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SAFETY Xj~r^’j SERIES

No. 22

Respirators and Protective Clothing

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA, 1967 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

The following States are Members of the International Atomic Energy Agency:

AFGHANISTAN GERMANY, FEDERAL NIGERIA ALBANIA REPUBLIC OF NORWAY ALGERIA GHANA PAKISTAN ARGENTINA GREECE PANAMA AUSTRALIA GUATEMALA PARAGUAY AUSTRIA HAITI PERU BELGIUM HOLY SEE PHILIPPINES BOLIVIA HONDURAS POLAND BRAZIL HUNGARY PORTUGAL BULGARIA ICELAND ROMANIA BURMA INDIA SAUDI ARABIA BYELORUSSIAN SOVIET INDONESIA SENEGAL SOCIALIST REPUBLIC IRAN SIERRA LEONE CAMBODIA IRAQ SINGAPORE CAMEROON ISRAEL SOUTH AFRICA CANADA ITALY SPAIN CEYLON IVORY COAST SUDAN CHILE JAMAICA SWEDEN CHINA JAPAN SWITZERLAND COLOMBIA JORDAN SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC CONGO, DEMOCRATIC KENYA THAILAND REPUBLIC OF KOREA, REPUBLIC OF TUNISIA COSTA RICA KUWAITTURKEY CUBA LEBANON UKRAINIAN SOVIET SOCIALIST CYPRUS LIBERIA REPUBLIC CZECHOSLOVAK SOCIALIST LIBYA UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST REPUBLIC LUXEMBOURG REPUBLICS DENMARK MADAGASCAR UNITED ARAB REPUBLIC DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MALI UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT ECUADOR MEXICO BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IREU EL SALVADOR MONACO UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ETHIOPIA MOROCCO URUGUAY FINLAND NETHERLANDS VENEZUELA FRANCE NEW ZEALAND VIET-NAM GABON NICARAGUA YUGOSLAVIA

The Agency's Statute was approved on 26 October 1956 by the Conference on the Statute of the IAEA held at United Nations Headquarters, New York; it entered into force on 29 July 1957.. The Headquarters of the Agency are situated in Vienna. Its principal objective is "to accelerate and enlarge the contribution of atomic energy to peace, health and prosperity throughout the world".

© IAEA, 1967

Permission to reproduce or translate the information contained in this publication may be obtained by writing to the International Atomic Energy Agency, KSrntner Ring 11, A-1010 Vienna I, Austria.

Printed by the IAEA in Austria August 1967 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

SAFETY SERIES No. 22

RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA, 1967 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING (Safety Series, No. 22)

ABSTRACT. This manual comes as a supplement to Safety Series No. 1, Safe Handling of Radioisotopes, and No.2, Health Physics Addendum. It is intended to aid in the selection of respirators and protective clothing suitable for use in the different types of laboratories or places where radioactive materials are handled, and is not to be considered as regulatory. The manual was prepared by two consultants appointed by the IAEA: E.C . Hyatt, University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and J.M . White, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. They were assisted by P.C. Lespiaucq of the IAEA Secretariat. Contents: Introduction; Protective clothing and equipment for various parts of the body; Selection and use according to the IAEA classification of working places; Guides for use in some working places and situations not included in the IAEA classification; Fitting of respirators and common problems; Maintenance; Annex A — Definition of terms; Annex B — Example of inventories; Annex C — Suggested area classification as guide to administration; Annex D — Bibliography. Available in English and French. (82 p p ., 14.8 x 21 cm , paper-bound, 28 figures) (1967) Price: US $ 2 .00; 14/2 stg.

THIS MANUAL IS ALSO PUBLISHED IN FRENCH

RESPIRATORS AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING IAEA, VIENNA, 1967 STI/PUB /150 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FOREWORD

This manual comes as a supplement to Safety Series No. 1, "Safe Handling of Radioisotopes", and No. 2, "Health Physics Addendum". It is intended to aid in the selection of respirators and protective clothing suitable for use in the different types of laboratories or places where radioactive materials are handled, and is not to be considered as regulatory. The manual has been prepared by two consultants appointed by the IAEA: E. C. Hyatt, University of California, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, and J. M. White, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories. They were assisted by P. G. Lespiaucq, of the IAEA Secretariat. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

CONTENTS

IN T R O D U C T I O N ...... 1

1. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS P A R T S O F TH E BO DY ...... 2

1 .1 . R e sp ira to ry s y s te m ...... 5 1.2. Protective equipment for the head ...... 19 1.3. Protective equipment for the arms and hands ...... 23 1.4. Protective equipment for the legs and feet ...... 25 1.5. Protective equipment for the body ...... 26 1. 6. Support equipm ent ...... 36

2. SELECTION AND USE ACCORDING TO THE IAEA C LA SSIFIC A TIO N O F WORKING P L A C E S ...... 41

2.1. Factors to consider before selection and use ...... 41 2.2. Classification of work areas ...... 42 2.3. Selection according to area classification ...... 42 2 .4 . U se ...... 50

3. GUIDES FOR USE IN SOME WORKING PLACES AND SITUATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE IAEA C L A S S IF IC A T IO N ...... 53

3 .1 . U ranium m ines and m ills ...... 53 3 .2 . A c c e le r a to r s ...... 55 3 .3 . F ie ld u se of iso top es in biology and ag r ic u ltu r e ...... 56 3.4. Improvising household and personal items for r e s p ir a to ry p r o te c tio n ...... 59

4. FITTING OF RESPIRATORS AND COMMON PROBLEMS ... 59

4 .1 . F a c e p ie c e -fit te s t and p ro c e d u re s ...... 59 4 .2 . Com m on p ro blem s ...... 62 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

5. MAINTENANCE ...... 64

5.1. Cleaning and decontamination ...... 64 5 .2 . Inspection and m aintenance ...... 67 5 .3 . S to rag e ...... 70

ANNEX A. D efinition of te r m s ...... 72

ANNEX B . E xam p le of in v e n to r ie s ...... 74

ANNEX C. Suggested area classification as guide to ad m in istratio n ...... 77

ANNEX D. B ib lio g r a p h y ...... 77 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

INTRODUCTION

This book is intended to be used as a guide, especially by those with little or no experience in the handling of radioisotopes, to assist in deciding the kind and quantity of protective equipment needed for a particular type of laboratory or operation. Those responsible for protection against ionizing radiation and contamination and for the planning and management of laboratory operations should apply the recommendations with flexibility, according to the type of establishment. The basic object in the use of protective clothing and equipment is to prevent contamination of the skin and to prevent inhalation and ingestion of radioactive isotopes or other toxic materials. In some cases, protective equipment may also be used to reduce the exposure of parts of the body to gamma. X-ray or beta radiation. Designers and workers should not use protective equipment as a substitute for proper facilities in which radioactive materials are handled. Protective equipment is classified so that inexperienced atomic energy workers can easily see what types are commonly available and what is suitable for their particular work, to help them decide upon their requirements. The protective equipment illustrated has been selected for rou­ tine use in working places classified according to the IAEA classi­ fication of laboratories. The photographs show typical equipment and clothing used in well-organized laboratories. Other equipment which is sim ilar may be equally satisfactory and the final selection is left to the judgement of the planners. In a good laboratory most of the hazards from radioactive ma­ terials are eliminated or reduced to reasonable levels by well- thought-out design and construction of the facilities. In such labora­ tories, the extensive use of protective clothing or special protective equipment would be needed only if an emergency occurred. Sometimes, such as in agricultural or biological applications, radioisotopes are used only once or twice. When radioisotopes are used only a few tim es, the planner should evaluate the cost of throw­ away types of protective equipment against the cost of re-usable types. Included in the costs of re-usable equipment should be an allowance for maintenance and decontamination. It may be more economical to purchase one-use or throw-away types of protective d ev ice s. In some places where radioactive materials are used many of the items are not readily available and it will be necessary to im -

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provise suitable equipment from m aterials at hand. When this is necessary, the basic concepts of personnel protection should be kept in mind. Protective devices are effective only when properly used and maintained. This is particularly true of respiratory equipment.Ade­ quate training should be given to persons working in the laboratory so that they are fam iliar with the equipment. They should know how to use it correctly and also need to know its limitations. It may sometimes be necessary to provide protective equipment for the use of women separately, e. g. respirators, because of sizing. A protective equipment programme should be closely related to the personnel monitoring system. All persons from the authority in charge down to the individual, to the extent appropriate at each level, must be aware of the requirements of a protective equipment programme together with its limitations. The authority in charge should designate a qualified person to advise on the selection, use, distribution, maintenance, decontami­ nation and disposal of protective equipment.

1. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PARTS OF THE BODY

In most well-run laboratories it is customary to provide work clothing for general use in the laboratory. Such clothing usually consists of cotton shirts, trousers, coveralls or, sometimes, only a laboratory coat. When small quantities of radioactive m aterial are handled in a Type C1 laboratory normally used for non-radioactive work, only certain parts of the body need protection against contamination. Usually it is not necessary to wear head protection or plastic suits and respirators, and rubber gloves appropriate to the particular job and a laboratory coat are all that is required. When dealing with larger amounts of the more toxic radioactive materials, as in a Type A or B laboratory, it may be necessary to supply much more protective equipment. In this case, the hands, head, or trunk of the body should not be singled out, but the pro­ tective measures required for each part of the body should be inte­

1 The IAEA classifies labotatories according to the quantity of isotopes used for each of the four classes of radiotoxicity for the main isotopes (see Table I).

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grated into a single system. The kind, style, and quantity of pro­ tective equipment required must be selected to suit the work. It is useful to list protective clothing according to where it is worn on the body.

List of respirators and protective clothing for various parts of the b o d y

Respiratory system (R)

R l. Oronasal respirator, for particulates only R2. Full facepiece mask, for particulates only R3. Oronasal respirator, for gas and vapour only R4. Full facepiece mask, for gas and vapour only R5. Oronasal respirator, combination particulate-removing and gas- and vapour-removing type R6. Full facepiece mask, combination particulate-removing and gas- and vapour-removing type R7. Supplied air oronasal respirator, continuous flow type R8. Supplied air full facepiece mask, continuous flow type R9. Supplied air hood, plastic, clear plastic lens RIO. Supplied air suit, lightweight plastic, clear lens R ll. Supplied air suit, heavy rubber (Frog suit) R12. Supplied air oronasal respirator, demand type R13. Supplied air full facepiece mask, demand type R14. Supplied air suit, tunnel type, plastic R15. Combination mask with supplied air and air-purifying canister (Combine R6 and R13 with R15 valve) R16. Self-contained breathing apparatus, with air or oxygen cy­ linder and demand type regulator R17. Self-contained breathing apparatus, with air or oxygen cylinder and demand-positive pressure type R18. Self-contained breathing apparatus, recirculating com­ pressed oxygen type

Head (H)

HI. Caps or hats — re-usable, cotton or plastic H2. Caps or hats — throw-away type, cotton or paper H3. Helmet — safety hard hat, standard type H4. Helmet — m iner's safety hat or cap, for m iner's lamp

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H5. Face shields — for laboratory spills of acid, etc. H6, Glasses, safety standard glass H7. Glasses or goggles with side shield, plastic

Arms and hands (AH)

AH1. Gloves, rubber, surgeon's type AH2. Gloves, plastic (polyvinyl chloride), surgeon's type AH3. Gloves, rubber, medium weight, with wrist gauntlet AH4. Gloves, neoprene or synthetic rubber, medium weight, gauntlet type AH5. Gloves, rubber, full arm type AH6. Gloves, rubber, full arm type, lead filled AH7. Gloves, plastic-coated cotton AH8. Gloves, cotton, lightweight, hand and wrist only AH9. Gloves, cotton, heavyweight, work type, short or gauntlet type AH10. Gloves, leather, work type, short or gauntlet type AH11. Arm protectors, cotton AH12. Arm protectors, plastic (polyvinyl chloride or polyethylene) AH13. Glove box type

Legs and feet (LF)

LF1. Shoes, safety, leather LF2. Boots, safety, leather LF3. Boots, rubber, short LF4. Boots, safety, rubber, tall (i boot) LF5. Rubber overshoes, lightweight to cover shoes LF6. Shoe bags, cotton LF7. Shoe bags, plastic LF8. Leg covers (leggings), leather

Body (B )

B l. Underclothing — cotton, warm climate, minimum B2. Underclothing — cotton, cold climate, extra B3. Shirt and trousers — cotton B4. Shirt and trousers — paper

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B5. Coveralls — cotton B6. Laboratory coat — cotton B7. Laboratory coat — synthetic B8. Coat and trousers — plastic (polyvinyl chloride), unsupported B9. Coat and trousers — plastic, supported BIO. Laboratory aprons, cotton B ll. Laboratory aprons, plastic B12. Laboratory aprons, lead filled B13. Fire-fighting suit, asbestos B14. Fire-fighting suit, aluminized asbestos

Support equipment (SE)

SE1. Vortex cooler SE2. Compressor unit SE3. Communication systems SE4. Decontamination and maintenance facilities for respirators SE5. Typical dress for a Class A laboratory SE6. Typical dress for a Class A laboratory SE7. Typical dress for a Class A laboratory

1.1. RESPIRATORY SYSTEM

Probably the most important protective devices are those which prevent inhalation and ingestion of radioactive contaminants. Many different kinds of respiratory equipment can be obtained to provide adequate protection against all types of airborne hazards. Although this guide book deals with all types of protective equipment and clothing, the authors feel that some specfol emphasis is required in sections dealing with respiratory equipment.

1. 1. 1. Ail—purifying respirators

Many models of air-purifying respirators are on the market and a problem exists as to which one to select for a particular job. Generally, filter-tjpe respirators are selected which employ a high- efficiency filter in conjunction with gas- and vapour-removing media. The different types are shown for ease in selection. When an air- purifying respirator is selected, attention must be paid to obtaining

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0 5

FIG. 1. R1 Oronasal or half-mask particulate-removing (mechanical filter) type respirator: rubber facepiece and elastic head harness (connected to yoke with centre mount), dual high-efficiency filter canisters. R2 Full-face particulate-removing (mechanical filter) type respirator: rubber full facepiece and head harness with six-point suspension, panoramic vision, speech diaphragm and high-efficiency filter on one side. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

the proper filter. Many filter units are commercially available that combine a high-efficiency particulate filter (penetration less than 0. 03% by 0.3- pm diameter dioctyl phthalate) with a gas adsorbent cartridge (often containing activated charcoal). These canisters are useful for protection against many radioactive gases and aerosols, but are not effective in an atmosphere of radioactive noble gases and provide only short-term (15-25 min) protection against tritiated w ater.

Particulate-removing (mechanical filter) type

These respirators are designed to protect the wearer against toxic or irritant particulate matter in the atmosphere. They depend upon only a mechanical filter to remove particles and thus the ef­ ficiency depends upon the efficiency of the filter media, the integrity of the facepiece and the fit. They may be designed to protect against only large-sized aerosols, and therefore the filters may be inade­ quate when used in atmospheres containing small particles. They should be used with caution and only in atmospheres of limited con­ centrations of known particulate contaminants. Before selecting this type of respirator, the cost should be compared with the cost of pro­ viding a combination particulate and gas- or vapour-removing type. Usually the latter is only slightly more expensive and the additional cost is more than justified. Typical examples of oronasal (Rl) and full facepiece (R2) respirators are shown in Fig. 1.

Gas- and vapour-removing (chemical filter) type

A gas- and vapour-removing respirator may use the same or a similar facepiece as the particulate-removing type and differs only in the filter. The filter is usually a sorbent granular-filled con­ tainer connected to the facepiece. The performance depends upon the granular sorbent and its efficiency for removal of the gas or vapour. Often the respirators must be used in atmospheres which contain only one type of contaminant such as CO and then only when the concentration is within the range specified by the manufacturer. They should never be used in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Typi­ cal examples of oronasal (R3) and full-facepiece (R4) respirators are shown in Fig. 2.

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00

FIG. 2. R3 Oronasal or half-mask gas- and vapour-removing (chem ical filter) type respirator: rubber facepiece and elastic head harness, single canister for organic vapours, mounted forward and below the chin. R4 Full-facepiece gas- and vapour-removing (chemical filter) type respirator: rubber facepiece, rubber head harness with six-point suspension, combination speech diaphragm and exhalation valve, twin eyepieces, filter forward and below chin. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

Combination particulate-removing and gas- and vapour-removing type

These respirators are designed to remove both particulate and gas or vapour contaminants from air. The canisters usually con­ tain a high-efficiency particulate filter followed by a granular gas or vapour adsorber. They provide protection against one or more types of particulate matter and certain kinds of gases. They usually protect against the inhalation of dusts, fumes, mists, fog and smoke. Various grades of filter canisters are available and care must be taken in the selection of the canister type to ensure that the degree of protection against radioactive dusts or gas and vapours is ade­ quate. Typical respirators of this type (R5) and (R6) are shown in F ig . 3. Several limitations apply to the use of these three general types of air-purifying respirators: (1) They must not be used in oxygen deficient atmospheres (2) They protect only against certain specified contaminants; for example, an ammonia gas mask will protect against ammonia but not against carbon monoxide (3) They protect only against limited concentrations (4) They have limited service lives; in particular the canister must not be used beyond the life specified by the manufacturer (5) They usually offer appreciable resistance to breathing (6) The importance of a good fit between the face and facepiece cannot be overemphasized (7) They may be quite uncomfortable to wear in warm en­ vironments.

