X-Ray Shielding

X-rays are an important part of medical technology and are indispensable tool for monitoring and diagnosing medical conditions. Despite many medical benefits that x-ray imaging provides, it is also a potentially dangerous process that can cause cancer or other medical complications unless the proper protection is utilized. So, everything in X-Ray room is X-Ray shielded.

X-ray equipment must be installed in adequately shielded rooms to ensure that public in the vicinity of the x-ray installations are not unduly exposed to x-ray radiation. Each x-ray installation must be assessed for shielding requirements based on the:-

• dimensions of the room
• positions of the x-ray control, vertical bucky and operator
• proposed construction materials (protective screens, walls, floors, doors)
• areas adjacent to x-ray room (occupancy, future use)
•  x-ray workload

Following is the guideline may be used to determine the shielding required for a new installation or when modifying an existing one:

• The current/future x-ray workload in the room does not exceed 20 exposures (films) in a 40-hour work week schedule, with the primary beam directed to an upright bucky. In addition, a workload of up to 2 exposures per week for radiographing extremities can be included, provided the primary beam is directed vertically down to the floor of the room.
• The x-ray unit is operated at up to 100 kVp, with a maximum film (cassette) size of 35cm x 43cm (14” x 17”).
• The room containing the unit has Shielding is required to provide protection outside the room, a) for workers, to meet the Action Level of 1mSv/year, as specified in the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and b) for members of the public not to exceed the recommended public dose limit of 1 mSv/year.
• For workers directly involved in the taking of x-rays, this guideline provides an option for shielding the control booth to either 20 mSv/year (the maximum permissible dose) or to 1 mSv/year (WSBC Action Level).
• Occupancy outside barriers: the shielding options (over) allow for consideration of the amount of time (occupancy) spent by persons outside each of the barriers (i.e. walls/doors)
• If the facility has accessible areas (e.g. rooms) above and/or below the x-ray room, protection for these areas must be provided in the intervening floors (see over).

Lead shielding for radiation is a useful tool in accomplishing radiation protection for x-ray applications used in Medical technology. Utilizing lead castings, sheet lead and lead foil, Medi-Ray^TMhas developed clinic, laboratory and medical office products for all X-Ray applications. Lead x-ray shields offer advanced protection to guard specific body parts on the patient or technician during x-ray procedures.

X-Ray shielding can be done using lead sheet of 2 mm thickness. Mobile X-ray barrier can be mounted on wheels and moved around easily. This is used extensively in medical industry.

A wide range of radiation barriers are available in many different sizes and unique configurations to accommodate the specific protection needs of different radiation processes. Redesign of current medical products can provide more user-friendly products with no increase in costs.

Medi-rayTM:  Medi-rayTM is devoted to innovation in lead metal technology. Since 1974, Medi-rayTM has been the largest supplier of radio-pharmaceutical shipping containers. Medi-rayTM is mainly known for shielding radioactive products, X-ray, PET, CT or MRI equipment. For any further enquiry or to get free quotes, call at 877-898-3003 / 914-979-2740 or fax at 914-337-4620. You can send e-mails at sales@mediray.com. Office is located at 150 Marbledale Road, Tuckahoe, New York 10707. Visit http://www.mediray.com for more information.