How to Store Your Lead Apron - Infab (2024)

INFAB makes radiation protection aprons with lead or lead-free core material covered with exterior nylon or stretchable fabric. We design these materials to work together to protect and keep you comfortable during procedures. However, aprons must be stored properly to ensure the longevity of the protective core material.

Do not Crease or Fold the Apron

The inner core material is designed to provide protection and flexibility but not be folded or creased for an extended period. A consistent unintended crease in a lead apron will cause damage or cracks in the core, allowing areas for harmful radiation exposure.

Apron Inspection Failure

Though damage or cracks may be small to start, they can cause the apron to fail inspections and not meet the standard radiation exposure regulations, resulting in the need to replace the apron.

Prevent Damage with an Apron Rack

Using alead apron rackis the best way to keep your aprons in good shape, providing the necessary protection against radiation exposure. In addition, proper placement on the apron rack hanger eliminates unnecessary stress on the apron and inner core material.

Mobile Apron Racks

Mobile apron racks allow you to move your apron inventory around the facility conveniently. They include hangers that help distribute the apron weight and store the apron properly.

Racks for Small Spaces

The wall-mounted peg lead apron racks are an excellent option for smaller areas with the ability to hold 2, 6, or 8 aprons.

Protect Your Investment

Proper storage is essential for ensuring your lead aprons provide the maximum level of protection, pass regulatory inspections and prolong the life of your apron.

As a seasoned expert in the field of radiation protection, particularly in the manufacturing of radiation protection aprons, my extensive knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of the intricate details involved in ensuring both efficacy and comfort in these specialized garments.

Now, delving into the concepts highlighted in the provided article about INFAB's radiation protection aprons, it's evident that the company prioritizes a careful balance between functionality and user comfort. Let's break down the key concepts:

  1. Lead or Lead-Free Core Material: INFAB produces radiation protection aprons with a core material made of either lead or lead-free materials. The choice of lead is significant because of its high density, which effectively shields against harmful radiation during medical procedures. The lead-free option likely addresses concerns related to environmental impact and health considerations.

  2. Exterior Nylon or Stretchable Fabric: The outer layer of the aprons is constructed with either nylon or stretchable fabric. This choice is crucial for providing a comfortable and flexible garment for medical professionals during procedures. The combination of materials is designed to work synergistically, offering both protection and comfort.

  3. Proper Storage for Longevity: One critical aspect emphasized in the article is the importance of proper storage to ensure the longevity of the protective core material. The inner core material is engineered for flexibility but should not be folded or creased for extended periods. Consistent unintended creasing can lead to damage or cracks in the core, compromising its protective capabilities.

  4. Apron Inspection Failure: Damage or cracks, even if initially small, can result in inspection failure. Meeting standard radiation exposure regulations is paramount, and failure to do so necessitates the replacement of the apron. This underscores the crucial role of these aprons in maintaining safety standards in environments with potential radiation exposure.

  5. Apron Racks for Protection: Utilizing an apron rack, specifically designed for lead aprons, is highlighted as the best method for keeping the aprons in good condition. Proper placement on the rack hanger is emphasized to eliminate unnecessary stress on the apron and its inner core material.

  6. Mobile Apron Racks: The article introduces the concept of mobile apron racks, which allows convenient movement of apron inventory within a facility. These racks include hangers designed to distribute the weight of the aprons evenly and ensure proper storage.

  7. Racks for Small Spaces: In situations where space is limited, wall-mounted peg lead apron racks are suggested. These racks offer versatility by accommodating 2, 6, or 8 aprons, making them suitable for smaller areas while maintaining efficient storage.

  8. Protect Your Investment: The overarching theme is that proper storage is essential for safeguarding the investment made in lead aprons. This includes ensuring maximum protection during procedures, passing regulatory inspections, and extending the overall lifespan of the aprons.

In conclusion, INFAB's approach to radiation protection aprons encompasses a meticulous combination of materials, a keen focus on storage practices, and the utilization of specialized racks to ensure both functionality and durability in demanding medical environments.

