Pregnant and breastfeeding users
What you need to know regarding attending an ISIS experiment while pregnant
Declaration
It is up to you when/if you want to declare a pregnancy however we can only implement any necessary precautions once you inform us of the pregnancy.
Typical Doses at STFC
Most people working at STFC will receive no measurable dose at work. If you wear personal dosimetry you can request your data.
Protecting Yourself
Reducing your time in radiation areas and standing further away from a source of radiation will mean that you are exposed to less radiation.
Visitors
We will offer you an electronic personal dosemeter to indicate if you have entered a higher dose rate area so that you can leave if necessary.
Pregnancy Risk Assessment
In addition to the standard pregnancy risk assessment there is one which only covers radiation. Contact rpa@stfc.ac.uk.
Risk Assessment
Ask for the radiation risk assessment for the area you are working in. There will be a section on additional precautions required for pregnant or breastfeeding people.
ISIS Dosimetry
Our dosimetry team will make sure you have appropriate dosimetry to assist you in keeping your dose as low as is reasonably practicable.
Communicate
Tell us if you are worried, if you are not worried, if you have some worries. Let us know if the pregnancy is not yet general knowledge so that we can work with you to maintain your privacy.
FAQs
Yes. The main radiation hazard in the ISIS Halls is external exposure to ionising radiation and once you leave the area the exposure stops. In a external exposure situation you don't take any radiation with you when you leave the area so there is no risk to the breastfeeding child.
Yes. The generally accessible dose rates in R55 and R80 are low. Wearing an electronic dose meter will alert you if that changes and you can leave the area. Please report any instances of that happening.
Yes, dose rates in these area are low. If you have concerns please ask about your specific area.
Probably, the level of hazard varies by blockhouse so we would want to have a radiation risk assessment especially if you might be retrieving activated samples or entering soon after the shutter closes.
Possibly, we would do a radiation risk assessment to assist us in making a decision. Please remember to consider any other hazards the material may present.
Yes you can. STFC will put in place reasonable adjustments to ensure that you and your baby are protected.
No we can't give you medical advice. If you have specific concerns you should speak to a doctor or midwife. We can give general advice on radiation protection.
