Inter-comparison of safety culture within selected practices in Ghana utilising ionising radiation

• Published in: Radiation protection dosimetry Vol. 142; no. 2-4; p. 88
• Main Authors: Faanu, A, Schandorf, C, Darko, E O, Boadu, M, Emi-Reynolds, G, Awudu, A R, Gyekye, P K, Kpeglo, D O
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.12.2010
• Subjects: Culture; Ghana; Humans; Radiation Protection - standards; Radiation, Ionizing; Radioactive Hazard Release - prevention & control; Radiology Department, Hospital - standards; Safety Management; Surveys and Questionnaires; Ghana
• ISSN: 1742-3406
• DOI: 10.1093/rpd/ncq192

The safety culture of selected practices and facilities in Ghana utilising radiation sources or radiation emitting devices has been assessed using a performance indicator, which provided status information on management and operating staff commitment to safety. The questionnaire was based on the following broad areas: general safety considerations, safety policy at the facility level, safety practices at the facility level, definition of responsibility, staff training, safety of the physical structure of the facility and the emergency plans. The analysis showed that the percentage levels of commitment to safety for the respective practices are as follows: conventional radiography, 23.3-90.0%; research reactor, 73.3%; gamma irradiation facility, 53.3%; radiotherapy, 76.7%; X-ray scanner, 80.0%; gamma scanner, 76.7%; industrial radiography 86.7% and nuclear density practice, 78%. None of the practices or facilities was able to satisfy all the requirements that will ensure a 100% level of safety culture.