The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) requires employers to take a variety of precautions to protect employees from harmful exposure to ionizing radiation in their workplaces. Hazardous exposure can cause serious illnesses such as cancers, or have genetic effects. However, it is also your responsibility to protect yourself if you work with high-frequency electromagnetic […]
It’s important to know how to prevent back pain if you spend your working hours in a heavy lead apron. Recent studies indicate that workers who wear lead aprons face a higher risk of musculoskeletal pain and complications. Healthcare professionals who wear lead aprons have more job-related pain, and seek medical treatment for pain more […]
Lead-free aprons and other apparels are the new, popular choice for radiation protection. The use of lead may be the industry standard for shielding against the hazards of scatter radiation, but its greatest drawback is its toxicity. Barrier Technologies cares deeply for the environment and we understand that disposing of leaded products can be problematic. […]
X-rays are an essential tool that saves countless lives and nearly everybody needs to have them at some point in time. However, we should all be aware of important x-ray precautions when undergoing these examinations. X-ray images, or radiographs, can be used by healthcare practitioners to detect bone fractures, injuries, infections, tumors, and dental problems. […]
For many years, lead was the only suitable attenuating substance for radiation protection apparel. Because old habits die hard and it was true in the past, radiologic professionals often refer to their protective gloves as “lead gloves”, regardless of their composition. This verbal shorthand is so much easier to say than “x-ray attenuating gloves”, or […]
When working with or near radiation from man-made technology or radionuclides, it’s important that you’re aware of the risks involved and precautionary mitigating measures. Although you’re unlikely to suffer serious short-term effects, radiation is cumulative. Over time, you may become susceptible to health issues such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. Tips for Working With or […]
It is critically important to consider radiation effects on the eye when working in a fluoroscopic environment. As radiation doses are cumulative, repeated exposure to x-rays or other radiation increases the risk of tissue damage. Although radiology is used to detect and cure diseases, performing diagnostic tests or administering therapeutic radiation doesn’t mean that there […]
The first x-ray devices came into use in the late 1890s. These marvelous machines were used with abandon, even being advertised to remove unwanted hair! Slowly, realization dawned about the hazards of radiography. Fortunately, we now have advanced technology using lead shielding to protect against the harmful effects of radiation. What Is Lead Shielding? In […]
Daily exposure to ionizing radiation carries health risks. Lead radiation glasses are imperative to protect your eyes from developing cataracts if you work with scatter radiation. Eye protection should never be compromised as it’s a critical aspect of workplace safety. Lead glasses for radiation protection have fragile glass lenses, which should be properly cared for […]
The most important principle of radiation safety is ALARA. This acronym stands for “As Low As Reasonably Achievable”. The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) regulates radiation safety standards to protect against the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. The ALARA principle underpins the ICRP’s 3-tiered System of Radiological Protection: Justification: Any decision that alters the […]
