DRYWALL, FLOORS, BRICK & BARRIERS

Lead-Lined Drywall

This material is used to cover most walls for shielding purposes. It is available in various thicknesses and heights of lead, with lead to 7’0” being the most common.

Drywall is bonded to the lead sheet, providing good support during installation. It is mounted vertically to metal studs by normal drywall screws covered by a round lead tab, or to wood studs by lead-headed nails.

All cutouts in lead-lined drywall for wall switches, outlets, etc., must be shielded with sheet lead to prevent leakage.

Floor Lead

Sheet lead can be used to shield floor areas when X-Ray rooms are above other areas and where floor thickness is inadequate for proper shielding.

When lead is installed in contact with concrete, it must be coated for chemical isolation. An asphaltum varnish is commonly used for this purpose. It is also necessary to protect the lead from physical damage. An underlayment over the lead is the usual method of protection.

Lead Brick

Where heavy lead shielding protection is required, lead brick can be used. Single interlocking bricks are available in thicknesses up to 4”. Mechanical support is recommended on both sides where brick is installed as a wall.

Shielding Barriers

Room construction may require a shielded area near the X-Ray control where patients can be observed. A shielding barrier provides a large viewing area in a narrow, space-saving design.

The barrier consists of an opaque panel at the bottom with clear glazing at the top. It can be built in several sections of various widths, joined either in a straight run or at an angle. One end can be connected to a wall or the barrier can be free-standing.

Glazing for shielding barriers can be lead glass or safety lead glass (Saf-T-Lite). Lead glass is available in shielding equivalences up to 3.2mm (1/8” lead) and Saf-T- Lite is available up to 1.59mm (1/16” lead). Shielding levels for barriers range from 1/32" to 1/8" lead equivalence when lead glass is used for the glazing material and 1/16" (1.59mm) when Saf-T-Lite safety lead glass is used.