|  | Public Health Safety | Work Safety

Lead-Apron Policy

Lead aprons are used to shield people from the harmful radiation caused by alpha, gamma and x-rays. Patients undergoing any type of medical testing that involves these kinds of rays should be protected with some sort of lead apron.

  1. Features

    • Most hospitals have strict policies concerning lead aprons. According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, all departments using lead aprons must annually check the integrity of the lead by making sure it is up to health and safety codes. Radiology departments must maintain and document all lead-apron checks.

    Use

    • Lead aprons must be used under the following circumstances: to protect an individual who is holding a patient during testing; to protect other patients who cannot be moved out of the room during testing; when the reproductive glands are within five centimeters of an x-ray; and when a patient must hold an image receptor. Also, the operator must wear an apron if he will be exposed in any way.

    Considerations

    • Aprons that fail testing must be disposed of properly, and must never be used again. Aprons will fail testing if they have many small holes and cracks, are wearing and thinning out, or if the velcro or other fastener is not working properly.

Work Safety - Related Articles