1.1.2. Hose-type supplied-air respirators

The main advantage of continuous-flow supplied-air respirators is that they can be used without regard to the kind, physical state or concentration of the contamination in the environment. They are very simple in design, have low breathing resistance, almost in­ definite life and are easily maintained. Their main disadvantage is that an adequate supply of compressed respirable air must be maintained, often at some distance from the place where the mask is used. The compressed clean air must then be carried by flexible hoses from the supply station to the respirator. The hoses limit the distance the respirator may be worn from the supply station and,

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FIG. 3. R5 Oronasal or half-mask, combination particulate-removing and gas- and vapour-removing type respirator: rubber facepiece, elastic head harness with additional headtrap suspended from nosecap, twin canisters mounted on each side. R6 Combination particulate-removing and gas- and vapour-re moving full-facepiece respirator: rubber facepiece, rubber head harness with five-point suspension, combination exhalation valve and speech diaphragm, mounted forward and below the chin. Note air inlet channels for defogging lens. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

in situations where several men are working with separate supply hoses, care must be taken so that the hoses do not become tangled and provide a new hazard. Usually only a limited number of hose- type respirators are operated from one station; sufficient com- pressed-air stations are supplied in strategic locations to satisfy requirements. Such installations are expensive and normally are not used unless the potential or real hazards from airborne con­ tamination are high or the concentration is so high as to make other types of respirators impractical. Another limitation of supplied-air respirators and hoods is that an observer should stand by to ensure that the wearer has an adequate supply of air at all times and that there are no contaminants in the breathing air. In situations which require the best possible protection, it is customary to use respiratory protective devices which supply fresh, contamination-free air from a compressor or from portable air cy­ linders. There are several different types of such equipment, and each is designed to satisfy a particular requirement.

Continuous-flow type

Continuous-flow supplied-air respirators can be obtained as oronasal or half-mask and full-facepiece types. Several styles are available. The supplied-air respirator consists of a facepiece (oro­ nasal or full facepiece), a pressure release valve, a small diameter (approximately 10 mm to 25 mm ID) compressed-air hose, a quick- disconnect coupling, an air-flow control device to permit regulation of the volume of air delivered to the mask, and a low-resistance ex­ halation valve. Usually a small filter is placed between the mask and the com pressed-air supply to remove oil or dust that may be in the air-supply system. A supply of air is fed continuously to the facepiece, always maintaining a slight positive pressure inside the facepiece to prevent inward leakage of contaminated air from outside the respirator. Typical respirators of this type (R7) and (R8) are shown in F ig . 4. Supplied-air hoods are often used in laboratories when the hazard is high and when it is necessary to wear other impermeable protective clothing. A supplied-air hood is the most comfortable type of breathing apparatus to wear. It is light and cool, provides excellent vision, does not restrict the user's movements within the limitation of the air-supply hose and can be used in almost any at­ mosphere. It must be properly fitted so that leakage of contami-

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FIG. 4. R7 Supplied-air oronasal respirator, continuous-flow type: rubber facepiece, elastic head harness, non-collapsible rubbeV breathing-air hose, in-line oil and dust filter, air-flow control valve with safety orifice and quick connector. R8 Supplied-air full-facepiece respirator, continuous-flow type: rubber facepiece, rubber head harness, combination exhalation valve and speech transmitter with rubber breathing-air hose, air-flow control valve with safety orifice and quick connector. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG .5. R9 Supplied-air hood, continuous-flow type: nylon-supported rubberized fabric or 0 .10-m m unsupported PVC, rigid visor attached to head mount, silenced air-supply system, long bib, back and front with ties. RIO Supplied-air combination hood' and suit, continuous-flow type: heavy-duty 0.1-m m unsupported PVC one-piece suit with £3 zipper side entry and clear PVC facepiece. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

nated air from outside up under the cape cannot occur. The air- supply system should be properly silenced so that sound inside the hood is not a problem. M aterials for the hood should be chosen so that vision is undistorted. A well-designed hood is often chosen by the user in preference to an airline respirator. A typical supplied- air hood (R9) is shown in Fig. 5. Figure 5 also shows a combination supplied-air hood and impermeable plastic suit (RIO) and Fig. 6

FIG.6. RIO supp'lied-air suit, heavy duty; M l Frog suit. shows a heavy-duty supplied-air suit and a 'frog suit' (RIO, R ll). M aterials of construction are usually unsupported polyvinyl chloride plastic, 0.1-0. 5 mm thick supported polyvinyl chloride plastic, or flexible rubber-coated fabric. A novel supplied-air combined hood and suit called a 'tunnel suit' or 'newt suit' (R14) is shown in Fig. 7. It is made from 0. 1-0. 5 mm thick polyvinyl chloride plastic.

Demand-type supplied-air respirators

These respirators are sim ilar to the continuous-flow type in many respects, but a demand regulator is installed at the lower end

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of the breathing tube. They are used mainly when the air supply must be conserved, as could be the case when the supply is from a cylinder of compressed air or when work must be done in an atmos- sphere other than air to which the minimum amount of air should be released. The demand regulator has a diaphragm-actuated valve which opens upon inhalation, permitting air to enter and closes upon exhalation. This permits air to flow only when the user inhales.

FIG. 7. R14 Tunnel or Newt suit.

With a respirator of this type, great care must be taken to ensure a proper seal between the facepiece and the face of the wearer be­ cause when the wearer inhales a slight negative pressure is created in the facepiece and leakage may occur. Typical respirators of this type (R12) (R13) and a demand valve and filter combination (R15) are shown in Fig. 8.

1.1.3. Self-contained breathing apparatus

Self-contained breathing apparatus is defined as a respirator in which the supply of air, oxygen, or oxygen-generating material is carried by the wearer. There are two general types: demand and recirculating. The demand type may supply air or oxygen, but these may not be used interchangeably in the same apparatus. The re­ circulating type uses oxygen from a compressed gas cylinder, or the oxygen may be generated by action of moisture in the w earer's

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FIG. 8. R12 Supplied-air oronasal respirator, demand type: rubber face­ piece, elastic head harness, non- collapsible rubber breathing-air hose, demand-type regulator valve mounted on belt at side of hip,air line connected to valve with quick connector. R13 Supplied-air full-facepiece respirator, demand type: rubber face­ piece, panoramic vision, combination speech diaphragm and exhalation valve on front, demand valve forward and below chin. R15 Combination unit for use with respirators: the unit is attached by means of a rubber hose to an air supply and by a breathing-air hose to the facepiece. It combines the demand valve unit for the air supply and a combination-filter canister. The wearer may select either air supply or canister (air purifying) according to type of protection needed. breath on a solid chemical. Self-contained breathing apparatus has two main advantages: it can be transported by the wearer to any lo­ cation; and it provides protection against any concentration of con­ taminants in the breathing air. The chief limitations are weight and

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bulkiness, limited service life, the training required by personnel in its use and maintenance, and its initial cost. It is used mainly as emergency equipment or for short-term entry into a highly contaminated atmosphere. It is extremely useful in fire fighting and, when worn with appropriate protective clothing, can be used in corrosive or very toxic atmospheres. Most well-developed laboratories keep at least one type of self- contained breathing apparatus for emergency use. Some even use them routinely in the clean-up of radioactive contamination, or in the maintenance of equipment located in severely contaminated areas where entry without respiratory equipment is forbidden.

Demand type

The demand-flow-type self-contained breathing apparatus con­ sists of a full facepiece connected to a demand valve which is con­ nected through a pressure-reducing valve to a cylinder of' com­ pressed air or oxygen. When the wearer inhales, a slight negative pressure is created in the facepiece, breathing tube, and demand valve. This depresses a diaphragm in the demand valve and causes the gas-inlet valve to open and remain open until the wearer exhales and a positive pressure is created in the above parts. The appa­ ratus is supported on the w earer's body by a suitable harness. The pressure-demand type (R16, Fig. 9) is a special version of the demand type, used in areas where special precautions must be taken to prevent the wearer from inhaling any trace of contaminant. The wearer may choose to use the unit as a demand type or a positive-pressure type by a selection switch on the regulator valve. With the switch on 'pressure' a small positive pressure is main­ tained at all times within the facepiece of this type of apparatus. The exhalation valve on the full facepiece is modified to maintain the small positive pressure in the facepiece. Thus, even if a small leak should develop, there would be no leakage of contaminant into the fa c e p ie c e .

