EXTENDING APRON LIFESPAN

The following is a quick informative tick list for your lead aprons and protective apparel. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to us.

IMMEDIATELY AFTER RECEIPT

• Garments should be inspected upon receipt to ensure protective material is free of defects.
• Notification of defects is required within 14 days.

ONGOING INSPECTIONS

• Documented annual fluoroscopic inspections are recommended.
• Any defects in protective material should be reported to and evaluated by the facility’s Radiation Safety Officer.
• Garments with defects in protective material that exceed your facility’s acceptance criteria should be removed from service.
• Buckles, Velcro, and straps position the garments for proper coverage.
• Garments with broken or damaged features that prohibit correct positioning should be removed from service and repaired or replaced.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Burlington Medical products do not provide complete user protection — they attenuate X-ray energy to proportionate levels based upon the lead equivalency of the protective material.
• Risk and limits of use must be determined by the Radiation Safety Officer (or corresponding authority) at your facility.
• Protection levels for each product are typically 0.25mm, 0.35mm, or 0.50mm (+/- 5%) lead equivalency.
• Each product is provided with permanent labels stating the protection level of the product.
• Protection levels are determined by testing in accordance with IEC 61331-1:2014 (BBG*), US ASTM – F2547-06(2013), IEC 61331-1:1994 (NBG).

CLEANING YOUR APRON AND PROTECTIVE APPAREL

• Burlington Medical recommends that facilities establish a documented, regular schedule of deep cleaning and disinfection of radiation protection garments to assist in mitigating the risk of pathogen transmission.
• ​Deep cleanings should be done by a professional x-ray garment cleaning company.
• Enhanced cleanings with peroxide-based (X-ray Apron Cleaner) or alcohol-based (DisCide) wipes help clean and eliminate surface organisms and should be performed between regularly scheduled deep cleanings.
• Avoid using petroleum-based cleaning solvents or solutions containing bleach.
• Test for colorfastness in an inconspicuous area.
• Do not machine wash or machine dry. 

STORING YOUR APRON AND PROTECTIVE APPAREL

• Radiation protection aprons should be hung by the shoulders or straps on an apron hanger.
• X-ray aprons should be rolled, not folded, when traveling.
• Avoid folding, stacking, or sitting while wearing aprons.
• Do not store in extreme temperatures.
• Proper use, cleaning, and storage of radiation protection garments directly affect their integrity.​