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Diagnostic Imaging Sciences Center

Safety Levels

This training module has been prepared to provide you with the information you will need to complete the Basic Safety certification process. It is designed to explain how MR technology works, why it can be dangerous, and how you can keep yourself and others safe.


  • Project Personnel who are present during the scan and are available to get help or to assist in case of an emergency should complete steps 1-3. This person does NOT assist with the set up of the subject in the scanner or run the scanner equipment (this includes stimulus equipment). With this SAFETY level, the person is allowed to sit in the scanning area for observation purposes ONLY under the supervision of a Certified Technologist.
  • Research Co-ordinators who are present during the scan session to assist with running or monitoring an experiment (but not including scanner operations) should additionally complete Step 4 This training level allows the person to assist with the setup of the subject in the magnet room and run the stimulus equipment under the supervision of a Certified Technologist.
  • To obtain operator training , research personnel must have completed steps 1-4 of the initial training and typically participates in at least 30 additional training scan sessions with a Certified Technologist. The Certified Technologist will observe you during a scan session with a real subject to confirm your qualification to become a "Certified Scanner Operator". Certification is project specific and cannot be generalized to any study. Note that adding projects may need a consultation and additional training. (See Evaluation and Certification Procedure for further details

Safety Training Steps

Step 1

Watch the safety video

Step 2

Understand the zones and their restrictions and regulations. The DISC Suite is divided into the Red Zone, Yellow Zone and Green Zone. Each of these room is part of a specific safety zone. To be safe in this environment you need know the specific rooms associated with each zone, what safety restrictions apply in each zone and the location of equipment you might need to use in an emergency.

The Green Zone

The green zone includes the Back Hallway, Restrooms, Conference Rooms, and DISC Personnel Offices. There are no safety restrictions for personnel or equipment in this zone. However, please consult the DISC before entering the area. There may be study-specific restrictions in using this space. See this video to familiarize yourself with the area.

The Yellow Zone

The yellow zone includes the DISC Lobby, MRI Hallway, and Control Room. To enter this area, you must have medical clearance. All personal items (watch, wallet, purse, credit cards, keys, phones, jewelry, etc) must be removed and store safely. All pockets must be empty! Emergency response equipment is located in this zone. This includes the firealarm, quench button, and the crash cart. See this video to familiarize yourself with the yellow zone.

The Red Zone

The red zone is restricted. Access is only allowed to DISC personnel and project personnel authorized by DISC. Please do not enter this room without explicit authorization from DISC. Emergency response equipment in this zone is the fire alarm and the quench button. See this video to familiarize yourself with the red zone.

Step 3

Undergo in-person interview with Safety Officer, Chris Gatenby (Every Thursday 2 pm - 3pm).

Step 4

Project specific safety training and study discussion with the DISC Team. These will also include research subject screening methods if person will be involved with subject selection and screening.

Last Modified: Sunday, 15-Nov-2020 08:47:37 PST