Final answer:
Steve's department should take a series of measures including the secure storage of controlled substances and radioactive materials, limiting access to trained staff, inventory monitoring, implementing shielding, increasing distance from sources, and limiting exposure time to ensure safety and security.
Step-by-step explanation:
The precautions that Steve's radiography department should take for the storage of controlled substances include implementing security measures like physical shielding, secure container storage, limited access areas, and only allowing trained personnel to handle these agents. Radioactive materials including radiopharmaceuticals used in medical imaging must be stored in shielded containers that prevent radiation exposure. Containers might also be necessary for syringes containing radioactive materials. In addition, protocols should be in place to manage and monitor inventory to prevent misplacement or theft of these substances, as highlighted by the clinical focus incident of a healthcare worker stealing painkillers. To further limit radiation doses and enhance safety, the department can employ strategies like increasing the distance from radiation sources, limiting the time of exposure, and using fast films that require less exposure time, as seen in the case where technicians use lead aprons and stand behind lead-lined doors with lead glass windows. Additionally, a lead collimator as part of an Anger camera setup is used for limiting radiation exposure and ensuring precise imaging.