Radiation PPE Toolbox Talk

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important part of protecting workers from certain radiation hazards when engineering controls and administrative controls cannot completely eliminate exposure. The type of PPE required depends on the type of radiation involved and the specific work being performed. Workers may encounter ionizing radiation during activities such as industrial radiography or nuclear density gauge operations, or non-ionizing radiation from welding, lasers, ultraviolet (UV) equipment, or other specialized equipment. PPE should always be used as part of a comprehensive radiation protection program and never as the only control measure.

This toolbox talk reviews the proper selection, inspection, use, and maintenance of PPE for radiation-related work.

Why This Matters

• Some radiation hazards can cause serious injuries or long-term health effects if proper protection is not used.
• PPE helps reduce exposure when used together with engineering and administrative controls.
• Different radiation hazards require different types of PPE.
• Damaged or improperly used PPE may not provide adequate protection.
• Routine inspections help ensure PPE remains effective throughout the job.

Common PPE for Radiation-Related Work

• Laser safety eyewear matched to the specific laser being used.
• Welding helmets, filter lenses, face shields, and protective clothing for ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation.
• Protective gloves suitable for the assigned task and associated hazards.
• Protective clothing to minimize contamination where radioactive materials are handled.
• Personal radiation monitoring devices (dosimeters) when required by the radiation protection program.
• Safety glasses, hard hats, hearing protection, and safety footwear appropriate for the overall work environment.
• Respiratory protection when required for associated airborne hazards and the employer's respiratory protection program.
• High-visibility clothing when working in active construction areas.

Safety Checklist

Before Work Begins

• Identify the type of radiation hazard associated with the task.
• Select PPE appropriate for the specific radiation source and work activity.
• Inspect PPE for damage, contamination, excessive wear, or missing components.
• Verify personal monitoring devices are issued and worn correctly when required.
• Ensure PPE fits properly and does not interfere with other required protective equipment.
• Replace damaged or defective PPE before beginning work.

During the Workday

• Wear all required PPE throughout radiation-related operations.
• Do not modify, remove, or bypass required protective equipment.
• Keep PPE clean and handle it according to company procedures.
• Report damaged, contaminated, or missing PPE immediately.
• Continue following engineering controls, administrative controls, and restricted access procedures.
• Store reusable PPE properly after use to prevent damage or contamination.

Crew Talking Points

• What type of radiation hazard is present during today's work?
• What PPE is required for this specific task?
• How should PPE be inspected before use?
• When are personal radiation monitoring devices required?
• Why should PPE always be used together with engineering and administrative controls?
• Speak up immediately if required PPE is damaged, missing, or does not appear suitable for the assigned work.

Stop Work If

• Required PPE is unavailable, damaged, contaminated, or does not fit properly.
• Personal monitoring devices required for the task are missing or cannot be used correctly.
• Workers are instructed to perform radiation-related work without the required PPE.
• Engineering or administrative controls have failed, creating uncontrolled radiation exposure.
• The radiation hazard changes and existing PPE is no longer appropriate.
• You are unsure what PPE is required for the assigned task.

Final Reminder

PPE is an important layer of protection against radiation hazards, but it should never replace engineering controls or safe work practices. Select the correct PPE for the specific hazard, inspect it before each use, wear it properly throughout the task, and report any deficiencies immediately. Using the right PPE as part of a comprehensive radiation protection program helps keep workers safe from unnecessary radiation exposure.