How to Store Your Lead Apron - Infab (2024)

FAQs

What is the proper way to store a lead apron? ›

Lead aprons should be stored on hangers to prevent cracks in the protective lead. Inspection and testing of protective clothing must be performed as described by manufacturer.

How should aprons be stored? ›

Within each department every lead apron or vest should be stored in a rack or holder. Since departments within a medical facility are all different sizes, you can choose from our assortment of racks that best fits your needs and space.

Which describes proper storage of a lead apron? ›

The best and safest solution to storing lead aprons is to use a lead apron rack. These racks come in a variety of different styles including door mounted racks as well as standing apron racks. The lead aprons are easily hung on this storage device, leaving a well organized and clutter free room.

How do you protect a lead apron? ›

Aprons should be placed on an appropriate hanger or in a storage rack after use (Fig. 1-7). Repeatedly throwing an apron over a chair or stretcher may damage the lead lining. To assess the integrity of the lead, aprons should be examined under fluoroscopy at least once a year.

How should lead gloves and aprons be stored? ›

Protective aprons should be stored or draped to prevent cracks. Ideally, they should be hung by the shoulder(s) or stored on an approved apron hanger. Aprons should never be folded or creased, which may case cracks to develop in the lead.

Where do you store lead? ›

Lead materials can be encapsulated or covered as shown below to minimize oxidation and lead exposure potential. Storing lead materials in plastic containers or plastic bags in dry areas can also reduce the occurrence of oxidation and other reactions. Lead can be purchased in covered or encapsulated form.

Where should dirty aprons be stored? ›

Dirty clothing that is stored in the operation must be kept away from food and prep areas. This includes dirty aprons, chef coats, and uniforms. Aprons Remove aprons when leaving prep areas. For example, aprons should be removed and stored properly before taking out garbage or using the restroom.

What are the 10 standard precautions? ›

There are 10 elements of SICPs:
  • patient placement/assessment of infection risk.
  • hand hygiene.
  • respiratory and cough hygiene.
  • personal protective equipment.
  • safe management of the care environment.
  • safe management of care equipment.
  • safe management of healthcare linen.
  • safe management of blood and body fluids.

What are the 4 main universal precautions? ›

Hand hygiene. Use of personal protective equipment (e.g., gloves, masks, eyewear). Respiratory hygiene / cough etiquette. Sharps safety (engineering and work practice controls).

What are the rules for lead apron? ›

Fluoroscopic lead aprons are to be discarded if inspections determine: A defect great than 15 square mm found on parts of the apron shielding a critical organ (e.g., chest, pelvic area).

Is it OK to fold a lead apron? ›

Ideally, lead aprons should be hung on special lead apron hangers. The worst storage choice for lead aprons is to fold them up. An intermediate choice is to store them flat, which is not as good as hanging but is better than folding them.

What is the shelf life of lead aprons? ›

As long as your lead apron is kept clean, used and stored correctly, and inspected annually, it should last for many years. A well cared for lead apron could last for 5 years or longer. However, if subject to heavy use, folded, or not properly hung up when not in use, its lifespan will be significantly reduced.

What are the problems with lead aprons? ›

That's because the presence of the lead apron can impair the quality of diagnostic tests and sometimes inadvertently increase a patient's radiation exposure, according to prominent medical and scientific groups including the American Association of Physicists in Medicine, the American College of Radiology, the Image ...

What makes lead aprons ineffective? ›

One of the downsides is that shielding can obscure the imaging field, leading to an unusable X-ray or CT scan, requiring the patient to have another. That increases his or her radiation exposure.

Can lead aprons go bad? ›

As long as your lead apron is kept clean, used and stored correctly, and inspected annually, it should last for many years. A well cared for lead apron could last for 5 years or longer. However, if subject to heavy use, folded, or not properly hung up when not in use, its lifespan will be significantly reduced.

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