Education - Library - Health & Safety

Please click on the links below for more information:

• Ultrasound Safety
  • BMUS Link
• Operator Safety
  • Sound Ergonomics
  • Exercises

Safe Exposure to Ultrasound

Ultrasound has the potential to do harm because energy is deposited in the tissues being examined. Damaging mechanisms include both thermal and non-thermal mechanisms. Power outputs of ultrasound scanners are at their highest in Doppler mode which means that those using Doppler ultrasound should be particularly aware of operating their equipment in a safe way.

The British Medical Ultrasound Society has issued a Statement on the Safety of Ultrasound and has issued Safety Guidelines. They also have a good list of references and links to other sites dealing with the safe use of ultrasound

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Work related musculo-skeletal problems

Many people in the profession are experiencing problems with stiffness and pain in the back and neck that is exacerbated by the postures adopted during scanning. Awareness of this problem has been growing recently and the importance of adopting a good posture and ergonomic working practice at all times cannot be over emphasised.

• It is important to minimise static postures with the arms extended from the trunk or the head strongly rotated.
   
• Relax and move the muscles frequently, even when adjusting controls on the scanner ie: do not continue to hold the probe in position on the skin.
   
• Try out different postures and approaches to scanning various anatomical sites to find the one that suites you.
   
• Make sure you have a chair and couch with adjustable heights and make use of the controls to achieve a comfortable position to scan.
   
• Try standing to scan.
   
• Use exercises to loosen up stiff muscles.

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