In which zone should access be controlled by a keypad or badge system?

In the context of MRI safety zones, Zone 3 is designated as a controlled access area where access should be regulated to maintain the safety of both patients and staff. The use of a keypad or badge system in this zone is crucial because it helps prevent unauthorized entry, which is important due to the presence of strong magnetic fields and the potential for hazards associated with ferromagnetic objects.

Controlling access in Zone 3 helps ensure that only trained personnel, patients, and others who are aware of safety protocols can enter, thereby reducing the risk of accidents or injuries. This zone typically surrounds the MRI machine itself and is where safety measures are most critical to protect individuals from dangers associated with the magnetic environment, like projectile risks or the interaction of medical devices with the MRI system.

Other zones, such as Zone 1 (public areas), Zone 2 (buffer zones), and Zone 4 (the MRI room), do not require the same level of controlled access as Zone 3 does, with public spaces being open and the MRI room typically accessing through controlled entry but not necessarily needing a keypad or badge system.