MRI safety in focus: How a digital self-learning course protects lives

Together with KAGes, we have developed an interactive self-learning course that raises awareness of risks among all professional groups in the MRI environment, strengthens occupational safety and supports safe action in emergencies.

The topic of MR safety is important because handling magnetic resonance imaging scanners involves high risks – from the danger of attraction and crushing to fire and quench situations and medical emergencies.

Special safety requirements apply in the vicinity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners because the magnetic field is always active. Unlike X-ray machines, it cannot be switched off. Even the smallest metallic objects can therefore become dangerous projectiles, endangering both people and equipment.

In order to provide targeted training for all professional groups who work in or occasionally enter MRI areas, we have developed a self-learning course on MR safety together with the eLearning coordination team of KAGes, radiology technology experts and safety specialists.

The target group includes radiologists, radiologic technologists, other specialized clinical staff, as well as employees from cleaning and technical departments who work in or near MRI rooms. Many have varying levels of prior knowledge but are confronted daily with situations where incorrect behaviour can have serious consequences. This module helps refresh safety knowledge and better assess risks in order to act correctly in an emergency.

This self-study course teaches key safety principles, from the labelling of equipment and rooms to emergency procedures. Interactive exercises, drag-and-drop tasks, and quizzes promote active learning, while immediate feedback ("True," "False," "Attention!") reinforces understanding.

A particular highlight is the animated video, which clearly explains how the MRI scanner works, down to the molecular level. Supplementary infographics facilitate orientation and help to quickly grasp complex information.

The project impressively demonstrates how digitalisation strengthens occupational safety. With its clear structure, visual presentation, and practical scenarios, the KAGes self-study course offers a modern, easily accessible learning format that ensures lasting knowledge retention.

The project also found particular favour outside the organisation: As part of the EU-OSHA campaign “Working safely and healthily in times of digitalisation”, the self-learning course was presented as a practical example at the closing event and met with great interest.

Feedback from the field has been consistently positive; in particular, the clarity and flexibility of the digital training are appreciated. Future plans include expanding the course to include multilingual versions in order to best integrate external service providers such as cleaning teams and researchers.

The result of the close collaboration with KAGes is a tailor-made training program that makes safety tangible and strengthens the awareness that one thing always applies in MRI: The magnetic field is always active.