Protective Equipment - doe-hdbk-1113-98_reaffirm_2005

DOE-HDBK-1113-98

Radiological Safety Training for Uranium Facilities

Module 104 Internal Dose Control

Protective Equipment

i. Protective Clothing

Use of protective clothing (PC) in contaminated areas will minimize

the potential for skin contamination and ingestion of uranium. The

choice of PC garments will be based on the type of job and the form of

contamination hazards. Protective clothing should not be worn in

uncontrolled areas such as lunch rooms.

Protective clothing commonly worn in the nuclear industry can also

provide beta dose reduction. Gloves are especially helpful in reducing

beta dose to the hands while handling uranium.

Contamination build-up inside work gloves has lead to unacceptable

hand doses in some facilities. Reuse of leather or cloth gloves should

be reviewed carefully because of such buildup. Workers should wear

thin, protective gloves inside the heavy gloves.

ii. Respiratory Protection

Respiratory protection equipment is used to provide protection from

airborne hazards that may be encountered in the work environment.

Respirator use is based on the level of airborne contamination known

to exist or expected to be produced from the work to be performed.

Respiratory protection may also be required for hazards present in an

area other than radioactive airborne contamination. Health and safety

groups should coordinate the use of respiratory protection

requirements based on all hazards present. If a worker finds a conflict