Recirculating type

In the recirculating compressed-oxygen type of respirator, oxygen from the compressed-oxygen cylinder passes through a high- pressure reducing valve and a low-pressure admission valve to a breathing bag. The wearer inhales through an inhalation tube con­ necting the breathing bag to the facepiece. A check valve permits

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Fig. 9. R16 Self-contained breathing appara­ tus: rubber facepiece, connected to pressure- demand type air-supply valve which is supplied from compressed-air cylinders carried on the back. The exhalation valve on the facepiece is modified to maintain a slight positive pressure inside the facepiece. The wearer may select positive-pressure use or demand use by the switch

shown chi the valve. R17 Self-contained breathing apparatus, re­ circulating type: rubber full facepiece, five- point suspension rubber head harness, two breathing hoses connect the facepieces to the back-mounted unit which consists of a compressed-oxygen supply, pressure-reducing valve, chemical absorbent container and breathing bag. The wearer is completely equipped for mine-rescue operations. R18 Self-contained breathing apparatus, oxygen-generating type: rubber full facepiece with nose cup, five-point suspension rubber head harness, the breathing hose is connected to the canister to transport oxygen to the facepiece. the oxygen to flow only in one direction through the inhalation tube; thus the user's exhaled breath is made to pass through another tube to a container that removes CO 2 . Another check valve permits the cleaned breath to return via a cooler to the breathing bag. This res­ pirator (R17) is illustrated in Fig. 9.

18 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

In the oxygen-generating type, moisture in the exhaled breath reacts with a chemical (potassium tetroxide) to form oxygen. By means of appropriate tubing and check valves, the oxygen is supplied to the facepiece. This type (R18) is illustrated in Fig. 9.

1.2. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR THE HEAD

Protective equipment for the head can range from the minimum to quite comprehensive protection. Frequently, nospecialhead pro­ tection is required. Sometimes light caps or hats of cotton or paper are used and, in places where contamination is severe, the head is often covered with a plastic hood or cape. When other hazards are combined with the radioactive hazards, heavy face shields, armoured or hard hats, welder's helmets, etc., are often used. If there is a danger of flying objects, safety goggles are part of the necessary equipment. Safety glasses with lenses of glass rather than plastic are more suitable to protect the eyes from beta radiation. Some of the common pieces of equipment used for head protection are listed below .

1.2.1. Caps or hats

Usually caps or hats are provided in well-organized laboratories for use in areas where there is risk of the head or hair becoming contaminated. Often they are made from a light cotton twill, plastic, or even paper. They come in either washable types or models that are used once and then discarded. Sometimes when a respirator is being worn during work in a heavily contaminated area, a polyvinyl chloride plastic hat or cap (0. 05-0.15 mm thick) is worn over the head and most of the respi­ rator. The filter canister is left uncovered so as not to interfere with breathing. Typical kinds of hats (HI, HI plastic and H2) are shown in Fig. 10.

1.2.2. Safety helmets

In some laboratories all personnel are required to wear safety helmets to prevent injury from falling objects or other overhead, hazards. Other laboratories require safety helmets to be worn only by personnel engaged on construction work or work where there is

19 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 10. HI Light close-woven cotton hat; H2 Light high-tear-strength paper hat; HI (plastic) Plastic head cover for use with a respirator: light-weight 0 .1-0.3-m m PVC, to fit around respirator and cover head.

known danger from falling objects. Safety helmets should be chosen to provide protection from overhead hazards and to be worn with ease along with respirators, supplied-air hoods or plastic suits. Most types of general-purpose hard hats or safety helmets are now made from moulded plastic reinforced with fibreglass. The hat it­ self is then supported on the head by a strong harness properly mounted so that sudden stress or shock is distributed over the top of the head. All mining operations require the use of a m iner's hard hat with or without a m iner's lamp. Typical safety helmets (H3 and H4) are illustrated in Fig. 11.

2 0 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 11. H3 General-purpose hard hat: Fibreglass-reinforced polyester hat with adjustable head mount; H4 Miner's safety cap.

1.2.3. Face shields

Face shields are customarily used when handling corrosive acids or other dangerous chemicals. They should be compatible with the specialized devices used for respiratory protection and with anti­ contamination clothing, because it may sometimes be necessary to wear both at the same time. Some typical face shields (H5) are shown in Fig. 12.

1.2.4. Eye protection

Personnel should use safety glasses or goggles in any operation which involves the risk of flying particles or objects. Safety glasses or goggles should be selected on the basis of the hazard present, bearing in mind that the glasses may become contaminated or may have to be worn with anti-contamination equipment. When it is necessary to protect the eyes from beta radiation only, safety glasses with glass lenses (not plastic) and preferably with side shields should be worn. Typical safety glasses (H6 and H7) are shown in Fig. 12.

21 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

to to

FIG. 12. H5 (a) Acid safety shield: clear-plastic face shield with head­ band mount; H5 (b) Welding helmet: reinforced heat-resistant plastic or metal shield with dark glass ultraviolet filter window. H6 Safety glasses: glass lenses (may be prescription) with side shields. H7 Safety goggles; clear plastic with elastic head band. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

1.3. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR THE ARMS AND HANDS

Many styles of gloves are available for hand and arm protection. There are gloves with long arms and special rolled ends that permit easy changing on a glove box, short gloves, lead-impregnated gloves for X-ray work, thin gloves for fine manipulation and cotton-lined rubber gloves for heavy work, all of which come in many different kinds of rubber or plastic. There are also cotton all-purpose gloves and leather gloves. The selection of gloves is therefore based upon the use, expected life of the glove, individual preference, and several other factors. For very hazardous work, it may be neces­ sary to purchase best quality gloves that have been carefully in­ spected for pin-hole leaks or other defects.

1. 3. 1. Gloves (hand and wrist protection)

(1) Rubber, surgeons (2) Rubber, heavy duty (3) Work gloves, heavy duty (4) Plastic, roll-on

1.3.2. Arm protection

(1) Glove with shoulder-length sleeve (2) Glove-box type (3) Combination glove and sleeve protector

No attempt has been made to list the many kinds of gloves avail­ able. Only one photograph has been selected of each general type of glove frequently used in radioactive laboratories. No atteilipt is made to list the many m aterials that gloves are made from or to recommend a particular type for a particular job. Selection should be based upon the application, considering such factors as effect of solvents, chemicals, oxidizing agents, degree of protection required, dexterity required, heavy or light work, wet or dry work, cost, user preference, and expected life of the glove. For example, surgeon's gloves are often used in laboratories for work involving fine mani­ pulations, while a heavy grade of rubber glove is used for rougher work. Gloves and arm protectors are illustrated in Figs 13 and 14.

23 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

ism * *-*. : ... —

FIG. 13. AH1 Surgeon’s rubber or plastic glove; AH3 Heavy-duty rubber or plastic gauntlet gloves; AH9 Heavy-weight cotton gloves; AH7 Heavy-duty plastic-coated cotton gloves; AH10 Heavy-duty gauntlet- type leather gloves.

24 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 14. AH13 Rubber glove-box gloves; AH5 Rubber full-arm type gloves; AH12 Arm protectors, PVC or polyethylene.

1.4. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR THE LEGS AND FEET

The many styles of foot and leg pr.otecfion can be classified into three general types. These are: safety shoes with stfeel toe- protectors, rubber boots or galoshes, and overshoes. In large labo­ ratories safety shoes are often specified and supplied by the labora­ tory. When required in contaminated areas, the shoes are protected by rubber overshoes or cotton shoe bags. If the staff wear their own shoes, these are also protected from-contamination by unlined low rubber overshoes or cotton shoe bags. In areas where there is considerable risk of contamination, rubber or plastic boots, pre­ ferably unlined and with steel safety toes, are worn.

1.4.1. Safety shoes

(1) Regular low shoe with steel toes (2) Safety boot (for miners)

25 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

1.4.2. Rubber boots

(1) Calf or knee height (2) Hip waders

1.4. 3. Shoe bags or covers

(1) Cotton (2) P lastic (3) Unlined galoshes

Footwear should be selected after consideration of the kind of work to be done. Obviously in a low-level Type C laboratory handling small quantities of low toxicity isotopes the footwear selected would be the same as used in an equivalent chem ical laboratory. In a Type A laboratory handling the more toxic isotopes additional footwear must be provided. Safety shoes and miner's safety boots with steel toes should meet a good industrial standard. Shoe covers can be made from a heavy cotton canvas cloth or even plastic. One disadvantage of shoe bags is that they are slippery on polished or oiled floors and care must be taken to avoid falls. Many types of satisfactory rubber boots are available. It is an advantage to select unlined rubber boots or shoes because they are easier to clean and decontaminate. If a rubber boot is selected which is worn directly over the foot rather than over a shoe, steel toe pro­ tectors similar to those for safety shoes are recommended. Typical footwear used in radioactive laboratories is shown in Figs 15 and 16.

