Introduction
Radiation protection equipment such as lead aprons and safety glasses are essential for the safety of the medical practitioners and imaging staff to protect them from adverse effects of frequent exposure to radiation emitted by the X-ray imaging devices. Hence, every staff member of the radiographic rooms needs to wear proper and clean protective gears that are stored correctly ensuring that their protection level is not hampered. Continue reading for recommendations on how to look after and store the radiation protection equipment so that they can safeguard the medical staff from harmful radiation.
How to safe keep the radiation lead aprons?
The aprons must be thoroughly cleaned regularly to provide a sterile workspace. For cleaning, they must never be immersed in water or under a faucet instead, they must be wiped with a cold damp cloth with a mild detergent (if required). Heavily spoiled areas of the aprons can be cleaned with a soft brush.
The safety of the aprons may get compromised if the cleaners deteriorate the core material and color of the aprons and even lead to tearing or holes formation. Hence, the chosen cleaning products must maintain the integrity of the protective garment. Scrubbles was the first engineered cleaning solution that can safely get rid of products of blood, barium, and other common radiology-associated stains from the radiation lead aprons leaving behind only a clean, citrus scent. Other cleaners include Hydrogen peroxide as disinfectant sprays or wipes that can kill multiple types of microorganisms.
In addition, the aprons must be stored properly so that the manufacturer’s warranty does not become invalid. The aprons must be never creased or folded after use as this may crack the protective material, instead they must be hung on the hangers designed specifically for them (if possible) or stored flat. If they are to be transported between the medical facilities, they must be rolled loosely but not for long as it may reduce their usability. Lastly, it is always recommended to periodically test the lead aprons to ensure that their shielding integrity is not diminished.
Mounted Wall Racks and Mobile Storage System with Hangers
Poor storage can reduce the shelf life of radiation protective apparel and it also takes up excessive space. Trivitron’s perfectly crafted range of storage systems helps to safely store multiple pairs of apparel and accessories in a compact unit that is space-efficient and also easy to install.
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Mobile Storage System with Hangers
Tips to care for radiation safety glasses:
Lead glasses come either with standard or anti-reflective coated lenses which are fragile. Whatever may be the case, these glasses must be regularly rinsed under the stream of warm water to remove dirt, dust, and debris to avoid them getting scratched. For uncoated or anti-reflective coated lenses, a small amount of antibacterial detergent or diluted dish soap without grit and microbeads may be used by the wearer before rinsing with water and then wiped dry with a soft microfiber cloth. If the lead glasses have fog-free lenses, they must be cleaned gently with a microfiber cloth using an alcohol-water solution in a 4:1 ratio and then dried completely with a second sterile microfiber cloth. While cleaning, the lenses must be rubbed gently in straight lines.
It is strictly advised not to autoclave the lead glasses or use chlorine or ammonia-based cleaners for disinfection as they can break them. Manufacturers even recommend the user to not clean the glasses in a circular motion as it can damage the applied anti-fog or anti-reflection coatings.
Radiation safety glasses must be stored face-up in the dedicated unit when they are not in use to protect them from airborne contaminants and scratching. Moreover, subconsciously they must not be placed on top of the head when they are briefly not in use while working. Extra care must be taken while adjusting their position on the face or removing them as they are fragile and heavy and can break. Lead glasses can last for the long term only when they are properly cared for and maintained. Therefore, it is always recommended to frequently examine them for any pitting, chipping, or other damages.
Trivitron Healthcare offers the best range of radiation protection apparel and devices that can help to reduce the risk of unnecessary and fatal harm to the patients and the staff involved in radiation procedures.
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