present in a percentage of 29% in the approached facilities. Meanwhile, only 13 (43.2%) of 38 facilities used handheld magnets for physical screening, 25 (65.8%) of MRI units did not use any kind of ferromagnetic metal detection systems. Three (7.9%) participating centers had MR-safe wheelchairs, ventilators, anesthesia machines, and stretchers. Most MRI facilities participating in this study (71%) had emergency preparedness plans for alternative power outages. Despite a relatively low number of participating centers having an emergency exit or code (26.3% and 10.5%, respectively), none of them performed practice drills for such scenarios.

Conclusion

Investing in new MR-safe equipment requires introducing ferromagnetic detecting systems. More research is needed to establish the degree of MRI professional’s safety-related education.