1.5. PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT FOR THE BODY

The degree of protection required must be assessed before se­ lecting protective clothing and equipment for the body. In many well- run laboratories dealing with high levels of radioactive m aterials, complete changes of clothing are provided. Underwear, socks, trousers, shirts, laboratory coats, coveralls and shoes are made available to the workers so they do not have to wear any of their own personal clothing. In laboratories handling small quantities of radio­ active material, a complete change of clothing is not necessary and all that is needed is a laboratory coat. It is, therefore, necessary

26 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 15. LFl Leather safety shoes with steel toe protectors LF4 Calf-length rubber boots with steel toe protectors; LFS Unlined low rubber galoshes.

to know the type of laboratory, the radiotoxicity classification, the quantity of radioisotope and the use the isotope will be put to before specifying protective clothing and equipment. The following outline shows types of clothing and equipment used by well-organized labora­ tories handling large quantities or radioactive materials. Smaller laboratories would not need all the items listed.

1.5.1. Cotton clothing

(1) Under clothing (a) Warm climate — minimum (b) Cold clim ate,— extra

27 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 16. LF6 (a) Cotton shoe bags; LF6 (b) Plastic impregnated-cotton shoe bags; LF7 (a) Plastic shoe bags; LF7 (b) Plastic shoe bags with snap fastener. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

(2) Outer clothing (a) Shirt and trousers (b) Coveralls (c) Laboratory coat (d) Combination: coveralls, shoe bags, cap (e) P a rk a

The selection of clothing for a particular laboratory will depend upon local conditions, such as climate, custom, availability and use. Many styles are suitable, and the ones selected as typical illustrate the general type rather than a specific style. Closely woven cotton fabrics are probably the most commonly used, although synthetic fabrics are sometimes employed. Paper outer garments should be considered if the operation is done once or repeated at infrequent intervals, because it may be less expensive to purchase paper clothing and throw it away than to purchase cotton garments and store them. Usually it is less expensive to use cotton clothing when continued operations are contemplated. Cotton and plastic clothing will only prevent contamination of the skin and will not protect against penetrating radiation. Typical cotton clothing often used is shown in Figs 17, 18 and 19.

1.5.2. Plastic or rubber

(1) A pron (2) Coveralls (3) Combination: jacket, trousers, boots, helmet or hood, gloves and glasses (4) Frog suit (5) Lead-filled rubber apron

In addition to cotton work clothing, various types of imper­ meable clothing should be provided if the contamination potential warrants its use. Several different styles, kinds, and materials are available, although generally plastic (PVC) is the most common material used. It can be obtained clear, translucent, or coloured, in many thicknesses and in self-extinguishing grades to resist fire. Seams can be readily made by heat sealing and repairs are easily made in the field. It is relatively inexpensive. Aprons, coveralls, jackets, trousers, hoods or capes, and various combinations are available. Some are supplied with air- cooling system s and communicating units.

29 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

GO o

FIG. 17. BI Knit cotton underwear; B2 Heavy cotton or wool underwear. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

§

ugp - L :' V i

■ / H

W a

\ i b i s s s i

: : ’ -

H i .^S E m k '

FIG. 18. B3 Close-woven cotton shirt and trousers (may be paper); B5 Close-woven cotton coveralls (may be paper). This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 19. B6 (a) Cotton parka for cold weather; (b) Close-woven cotton laboratory dress; (c) Close-woven cotton laboratory coat.

I This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

Plastic protective clothing can be very useful, but if the am­ bient temperature is more than 25°C it becomes very hot to wear and the user should be cooled with a supply of cool air or heat stress may become a problem. The clothing must be properly designed so that it can be easily removed without the wearer becoming con-

FIG. 20. B9 Supported two-piece suit, additional equipment worn is rubber boots and gloves, eye protectors and hard hat. B5 Light-weight 0 .1-0.3-m m PVC coverall with feet, back entry - worn over coveralls. taminated from the suit. Persons wearing plastic clothing who have been working in contaminated places must be undressed properly and systematically or they may become contaminated. Some of the many designs of plastic clothing available, which have been used with success, are illustrated in Figs 20 and 21, and earlier in the text in Figs 5, 6 and 7.

33 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 21. B ll Plastic laboratory apron (PVC); B12 Lead-filled rubber apron. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

Frequently in X-ray work or work with low-energy gamma emitters lead-impregnated rubber aprons are effective in reducing the dose to the body. Although the aprons are quite heavy, they should be considered for use in some types of laboratories. One type of apron (B12) is shown in Fig. 21.

FIG. 22. B14 Aluminized asbestos fire-fighting suit, worn over a self-contained demand air apparatus.

1.5.3. Fire-fighting suits Special aluminized suits for the protection of persons against high temperatures when fighting fires are available. Detailed speci­ fications of suits of this type can be readily obtained from the manu­

35 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ facturer. The suits are effective for the purpose they are made for, but do not lend themselves to easy decontamination. One such suit (B14) is shown in Fig. 22.

1.6. SUPPORT EQUIPMENT In hot or cold climates, some allowance must be made for work­ ing conditions in which men may be subjected to extremes of temperature. It may be necessary to provide cooling while plastic suits are worn to prevent heat stress, or, in a cold climate, to pro­ vide additional outer garments so that men can keep warm.

FIG. 23. SE1 Vortex cooler worn on the back: delivers cool ail to the face and body under the high-temperature aluminized suit. When air for breathing is supplied to a hood, suit or fresh-air respirator, provision must be made to provide an adequate com­ pressor and filter system. Special care must be taken to ensure

36 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ that the breathable air is free of CO or other toxic or noxious contaminants. Usually low pressure compressors are adequate (< 7 kg/cm2 or < 100 lb/in2). When dealing with radioactive materials, it is important that good communications are established between supervision and the worker. Communication aids such as telephones, two-way wireless, public-address systems or other electronic communication systems should be generally available. This is particularly important when work requires the use of frog suits or full plastic protective clothing. There are many systems available which can be adapted to the user's particular needs.

1.6.1. Cooling devices (1) Vortex tube (2) Insulated air-supply hoses When work must be done in hot atmospheres or when impervious clothing is worn for prolonged periods, vortex coolers can be used to provide cool air for the face and body. The vortex cooler must be supplied with air at more than 6 kg/cm2 (>80 lb/in2) to operate properly and is extremely noisy. A vortex tube (SE1) is shown in Fig. 23. Another technique used to supply cool air to a worker is to use insulated air-supply hoses and cool the air supply fed to the insulated hose.

1.6.2. Breathing air compressors (1) Electric motor-compressor-filter, for 2 men (demand) (2) Electric motor-compressor-filter, for 2-3 men (continuous flow) (3) Central large unit for several laboratories located near each other. Both portable and centralized compressor units may be used to provide clean respirable air for airline respirators or air hoods. Regardless of the type used, care must be taken to ensure that the air is free of all types of contaminants, particularly CO and oil mists. One type of portable compressor (SE2) is shown in Fig. 24. 37 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 24. SE2 Two-man compressor unit, electrically powered, complete with air-supplied respirators.

FIG. 25. SE3 Telephone and radio-communication type units.

38 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

1.6.3. Communication systems Both telephone and radio communications (SE3) can be used with respiratory protective devices and are illustrated in Fig. 25.

1.6.4. Respirator maintenance and testing facility A good respirator maintenance and testing facility must be pro­ vided if respirators are used. Even the smallest laboratory that requires respirators must provide minimum maintenance and test facilities. One such maintenance unit (SE4) is shown in Fig. 26.

FIG. 26. SE4 Minimum respirator maintenance and testing facility showing collection, cleaning, disassembly, inspection and storage.

39 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

FIG. 27. SE5 Typical dress in a Class A laboratory.

FIG. 28. SE6 Normal dress in a Class A laboratory; SE7 Dress in Class A laboratory during a decontamination operation. 40 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

1.6. 5. Typical dress in a Type A laboratory Figure 27 (SE5) shows a typical glove-box laboratory with a worker dressed for routine operations in cotton coveralls andhat, and cotton shoe covers over safety shoes. Note rubber gloves on glove boxes. Figure 28 shows typical dress in a Type A laboratory under dif­ ferent conditions. SE6 shows normal dress used during a deconta­ mination operation. SE7 shows the dress required during deconta­ mination of an alpha glove box, i. e. cotton coveralls, taped rubber boots, taped rubber gloves, air purifying full-face respirator, and plastic head covering. Note in SE6 the breathing-zone air sampler attached to the lapel of the worker.

