3 Philosophy of use. Leaded Gloves. Leaded Apron. Respiratory Protection (RPE) Whole body protective suit

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1 Ionising Radiations Code of Practice and Guidance Personal Protective Equipment shall comply with the Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999, Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010, and other appropriate legislation ensuring safe, compliant and secure use of sources of ionising radiations. Each Divisional / Group Head must ensure suitable and sufficient Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is available for all users where necessary. The types of PPE required will be determined by the work registration risk assessment and local rules. Users are responsible for wearing PPE, where it is provided for the purpose of minimising exposure to ionising radiation. The PPE should be adequately maintained and stored appropriately when not used. RPA Radiation Protection Adviser IRR99 Ionising Radiations Regulations 1999 RPO Radiation Protection Officer EPR10 Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 RPS Radiation Protection Supervisor User College user of ionising radiations PPE Personal Protective Equipment RPE Respiratory Protective Equipment Code of Practice 1 Mandatory PPE Where unsealed radiation sources are used (e.g. a source which could lead to a contamination hazard when dispensing), the following types of PPE / work wear shall be considered mandatory: Laboratory coat Gloves Eye protection Overshoes might also be required; this will depend on the findings of the risk assessment. Where only sealed sources are being used, or where ionising radiation is produced by electrical equipment, no specific mandatory PPE will normally be required other than that required by the laboratory rules in operation, or as dictated by other hazards unrelated to ionising radiation. 2 Operational PPE Where working conditions dictate (as determined by the work registration, and radiological risk assessment for the tasks being undertaken), one or more of the following additional pieces of PPE may be required, this list is not intended to be exhaustive: Ref No. IRPM-IRCP-032 Page 1 of 5

2 Operational PPE Leaded Gloves Leaded Apron Respiratory Protection (RPE) Whole body protective suit Example conditions for use Handling of large quantities of material, where the leaded glove is used to shield Bremstralung radiation. Working in an X-ray area where exposures to broad beam X-rays or scatter is possible. Medical X-ray use is an obvious example. Working in an area where there is a high risk of radioactive material being inhaled (which cannot be mitigated by some other means) Working in extreme conditions where the only protection is provided by enclosing the body in a fully sealed and ventilated protective suit. 3 Philosophy of use Best practice dictates that PPE should not be considered the first line of protection against a radiation hazard. However, in reality, it is clear that good laboratory practice in the use of unsealed radioactive sources will dictate a minimum level of PPE (outlined in section 1 above), regardless of the engineering controls in place. With respect to the operational PPE mentioned in section 2, the wearing of such PPE must be fully justified. For most work with ionising radiations at Imperial College, wearing such PPE to reduce significant radiation exposures is likely to be indicative of lax working practices. For example, it would not be justified to use RPE for iodination work simply because a fully ventilated fume cupboard (i.e. engineered protection) was not available. Justification for use (or otherwise) will be the subject of an adequate work registration, submitted by the local RPS and users. The College RPA / RPO will undertake a radiological risk assessment which will consider PPE. However, if it looks likely that PPE will be required to reduce significant exposures, the RPA / RPO will in most cases discuss with the local RPS engineering options for reducing such exposures before recommending PPE. PPE must not be worn outside of the work area as this can result in spread of contamination. The following manual sections should be consulted as appropriate: IRPM-IRCP-002 IRPM-IRCP-005 IRPM-IRCP-018 Work Registration and Risk Assessments Restriction of Exposure Shielding Ref No. IRPM-IRCP-032 Page 2 of 5

3 4 Provision and Maintenance of PPE Department / group heads shall ensure that suitable and sufficient PPE is available, that it is adequately maintained and it has a suitable storage location. This should be considered as part of the funding (grant) process so that suitable and sufficient PPE can be obtained prior to starting work. Guidance Examples of PPE Gloves Overshoes Gloves are mandatory where unsealed radioactive materials are used. They are designed to protect the hands from becoming contaminated thus reducing the risk of contamination being transferred to the mouth, eyes, light switches, equipment etc. It should be remembered that they usually provide little protection from direct radiation hazards (e.g. direct beta radiation from P- 32). Many users prefer to use at least two pairs of gloves to ensure integrity, and two pairs can reduce the risk of H-3 compounds permeating through significantly. Gloves should be monitored regularly and changed often. It is recommended that only College approved gloves such as blue nitrile are used to reduce risks of skin irritation. Overshoes are required in some work areas e.g. iodination laboratories or other laboratories where there is a risk of contamination being on the flooring. If the need is identified in the radiological risk assessment the RPA/RPO will advise the user accordingly. The overshoes shown opposite are the minimum standard required but these split easily and can become brittle with age. Old stocks may not be suitable for use. Ref No. IRPM-IRCP-032 Page 3 of 5

4 Laboratory Coat The laboratory coat in the top diagram opposite is about the minimum standard that could be used for radioisotope work. The laboratory coat should fasten up to the neck and ideally the cuffs should be close fitting, similar to that shown in the bottom diagram opposite. The coat should be of significant length to capture contamination that might inadvertently be splashed down the front of the user. If isotope work is carried out in CL3 containment areas (or similar), the mandatory gowns supplied will suffice with respect to protection from radiological contamination. So far as practicable the coat should have limited pockets to avoid contaminated items being placed in them. Monitoring of laboratory coats, particularly pockets, collars and cuffs is mandatory. Contaminated laboratory coats must not be sent to laundry unless a specific agreement is in place and the coat is packaged appropriately. Goggles / Glasses The laboratory safety glasses shown to the left are for illustration only. When working with unsealed radioisotopes it is important to choose glasses that match the nature of the physical hazards. For example, if liquid splashes are an identified hazard then you should consider using goggles or wrap around glasses. In most situations choosing goggles which are suitable for the type of laboratory being used (e.g. a chemistry laboratory) will afford adequate protection from contamination arising from radiochemical procedures. Leaded Gloves Leaded gloves are only likely to be used in specialist applications and in full consultation with the RPA/RPO. Typically such gloves can provide a 0.5 mm lead equivalent shielding. Dexterity is usually significantly compromised which can lead to handling problems - this might actually increase radiation exposure as handling tasks take longer to perform and spills could be more likely. Ref No. IRPM-IRCP-032 Page 4 of 5

5 Leaded Apron Leaded aprons are only likely to be used in specialist applications and in full consultation with the RPA/RPO. Typically such aprons can provide a 0.3 mm lead equivalent shielding which would, for example, reduce exposure from I-125 X-rays. However, they are uncomfortable to wear, and like leaded gloves, unjustified use can actually lead to increased exposure as users may work at a slower pace when wearing them or their movement could be restricted. RPE / Whole Body Enclosure RPE and similar devices should not be used under any circumstances without the endorsement of the RPA/RPO in writing. Normally the wearing of RPE in any routine (and many non routine) processes identifies a breakdown in engineering control measures. If you believe that you need such RPE then please discuss this with the RPA/RPO Ref No. IRPM-IRCP-032 Page 5 of 5