The first X-ray photograph was taken in Russia 120 years ago. This breakthrough technology for the 19th century has not lost its relevance to this day. X-ray examinations remain the main diagnostic and examination method in various medical specializations. Radiography is used in forensics, restoration, industrial manufacturing and many other areas.
However, when working with X-rays, it is necessary to strictly observe serious measures of protection against ionizing radiation. Compliance with these measures is regulated by federal laws: the law "On sanitary and epidemiological welfare" of the population and the law "On radiation safety of the population". One of the main indicators in assessing safety is the analysis of the provision of radiation safety measures. Such measures include constructive protection of the premises adjacent to the X-ray rooms. Thus, engineering and technical measures to protect against the penetration of radiation outside the diagnostic rooms are laid down at the stage of project development.
Conservative methods of X-ray protection
The basis for any constructive measures to protect against radiation is following the requirements of regulatory documents, in particular, the radiation safety standards NRB-99-2009, SP 2.6.1.2612-10 "Basic sanitary rules for ensuring radiation safety (OSPORB 99/2010)" and hygienic requirements for arrangement and operation of X-ray rooms, apparatus and X-ray examinations SanPiN 2.6.1.1192-03. Norms and rules govern the thickness of the required protective layer. This parameter depends on the X-ray equipment used and is indicated in the lead equivalent. Actually, until recently, lead was mainly used for protection against radiation, however, the use of sheet lead is a very laborious and atypical measure. In addition, many countries have already restricted or even banned the use of lead in various industries.
Barite plaster is often used for X-ray protection. This method has both pros and cons. Unlike the use of lead, it is not associated with environmental risk and impact on the body, but the peculiarities of applying plaster do not allow work to be done quickly. Therefore, the creation of constructive protection for X-ray rooms during plastering often takes a month or more.
Knauf-Safeboard - innovative X-ray protection
A more efficient and flexible method is "dry construction", which is based on the creation of light, fast-mounted frame-sheathing structures with the use of X-ray protective boards KNAUF-Safeboard.
Knauf-Safeboard is a sheet product consisting of a special core based on gypsum and barium sulfate, all planes of which, except for the end edges, are lined with cardboard. The core has a characteristic yellow color. Knauf-Safeboards are manufactured at the Knauf Gips KG plant in Germany. In the process of production control, each plate is tested for compliance with X-ray protective properties.
Plates have the same structural properties as conventional gypsum plasterboards and are a versatile solution when using radiation shielding in the structures of walls, suspended ceilings and Knauf claddings. The material is easy to process. To seal the joints of KNAUF-Safeboard X-ray protective boards, a special Knauf-Safeboard putty of a characteristic yellow color is used, which has X-ray protective properties.
Knauf-Safeboard is an effective technical solution for X-ray protection with a number of advantages, including the absence of lead and, as a result, low weight in comparison with lead structures. The required sheathing thickness of Knauf-Safeboard boards is calculated according to the already mentioned SanPiN 2.6.1.1192-03 and depends on the required lead equivalent and the stipulated X-ray tube voltage.
Another advantage of the boards is the increased sound insulation rate due to the dense core of the sheet product. Fast and efficient installation without labor-intensive "wet" processes allows you to perform work in a short time. The use of frame-sheathing structures makes it possible to construct curved surfaces. Knauf-Safeboard boards have the properties of fire-resistant gypsum plasterboard (GKLO), which provides fire protection in combination with protection against X-ray radiation.
Training center "KNAUF North-West"
St. Petersburg, st. Egorova, 5/8
Tel.: (812) 495 35 11
Fax: (812) 495 35 12
E-mail: [email protected]