2. SELECTION AND USE ACCORDING TO THE IAEA CLASSIFICATION OF WORKING PLACES

2.1. FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE SELECTION AND USE Personal protective equipment and clothing is justified only after a consideration of the factors involved indicates that the selected equipment will provide satisfactory protection when properly used. Therefore, the selection and use of personal protective equipment and clothing requires a thorough knowledge of the following: (1) The chemical, physical and radiological properties of the contaminating substances (2) The processes and conditions of their use (3) The degree or class of radiotoxicity and the quantity being used (4) The types of contamination hazards such as inhalation or ingestion, external contamination or skin penetration (5) The nature of the duties to be performed particularly as they relate to restriction of movements (6) An evaluation of actual and potential hazards to determine whether conditions immediately dangerous to life or health might arise or whether injurious effects would be produced only after pro­ longed or repeated exposures.

41 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

2.2. CLASSIFICATION OF WORK AREAS The selection and use of personal protective equipment and clothing is made according to the IAEA classification of laboratories or working places. This classification is based on the quantities and relative radiotoxicity per unit activity. The four classes of radioisotopes are as follows: (1) Class 1 - very high toxicity (2) Class 2 - high toxicity (3) Class 3 - moderate toxicity (4) Class 4 - slight toxicity This classification of isotopes should only be used as a guide (see Table I). It is assumed that the user and/or the radiological health and safety officer responsible for each laboratory and work area will evaluate the isotopes or combination of isotopes used and issue working instructions.

Classification of laboratories The IAEA classification of types of laboratories or work places is reproduced in Table II.

Special working places There are several types of working places where radioisotopes (unsealed sources) are used that cannot be conveniently placed in any of the above classifications. For example, uranium mines and mills , and the field use of isotopes in agriculture cannot be con­ sidered as laboratories. Protective equipment for use in such areas is discussed in chapter 3.

2.3. SELECTION ACCORDING TO AREA CLASSIFICATION

2. 3.1. Selection guide A simplified guide to assist in the selection of personal pro­ tective equipment and clothing for routine use is presented in Table III. The coded list from chapter 1 is used to identify the equipment. The equipment has been selected as representative of that used in well- organized laboratories. However, other equipment which may be

42 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

TABLE I. CLASSIFICATION OF ISOTOPES ACCORDING TO RELATIVE RADIOTOXICITY PER UNIT ACTIVITY + (The isotopes in each class are listed in order of increasing atomic number)

Class 1 (very high toxicity)

90Sr + 90Y , 210P b *+ zl0Bi (R a D + E ), 210Po, 211 At, ^ R a + SS^o *d au ghter products,

227Ac, 233U *, 239Pu, 241 Am*; “ Cm,

Class 2 (high toxicity)

^ C a , 59F e * 89Sr, 91Y , 106Ru+ 106R ti*, 131I * 140B a * + 140La, 144C e + 144P r * 151Sm ,

154Eu*, l70Tm *, 234Th*+ 234Pa*, *natural uranium.

Class 3 (moderate toxicity)

22N a*. 24N a * 32P, 35S, 36C1, 42K *, “ S c * . 47S c, " S c * “v* 52M n*, 54M n*,

56Mn* 55Fe, 58Co* “ Co* 59Ni, “ Cu*. 65Zn* ,2Ga* ,4As* 76As*, 82Br*

86R b * 95Z r * + S5N b*, 95N b*. " M o * * T c , 10sR h * 10SPd + 10sRh, 10sA g * m Ag,

1MCd + 1MA g * 113 Sn *, 127 T e * , 129T e * , 1321*. 137Cs + 137B a*. 140 La* 143 Pr, 147Pm,

“ 'H o * 177 L u * 182 T a *. 181W *. 183 R e * 190 Ir *. 192Ir*, 191Pt, 193P t * 196Au*, 19!Au* 159Au* 200 202 204 203 pb#

Class 4 (slight toxicity)

3H, 7B e *, 14C , 18F, 51 C r*. 71Ge, 201T 1 *.

* Gamma-emitters. t From INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Safe Handling of Radioisotopes (First Edition with Revised Appendix I), Safety Series No. 1, IAEA, Vienna (1962) Tables I and II.

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TABLE II. IAEA CLASSIFICATION OF VARIOUS TYPES OF LABORATORY OR WORKING £>> P L A C E a

Type of laboratory or working place required Radiotoxicity Minimum of isotopes b significant quantity Type C Type B Type A Good chemical laboratory Radioisotope laboratory High-level laboratory

Very high 0 .1 fiCi 10 pCi or less 10 MCi - 10 m Ci 10 m C i or more

High 1 .0 MCi 100 pCi or less 100 MCi - 100 m Ci 100 m C i or more

Moderate 10 pCi 1 m Ci or less 1 m Ci - 1 Ci 1 Ci or more

Slight 100 MCi 10 mCi or less 10 mCi - 10 Ci 10 Ci or more

1. Modifying factors should be applied to the quantities indicated in the last 3 columns according to the complexity of the procedures to be followed. The following factors are suggested, but due regard should be paid to the circumstances affecting individual cases.

Procedure Modifying factor

Storage (stock solutions) Very simple wet operations X 10 Normal chemical operations X 1 Complex wet operations with risk of spills X 0.1 Simple dry operations Dry and dusty operations X 0.01

2. Type A working places should be specially designed by an expert. In general, Type A laboratories will use glove boxes or other completely enclosed systems.

a From INTERNA TIONA L A T O M IC ENERGY A G E N C Y , Safe Handling of Radioisotopes (First Edition with Revised Appendix I), Safety Series N o .l , IAEA, Vienna (1962) Tables I and II. b Hazards arising out of the handling of unsealed sources depend on factors such as the types of compounds in which these isotopes appear, the specific activity, the volatility, the complexity of the prodedures involved, and of the relative doses of radiation to the critical organs and tissues, if an accident should occur giving rise to skin penetration, inhalation, or ingestion. These factors must be taken into account when using this classification. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

similar could be equally satisfactory. The final selection is left to the good judgement of the planners. Table III lists the equipment recommended for the respiratory system, separately from that recommended for other parts of the body to emphasize the difference in protection provided. Because of the higher degree of protection required for Class 1 isotopes, each type of laboratory (A, B and C) lists the equipment for this class separately. Under each of the two main headings the equipment is listed under two more headings, 'minimum' and'optional'. The equip­ ment listed under 'minimum' is the simplest type of equipment or clothing considered necessary to provide adequate protection for the particular working place category and class of isotope. Optional equipment would be additional types to provide protection that is equal to or greater than that listed under 'minimum'. The following points are intended as a further guide to the use of Table III. (1) Some radionuclides and their compounds, such as tritium oxide, iodine and noble gases, do not readily fall into the classi­ fications shown in Table III. The best respiratory protection against tritium oxide can only give a protection factor of 2 because skin ab­ sorption is about equal to absorption through the lungs. Thus, to protect against tritium oxide, penetration of the skin must be con­ sidered in the selection of protective equipment at the same time as protection against inhalation. In atmospheres containing large quantities of tritium oxide, supplied-air respirators or hoods and ventilated plastic protective clothing are recommended. In low con­ centrations (a few MPCa) it is better to consider the length of time of the' exposure and the concentration and estimate the dose before deciding upon respiratory protection and/or protective clothing. Somewhat similar considerations apply to radioiodine and its compounds. Although the penetration of the skin by radioiodine is slight, it must be considered if the concentration in the atmosphere is high. The hazard from radioactive noble gases is usually assessed on the basis of the radiation exposure from gamma or high energy beta from the surrounding cloud rather than from inhalation of the gases. Skin contamination from the solid decay products of the gases should be considered and protection provided when needed. In prac­ tice, particularly around reactors, atmospheres of noble gases often contain radioiodines or other fission products which cannot be quick­ ly and easily detected. In this case, respirators suitable for re­ moving gases, vapours and particulates are often worn. 45 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

TABLE III. SELECTION AND USE GUIDE Personal protective equipment and clothing by work places

Equipm e;nt recommended ^ T y p e a o f Class a of laboratory iso to p e Respiratory organs Other parts of body or workplace radiotoxicity Minimum Optional Minimum • Optional

R6 R2 (dust only) HI or H2 H5, H6 or H7 or R8 to R l l A H 1 or AH2 AH3 to AH12 1 R7 in c lu s iv e L F1 + L F 2 , L F 3 , in c lu s iv e + R13 LF5, LF6 or LF7 B2 + B3, B6, B8 B I and B5 A R5 R6 HI or H2, H6 H3, H5 R12 R7 to R13 AH1 or AH2 AH3 to AH12 2 , 3 , 4 inclusive LF1 + LF3, LF5, inclusive LF6 or LF7 LF2, LF4 B 5 BI to B12 inclusive

