Generic basic knowledge

What does the optimisation principle (ALARP) mean under IRR 2017?

Radiation exposures must be kept as low as reasonably practicable, taking economic and social factors into account.

What does the justification process under IR(ME)R 2017 consider?

Whether the benefit of the exposure to the patient/society outweighs the risk (detriment), including whether a non-radiation alternative exists.

What role does a Band 5 radiographer hold under IR(ME)R?

Operator — responsible for the practical aspects of the exposure.

Who enforces IR(ME)R 2017 in England?

The CQC (Care Quality Commission).

What is the effective dose limit for an employee aged 18+?

20 mSv per year.

What principle states "no practice shall be adopted unless it produces a net benefit"?

The justification principle.

Who is entitled to request a medical exposure for a patient?

The referrer.

What are the duties of an operator under IR(ME)R?

Carrying out the practical/technical aspects of the exposure — positioning, operating equipment, optimising technique, ID checks.

Who writes the local rules under IRR 2017?

The Radiation Protection Supervisor (RPS).

Who enforces IRR 2017 in England?

The HSE (Health and Safety Executive).

What is it called when the wrong person is exposed to radiation?

An unintended/incorrect exposure — reportable under IR(ME)R.

Which regulations describe carers and comforters?

IR(ME)R 2017.

What is the Society of Radiographers (SoR)?

The professional trade union representing radiographers' employment interests.

What is the College of Radiographers (CoR)?

The professional/educational body that sets standards, education, and CPD requirements.

What is the difference between standards, policies, and guidelines?

Standards = mandatory regulator benchmarks; policies = an organisation's formal rules; guidelines = advisory best practice, not mandatory.

What is replacing the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)?

The Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) — though as of 2026, DoLS remains the current legal framework; LPS is still only at consultation stage.

What is the primary legislation supporting safeguarding adults at risk in the UK?

The Care Act 2014.

What is the key principle of adult safeguarding under the Care Act 2014?

Making Safeguarding Personal, built on 6 principles: empowerment, prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, accountability.

How many professions does the HCPC regulate?

15.

How long is the HCPC registration cycle?

2 years.

What does the HCPC require for continuing professional development?

Registrants must maintain a CPD profile throughout their career; some are audited each 2-year cycle.

What do the HCPC Standards of Proficiency state?

Registrants must meet the threshold standards for safe and effective practice in their profession.

What do the HCPC Standards of Conduct, Performance and Ethics cover?

Expected professional behaviour and ethical conduct for all registrants.

Which learning style (Honey & Mumford) prefers to listen to others before giving their own view?

Reflector.

Which learning style wants clear practical applications of concepts?

Pragmatist.

Which learning style enjoys doing things and getting involved?

Activist.

Which learning style takes an analytical, logical approach?

Theorist.

What is a leader?

Someone who influences, guides, and motivates others toward a shared goal.

Does the HCPC require you to demonstrate leadership behaviours?

True — it's part of the Standards of Proficiency.

Do most leaders show qualities from a single leadership style only?

False — most demonstrate qualities from multiple styles.

Are autocratic leaders usually well-liked with high follower job satisfaction?

False — autocratic leadership tends to correlate with lower morale and satisfaction.

Is micromanagement a typical drawback of laissez-faire leadership?

False — laissez-faire risks too little direction; micromanaging is more associated with autocratic leadership.