Siemens Essential MRI Safety Seminar

In December, members of the Radius MRI team attended the Essential MR Safety Seminar hosted by Siemens Healthcare in Melbourne. The one-day course provided an in-depth overview of critical MRI safety principles, reinforcing best practice standards in clinical magnetic resonance environments.

The seminar covered a comprehensive range of topics essential to safe MRI operation, including magnet safety, biological effects of MRI exposure, pregnancy considerations, occupational exposure, and current international safety standards. Participants also explored the complexities of scanning patients with both passive and active implants, an increasingly important area in modern MRI practice.

The course was led by internationally recognised MR educator and safety expert Donald McRobbie, who guided attendees through the core knowledge required for clinical application and as a foundation for the role of MR Safety Officer. Through interactive learning sessions, participants gained practical insight into MR safety conditions, the design of safe MRI suites, and institutional governance frameworks that support safe imaging practice.

Attendees included a multidisciplinary group of radiographers, radiologists, medical physicists, engineers, and researchers, all with a shared focus on advancing MR safety standards in clinical and research settings.

Key Topics Covered

The seminar program included presentations and discussions on:

• Systems and safety in MRI environments
• MR exposures and biological effects
• Acoustic noise, pregnancy considerations, fever, contrast agents, and cryogens
• Occupational exposure in MRI settings
• Safety standards and guidelines (RANZCR, ACR, ARPANSA, IEC)
• Management of passive implants
• Management of active implants
• MRI suite design and risk mitigation
• Organisational governance and accreditation in MR safety

Strengthening MRI Safety Practice

By participating in this advanced training, the Radius MRI team continues to strengthen its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of patient and staff safety. Ongoing education in MRI safety ensures clinical teams remain up to date with evolving guidelines, technologies, and risk management strategies.

This seminar also supports the broader goal of embedding a strong safety culture within MRI practice, ensuring high-quality imaging outcomes while minimising risk in complex scanning environments.