R5 A H 1 o r A H 2 HI or H2, H6 or H7 R 1 l n m t onlv R12 P2 r dust only LF1 + LF3, LF5, AH3 to AH12 R8, R9, R13 L F6 or L F7 in c lu s iv e B6 B3, B4, B5. B7 Ro N one for N one H6 H5 routine LF1 + LF3, LF5, AH1 to AH12 2 , 3 , 4 use LF6 or LF7 in c lu s iv e B6 B7 A H 1 or AH 2 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

N one for N one B6 HI or H2, H6. H5 or H7 1 ro u tin e AH1 to AH12 inclusive use B 7 , B 3 , B5 c N one N one B6 H5, H6 or H7 2 , 3 , 4 AH1 to AH12 inclusive B 7 , B 3 , B5

None R1 H4 and H6 H7 U ran iu m AH9 or AH10 A H 7 1 m in e s L F2 L F 4 (w e t) B8 or B9 (wet)

R1 and R2 R 6, R7 or H3 and H6 or H7 H5 U ran iu m 2 or R8 AH4, AH7, AH8, LF2 or LF4 m ills R5 AH9 and AH10 B8 or B9, B ll LF1, B5 or B3

a See Tables I and II, footnote a. b Code for equipment refers to list in Chapter I.

-a This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

(2) It is good practice to wear safety glasses in any type of working area or laboratory. (3) The table is intended for routine use only; it is not to be used for the selection of equipment and clothing for emergency use. It is emphasized that maintenance work such as repair of contami­ nated ducting is not considered routine work. Equipment for non­ routine use should be reviewed and approved by the authority in charge. (4) Modifying factors (see Table II, note 1) should be applied for the use of equipment and clothing for wet or dry operations with due regard to the circumstances affecting individual cases. Im­ pervious clothing should be selected for wet operations, although the airborne hazard may be minimal. (5) In addition to the equipment and clothing recommended in the table, complete head coverings should be worn when appropriate to prevent head and neck contamination.

2. 3. 2. Occasional use of radionuclides Some type of protective clothing should be worn. It is especial­ ly important to prevent the spread of contamination to clean areas, which include offices and administrative areas. The clothing se­ lected for occasional use will be very simple, such as ordinary la­ boratory coats or surgical coats. Simple rubber gloves (surgeon's type) should be used. Many laboratories using radioactive isotopes do not have chemical fume hoods. If hoods are not available and if manipulation gives off airborne radioactive contamination, a simple oronasal or half-mask respirator should be provided.

Respiratory protection When respirators are required for the occasional use of radio­ active isotopes, a simple oronasal or half-mask respirator equipped with a combination canister (for particulates and organic vapours) should be selected. Throw-away respirators, such as a surgeon's mask or one-piece nuisance dust mask are not considered satis­ factory protection against airborne radioactive contaminants. 48 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

Example of occasional use There are many special uses of unsealed sources that occur infrequently. An example is encountered in agriculture or biology when radioisotopes are used only once or twice during an ex­ periment. A selection of suitable protective equipment for experi­ ments of this type is shown in Annex B.

2. 3. 3. Routine use of radionuclides A Type A or B laboratory routinely using radioisotopes, whether on a small or large scale, usually maintains a wide selection of per­ sonal protective equipment and clothing. Routine users of small quantities of radioisotopes, such as hospitals or universities, should select and use personal protective equipment and clothing with the same careful planning employed in the larger well-organized labora­ tories. The small routine user may be more likely to expose per­ sonnel to radioactive contamination than the well-organized labora­ tory if no qualified planners are available to make proper selections. Table III is intended to be especially useful for the Type B and C routine user of radioisotopes.

Primary control measures Potential sources of airborne radioactive contamination should be controlled by the use of process containment, ventilation measures and preplanning of work. If the use of respirators is proposed as an alternative to applying sound designs and operating practices, there may result a considerable risk of accidental undetected exposure.

Example of routine use Uranium mining and milling is an example of routine use in a 'special working place'. Equipment such as safety shoes and boots and acid-resistant and waterproof clothing must be provided, de­ pending on the working area and operation. These and other pro­ tective equipment items used in uranium mines and mills are listed in Table III.

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2. 3. 4. Emergency use Emergencies are unplanned events characterized by risks suf­ ficient to require immediate action to avoid or mitigate an. abrupt or rapidly deteriorating situation. There should be plans for coping with emergencies. The plans should include a programme for pro­ viding necessary and sufficient protective equipment when an emer­ gency creates hazards from radioactive isotopes. The plans ap­ propriate to a particular potential emergency will depend upon both its possible consequences and the probability of its occurrence. Examples of emergencies Examples of emergency situations involving exposures to radio­ active contaminants are fires or explosions involving pyrophoric radioactive metals, reactor excursions, ruptured reactor fuel ele­ ments and radioactive source leaks. In the case of fires, the atmospheres in buildings may be deficient in oxygen (< 16% 02) and contain high concentrations of carbon monoxide. Respiratory protection In general, self-contained breathing apparatus should be se­ lected for emergency use, however, the use of this equipment by un­ trained or unauthorized persons will handicap the rescue operations. Selection Table III should not be used to select protective equipment for emergency use. In selecting such equipment, the planner must con­ sider that radioactive contaminants may be in the air as dusts, fumes, mists or gases, often in conjunction with non-radioactive toxic chemicals. The planner must consider his own operation and select equipment accordingly.

2.4. USE

2.4.1. T raining A very important phase of personnel protection is adequate training of those who are expected to use such protection. Training 50 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ is necessary for supervisors and for those who are to wear protec­ tive equipment. Obviously, the more complicated the equipment or the more hazardous the working area (e. g. Type A) in which it is to be used, the more extensive and intensive the training must be. This training should be given by a qualified and experienced instructor. Training in the use of respirators The user of respirators should be instructed on the following: (1) The airborne contaminant against which the wearer is to be protected including their physical properties, (MPC)'s, physiological action and radiotoxicity (2) The construction, operating principles and limitations of the respirator (3) The reasons for using the respirator (4) The procedures for ensuring that the respirator is in proper working condition (5) The fitting of the respirator properly and checking for the adequacy of fit (see chapter 4 for methods of fitting) (6) The proper use and maintenance of the respirator (7) The type of working area and equipment markings, if any, for various areas (8) The application of various cartridges and canisters available for air-purifying respirators (9) The emergency action to be taken in event of malfunction of the respiratory protective devices . (10) The use of self-contained breathing apparatus and other equipment for rescue in emergencies, such as mine rescue. This should include several hours of drills under simulated conditions of exposure. Training in the use of protective equipment In general, personnel wearing protective clothing require little training in its use. It is assumed that all radiation workers will have basic training which will include knowledge of the radioactive contaminants against which they are to be protected, including their physical properties and radiotoxicity and how they are to be pro­ cessed or manipulated. In addition to this basic training in radio­ logical health and safety procedures, the wearer should be instructed in the following: 51 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

(1) How to put on and remove rubber gloves without contamina­ ting the inside of the gloves; also how to remove all items of protec­ tive clothing without contaminating the skin or personal clothing (2) The design, material, construction and limitations of the protective clothing (3) The reasons for using the protective clothing and the type of working area it should be used in; how to choose the proper size of clothing and how to put on the clothing, including measures that may be necessary to seal openings, around the bottom of trouser legs, sleeves and around the neck (4) Protective clothing is provided to protect against contami­ nation of the skin or outer surfaces of the body and is of no value for protection against penetrating radiation (5) Protective clothing is used to prevent the spread of con­ tamination to other working areas; the wearer must be shown how to remove protective clothing, especially shoe bags or rubber over­ shoes, before going from one type of work area to another (example, Type B laboratory to Type C) (6) When working in highly contaminated areas, how to wash down with a hose or shower when wearing impervious clothing to minimize transfer of radioactive contamination or its dispersion in air. It is a good practice to train the users to monitor protective clothing before leaving a contaminated area. This may be done by training the individual wearer in smaller establishments in the proper techniques of monitoring for the different types of radiation, or it may be done by a trained employee in the larger establish­ ments. Such procedures determine accidental contamination releases that the wearer was not aware of and aid in sorting the protective clothing according to the degree of contamination for laundering. Support equipment used with protective equipment and clothing, such as breathing-air compressors, generally requires special knowledge to operate. A trained observer should stand by when supplied-air masks, hoods or suits are used to make sure that the wearer has an adequate supply of air at all times. The observer should continuously be in communication by voice or sight with the user of such equipment.

