Lead aprons are a necessity for medical personnel who are daily exposed to harmful ionizing X-ray radiations for long hours. They help shield the X-rays and keep their body protected against health risks. However, their effectiveness and durability majorly rely on their proper handling and storage.
When an X-ray radiation protection apron is not in use, it’s very important to store lead apron properly, or otherwise the level of radiation protection can get significantly impacted and result in several detrimental consequences.
While storing the apron, below-mentioned are important things to keep in mind.
1. Keep the apron on a suitable rack.
Hanging the X-ray radiation protection apron on the appropriate rack’s support or pegs to evenly distribute the apron’s weight can prevent unintended creases of the apron and unnecessary stress. It can ultimately prolong the apron’s durability and effectiveness as radiation protection gear. Moreover, storing the apron on a dedicated rack in a designated storage location after use can make its retrieval easier and speedy, thus encouraging efficiency and streamlining of workflows.
There are various types of apron racks available. One is mobile lead apron racks that allow easy movement of apron inventory around the workplace, offering convenience for storing versatile apron types. In case of limited space at the workplace, there are wall-mounted lead apron racks available. For storing other radiation protective gear besides lead aprons, there are combination racks. The wearer can select a type of rack to meet unique needs. Some factors to consider while making a selection include the number of lead aprons, type of aprons, availability of space, facility needs, medical area, and the budget.
2. Avoid creasing or folding the apron.
The apron’s inner protection material i.e. lead is integral for radiation protection. It is susceptible to damage if the apron is folded or creased for long hours. The compromised structural integrity of the apron can pose risks of harmful ionizing radiation exposure.
3. Store the apron in a well-ventilated, temperature-controlled room.
If the apron is exposed to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, or corrosive materials/harsh chemicals, the apron’s outer fabric and the core protection material (lead) can become damaged. This reduces the apron’s radiation protection level.
4. Conduct regular visual, tactile, and radiographic inspections of the apron.
The lead apron must be regularly inspected for signs of wear and tear and the findings must be documented in the inventory management system of the facility. The frequency of inspections should be as per manufacturer recommendations.
The takeaway
Storing X-ray radiation protection aprons strategically and thoughtfully can help safeguard one’s investment in radiation protection gear. Proper storage of the apron can ensure the apron’s durability and effectiveness. For this, the wearer of the X-ray radiation protection apron must adopt practices like selecting the right lead apron rack to hang the apron, storing the apron in the right environment, and conducting regular inspections of the apron