You work in the medical industry. You need protective clothing because you work with a lot of different types of radioactive materials or equipment. If you’re exposed to gamma radiation, you won’t turn into a superhero. You’ll just die. While most people take great care to protect their body, hands, and feet, your eyes are one of the most vulnerable parts of your body when it comes to radiation. Make sure that you don’t forget to protect them, along with the rest of your body.
Badges
Radiation badges measure and monitor the amount of radiation you’re exposed to. If you’re exposed to x-rays, for example, you may have to wear film badge dosimeters. At the core of a dosimeter is the film. It’s a thin material that reacts to radiation and is surrounded by a case that prevents light and moisture from damaging the film.
If you’re in a room with radiation, the film will react to it and turn dark. This is your warning. The film usually has two sides to it. One has a very large grain coating which reacts to low radiation levels. The other side has a finer grain which is not easily affected by rays. Why have the finer grain?
It will measure intense radioactive exposure. Because radiation can be present at many different levels, having two sides to the film will ensure that you know both the early exposure as well as the exact level of radioactivity.
Radiation badges also allow you to follow three basic safety measures whenever you work around any type of radioactive substance. First, You can control the time you’re exposed. Second, you can shield yourself using protective gear like radiation glasses, and thirdly, you can control your distance by knowing how intense and how much radiation you’re being exposed to.
Protective Eyewear
Protective eyewear, sold by companies like Burlington Medical radiation glasses, usually consists of special lead glasses that shield your eyes from harmful radiation. When you buy lead glasses, make sure that they are of the wrap-around style so as to protect as much of your eyes as possible – you don’t want radiation leaking in around the lenses.
Body Pads
Body pads that are lead-lined are often worn in areas where you’ll be exposed to x-rays, but they can also be useful for other types of radiation. Typically, you’ll wear when over your normal clothing to protect vital body parts where you would have the most exposure to radiation. These pads or suits are usually only worn when you’ll be exposed to a short, high, burst of radiation.
Safety Officers
Safety officers will often publish standards and keep you informed about any updated protocols in your work area. Make sure you consult with them if you have any questions or concerns about your safety gear. Always check any gear before putting it on to make sure that it is not damaged in any way. If you suspect that your safety equipment has been tampered with, damaged, or its integrity is somehow compromised, inform your on-site safety officer so you can get new equipment. It’s just not worth the risk.
