Radiation exposure is a major risk to the safety of healthcare professionals who frequently work with x-rays. While occasional radiation exposure is not harmful, consistent exposure to low dose radiation (LDR) over the course of a career can seriously damage your health.
Without proper radiation protection apparel, cardiologists, radiologists, and other healthcare professionals that work with x-rays put themselves at risk of numerous health complications. The higher the level of exposure, the higher the risk of damage.
To protect your body from radiation, lead glasses along with protection for the body, neck and head should be worn whenever x-ray technology is being used.
Here is how to wear and care for your radiation protection apparel safely and correctly.
- Select a size that fits comfortably and allows all overlaps to be aligned. In particular with a Standard Vest (full frontal overlap), ensure that the frontal overlap is from axilla to axilla, and with your Skirt, side seam to side seam.
- When wearing a vest and skirt, to maintain protection during procedures where you may reach or bend over, ensure there is at least a 2” (5cm) overlap of the vest and skirt at the waist.
- Your Skirt or Apron length should allow your femur to be fully protected down to the knee.
- If you are unsure of the protection level you need for the work you do, speak with your Radiation Safety Officer (RSO)
- To minimise the risk of injury when handling your apparel, the skirt should be put on first and taken off last so you are not lifting the weight of the skirt with the weight of the vest on your shoulders.
To ensure the longevity of your new apparel, please follow these guidelines:
- Radiograph the apparel upon receipt and then regularly afterwards to ensure that no damage has occurred to the protective core material. The ARPANSA Guidelines recommend every 12-18 months but check with your RSO or refer to your facility’s Radiation Safety Plan.
- Clean your garment in accordance with your facility’s Infection Control Protocols, following the Cleaning and Care Guide received with your apparel.
- Hang your apparel properly by the shoulders on the hanging loops. Velcro fasteners should be matched together so they do not snag.
- Do not fold or crease the apparel. Continued incorrect storage can lead to cracks in some core materials.
- Do not lean or rub against sharp corners, edges or store sharp objects in the pockets of your apparel.
Here at Uniqa Medical, your protection is our mission. We believe in being there for you. We look after your safety, so you can look after the health of others. If you’re after more radiation protection apparel for your team or even storage solutions for your medical apparel, contact our friendly team of experts to see how we can help you find the best solution for your needs.
