A Study on the Quality Inspection of Various Life Saving Radioprotective Apparel Using Fluroscopy

This study of the quality inspection was designed and performed to evaluate the shielding integrity of the life-saving radioprotective apparel using fluoroscopy. In this study, 125 radioprotective apparel (68 aprons, 48 thyroid shields, 2 gonad shields, 5 lead caps, and 2 pairs of lead leg pads) were inspected for their quality. These radio protective apparel have undergone visual, tactile inspection, and fluoroscopic evaluation on 1000mA fluoroscopy (Shimadzu Flexa Vision HB). Among this quality inspection of 125 radioprotective apparel, 123 apparel are found to be insignificant and tolerable, so that they can be used routinely, and 2 apparel were found to be significant with multiple tears and cracks in it and failed to protect the wearer from radiation. Based on this inspection, it is mandatory to inspect the radioprotective apparel every six months; continuous use will lead to age-related or poor handling defects, often giving rise to multiple tears across the entire radioprotective apparel. We concluded that the radioprotective apparel has to be adequately maintained, and periodical assessment will reduce the unwanted radiation exposure to occupational workers.