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Testing with increased limits
This comprehensive ultrasound diagnostic equipment safety toolbox talk provides essential guidance for healthcare workers who operate, maintain, or work near ultrasound and diagnostic imaging equipment. Covering the full range of occupational hazards — from musculoskeletal disorders and infection transmission to electrical risks and sharps injuries — this document equips clinical staff with the knowledge needed to work safely and comply with UK health and safety legislation.
Ultrasound equipment is used extensively across NHS trusts and private healthcare settings for diagnostic, therapeutic, and interventional purposes. Although it does not produce ionising radiation, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has identified that sonographers and other operators face a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders caused by repetitive scanning motions, sustained awkward postures, and excessive workloads. Research across UK NHS trusts confirmed that MSD risk management in sonography was significantly less effective than it should be, making this a priority area for improvement.
Infection prevention is another critical concern. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published updated guidance in 2025 on good infection prevention practice when using ultrasound gel, following outbreaks of serious healthcare-associated infections linked to contaminated gel products. This toolbox talk incorporates the latest UKHSA recommendations on sterile versus non-sterile gel use, transducer decontamination, and safe handling practices to protect both patients and staff.
The document references key UK legislation including the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH), and the Health and Safety (Sharp Instruments in Healthcare) Regulations 2013.
For further guidance, consult the HSE guidance on musculoskeletal disorders in sonography, UKHSA guidance on ultrasound gel infection prevention, and HSE publication HSG60 — Upper Limb Disorders in the Workplace.
