Nuclear Protective Clothing

Nuclear Safety: Radioactive Chemical & Particulate Contamination

Workers at a powerplant or working in contamination protection are the most at risk of radiation exposure. However, even individuals involved in nuclear research and testing, decommissioning, reprocessing, site inspections, or general maintenance are at risk.

Radioactive contaminated particles such as dust, dirt, and silica can become airborne or settle on surfaces making them easy to inhale, ingest, or transfer. Exposure can also happen through chemical splash—toxic chemicals and acids are dangerous on their own, but they can also become contaminated with radioactive materials. When exposure can’t be avoided, PPE and protective clothing should be worn correctly to decrease exposure.

An Answer to The Most Common Question about Nuclear Industry PPE

Do coveralls protect against radiation in a nuclear emergency (nuclear bomb explosion, radioactive fallout, visiting radioactive sites)?

No. No protective suit exists that can fully protect against a bomb blast and the electromagnetic radiation (gamma rays, X-rays) and particle radiation (alpha & beta particles) that is released.

The fabric used in disposable (single use) protective clothing for nuclear applications does not provide a barrier to ionizing radiation. It is not designed to block the radiation itself; instead, it is designed to minimize the penetration of radioactive liquids and particulates.

About Disposable Nuclear Protective Clothing

Disposable nuclear clothing is the best option for reducing the risk of accidental exposure to radioactive materials. After completing a task, contaminated garments should always be immediately removed and properly disposed of on-site to reduce exposure time and to prevent the transfer of radioactive materials to areas beyond the workspace (personal vehicles, breakroom areas, restrooms, etc.). Without disposable workwear, cross-contamination is a higher risk.

The fabric used for handling radioactive materials can provide a limited barrier against radioactive alpha or beta particles. This keeps contact with underlying clothing and skin at a minimum. If the fabric is chemical-resistant, it can help reduce exposure to radioactive liquids, chemicals, sprays, and particles.

Nuclear industry personnel who come in direct or potential contact with radioactive contaminated materials should opt for more body coverage. Coveralls with an attached hood and boots provide the most full-body coverage. The hood has the added benefit of protecting the hair from airborne radioactive particles.

Always consider seam construction, material or fabric type, testing data, and the application before selecting PPE. The protective clothing should have specific design features that reduce exposure to the hazards identified in the hazard risk assessment. This also applies to additional PPE such as respirators, gloves, boots, googles, etc.

What Nuclear PPE does International Enviroguard offer?

International Enviroguard’s wide variety of disposable personal protective equipment (PPE) and accessories that minimize the number of radioactive particles that can penetrate fabric or transfer with other substances by liquid permeation. Each protective garment is thoroughly tested in nuclear environments to ensure safety, fit, performance, and value meet regulations and expectations.

ChemSplash® 1 protective clothing and fabric provides excellent protection against toxic particulates, alkalis, blood, acids, caustics, and light duty chemicals. This product line also includes chemical splash aprons and chemical protective sleeves for nuclear applications.

• Designed for light to medium duty applications
• Available with or without an attached hood and/or boots
• Serged or taped seams available
• Category III: Products which are worn or held to protect against any hazard which may be harmful and life threatening
• Type 5 BS EN ISO 13982-1:2004: Dry particle suits for protection against hazardous dusts and any dry particulates
• Anti-static EN 1149-1: Maximum surface resistivity of 5x1010 ohms
• Type 6 BS EN 13034:2005: Reduced spray suits for protection against light spray and splashes of liquid of chemicals where there is no directional spray or buildup of liquid on the suit, but there may be a fine mist of droplets in the atmosphere

ChemSplash® 2 protective clothing and fabric provides heavy-duty protection against a broader range of heavy-duty chemicals, toxic particulates, alkalis, blood, acids, and caustics.

• Designed for aggressive and heavy-duty chemicals, acids, and caustics
• Available with or without an attached hood and/or boots
• Taped seams only
• Anti-static EN 1149-5-2018 – Part 1: Passes material and design requirements for electrostatic dissipative protective clothing

Accessories

Long-Sleeved Chemical Coat Apron: Resists penetration of common nuclear industry chemicals such as sodium hydroxide, nitric acid, acetone, isopropyl alcohol, and more.

• Designed with 6 mil thick blue vinyl for liquid and abrasion resistance
• Ties at the neck and waist offer a more adjustable fit
• Long sleeves with double-sealed, tunnelized elastic wrists to contain particle shed
• Ultrasonically sealed seams enhance liquid resistance
• Clean-processed and individually bagged in cleanroom conditions

Accessories for Hair Coverage

Covering exposed hair can help minimize the number of radioactive particles that land on the hair by holding it back securely. It also helps reduce workplace and product contamination from hair, dander, saliva, and other materials generated by the wearer.

SMS and Polypropylene Bouffant Caps: We offer SMS and polypropylene mob caps in pleated and flat styles. Various sizes are available in white or blue. All are made with a latex-free elastic closure.

Polypropylene Beard Covers: Universal size. White color only. Latex-free elastic closure.

Polypropylene Head and Face Hood “Ninja Hood”: This hood covers head hair and facial hair. It’s a terrific alternative to wearing a separate bouffant and beard cover. Universal size. White color only.