2. 4. 2. Supervision When equipment is used for routine protection, supervision can be minimal and the user, after adequate training, can be responsible 52 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ for its proper use. More supervision is needed if the equipment is worn for protection against: (a) isotopes of a very high degree of toxicity, e.g. in a Type A laboratory; or (b) high concentrations of less toxic isotopes such as tritium oxide. Supervisors should ensure that the proper respiratory protec­ tive device is being used for each exposure condition and that the de­ vice is complete and in proper operating condition. The supervisors should provide supplemental safety precautions, such as a lifeline and standby rescue personnel when entry to a confined space is required.

2. 4. 3. Use by maintenance personnel The areas in which laboratory maintenance personnel such as plumbers, sheet-metal craftsmen and electricians work, cannot easily be classified. Repair and maintenance work in a Type A la­ boratory using a Class 1 isotope is generally done under very ad­ verse conditions. Spills and airborne contamination resulting from maintenance work are often much greater than those which occur during routine operations. Personal protective equipment and cloth­ ing should be selected only after considering all the factors for each maintenance operation.

3. GUIDES FOR USE IN SOME WORKING PLACES AND SITUATIONS NOT INCLUDED IN THE IAEA CLASSIFICATION Several working places where radioactive isotopes are used and handled are not easily included in the IAEA laboratory classi­ fications. Uranium mines and mills, accelerators, and the field use of radioactive isotopes in biology and agriculture are examples and are discussed here. 3.1. URANIUM MINES AND MILLS Personal protective equipment and clothing used in uranium mines and mills varies widely according to the type of mine or mill, local customs and geographical location. However, the following list may be used as a guide. Every mine or mill worker will not necessarily use or wear all of the equipment listed. Normal pro­ tective equipment for maintenance and service personnel such as welders and electricians is not included. 53 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

3.1.1. M in es Uranium is mined both underground and in open pits. Most countries have established safety rules and regulations pertaining to any type of mining, regardless of the material mined. These need only be extended to cover the radiation problem peculiar to uranium mining. In underground uranium mines, the radiation dose arises princi­ pally from inhaling the radon daughter products accompanying radon in air. This must be considered before selecting equipment. The accepted method of controlling personnel exposure to these radio­ active contaminants is by dilution ventilation. In underground uran­ ium mines the following equipment is used: hard hats and lamps, safety glasses with side shields, safety footwear, gloves and ear- muffs. In wet mines, waterproof clothing and hard-toed rubber boots are required. Respirators are not used underground, except for special jobs. Most of the radon daughter products in uranium dust are plated out on submicron-size dust particles that readily penetrate the respirator filters used for protection against nuisance dust. If a high-efficiency filter respirator is selected, it must have a breathing resistance low enough to be acceptable to the miner wear­ ing it. For mine-rescue work the equipment listed, plus self- contained breathing apparatus, safety belts, lifelines and self-rescue respirators can be used.

3.1.2. M ills The radiation dose in a uranium mill arises principally from the concentrate or final product. The main hazard is from dusty uranium ore concentrate. There is also a gamma-radiation hazard from handling barrels of the uranium ore concentrate and there may be a beta-radiation hazard if the skin is directly exposed to the concentrate. Respiratory protection In uranium mills, oronasal respirators equipped with particulate filters are commonly used during crushing operations and at trans­ fer points, during weighing and changing of barrels in the final pro­ duct department, during maintenance or mechanical failure of ven­ tilation systems, and while processing chemicals are handled. Some

54 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ process chemicals require the use of a chemical cartridge respira­ tor. Supplied-air respirators are frequently used during mainten­ ance of ventilation systems and during mechanical failures. Self- contained breathing apparatus or an air-purifying multipurpose res­ pirator may be used in emergencies. Other parts of the body Protective equipment for other parts of the body includes hard hats and caps, safety glasses, goggles, face shields and visors, coveralls, aprons, acid-resistant or waterproof clothing, gloves of various types, safety shoes and rubber boots. Support equipment Support equipment could include safety belts and harness, life­ lines, earmuffs or ear plugs and compressors for supplying breath­ ing air.

3.2. ACCELERATORS There are many types of these units that have many different uses and operate at various energy levels. Some examples of pro­ tective equipment and clothing used in certain types of operations may be helpful to the planner.

3.2.1. C y clo tro n s During the routine operation of a cyclotron, no personal pro­ tective equipment or clothing is necessary. However, this is based on careful planning and the use of exclusion areas. Experience with cyclotrons (energy up to 42 MeV) has shown that radioactive con­ tamination occurs when accelerating deutrons or other large nuclei and that it can be a problem during maintenance. Radioactive contamination encountered during maintenance will depend on the type of foils used. When 65Zn is the main long-lived contaminant, it is advisable to wait 48 hours before opening the unit to allow for decay of short-lived airborne and surface contamina­ tion. Personal protective equipment used during maintenance in­ cludes protective shoe coverings, gloves, coveralls, caps and res­ pirators. An oronasal-type respirator with a particulate filter is satisfactory

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3. 2. 2. Van de Graaff electrostatic generator Protective equipment for personnel working with a large Van de Graaff will depend upon the use, energy and the type of targets used. For example, when tritium is used as a gas target, there is a hazard from airborne tritium gas and oxide during maintenance. Routine use Routine operation using tritium as a gas target, for example, requires good ventilation as the main control.

Maintenance Only self-contained breathing apparatus or supplied-air respir­ ators are satisfactory to prevent inhalation of tritium gas or oxide. When large quantities of tritium are used, skin penetration must be prevented. Protective equipment found satisfactory when working in glove boxes or with small targets includes two pairs of gloves, i. e. a very lightweight cotton pair which can be worn underneath regular rubber surgeon's gloves. Experience has indicated that this will prevent penetration through the skin of the hand even during continuous operations if the gloves are changed approximately every 20 minutes. Laboratory coats or coveralls covering the arms should be used. In extreme cases, ventilated impervious clothing may be required.

3.3. FIELD USE OF ISOTOPES IN BIOLOGY AND AGRICULTURE

When isotopes are required for field experiments in agriculture or biology, the quantities involved are small and often belong to a less toxic category. The facilities for handling the isotopes are fre­ quently rudimentary and techniques often have to be improvised on the job. Usually simple precautions are adequate to prevent inha­ lation and skin contamination. Adequate preplanning of the experi­ ments is important so that the hazards and required action can be assessed beforehand.

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3.3.1. Field use of 32P in biology Larvae and pupae of the black fly, mostly Semulium venustum, were tagged with 32P in a field experiment. Ten tubs each contain­ ing 50 mCi of 32P dissolved in about 40 litres of water were used. The tubs were placed near the edge of a fast-running stream where black fly pupae and larvae had been found in abundance attached to submerged dead logs or branches and stones. Infested logs or stones were removed from the stream and immersed in the 32P tagging solution for 20 minutes and then were returned to their ori­ ginal positions in the stream. The adult black flies later hatched and were trapped along with untagged flies at stations located various distances from the tagging location. The following equipment was used: cotton coveralls, throw-away type plastic coveralls, rubber gloves and rubber boots. Respirators were riot required because it was a wet operation.

3. 3. 2. Field use of 32P in agriculture Tagged phosphate fertilizers containing approximately 150 pCi of 32P per gram of 31P have been used in a wide variety of field experiments during the past 20 years. Labelled phosphate ferti­ lizers were first used under field conditions in 1945. While the ob­ jectives of the experiments and the procedures used in them have changed radically through the years, the majority have involved ap­ plying one or more labelled phosphate fertilizers either with the seed or broadcast prior to seeding. The plot sizes were relatively small; each experimental variation in a plot consisted of three rows of which the centra\ row was treated with the dry labelled fertilizer. The experimental variations in each plot did not usually exceed 25. The seeding equipment has also changed quite radically through the years. Tracer seeding equipment included a bank of six V-belts mounted on standard farm machinery such as a discer or drill. The V-belts fed labelled fertilizer into special spouts designed to provide the type of placement desired. The personnel seeding the field experiments wear standard lab­ oratory coats, rubber gloves, shoe covers and masks. Battery- powered instruments are used to detect contamination and all per­ sonnel wear film badges. From two to six persons were required to seed the plots, de­ pending on the type of experiment.

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TABLE IV. RESPIRATORY PROTECTION PROVIDED BY COMMON HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS AGAINST AEROSOLS OF 1 TO 5 nm. PARTICLE SIZE

Approximate N u m ber o f Resistance Ite m e ff ic ie n c y thicknesses (mm of H2 O) m

Handkerchief, man's cotton 16 36 a 9 4

Toilet paper 3 13 91

Handkerchief, man's cotton 8 18 9 0

Handkerchief, man's cotton crumpled - 88

Bath towel, turkish 2 11 85

Bath towel, turkish 1 5 7 4

Bed sheet, muslin 1 22 b 72

Bath towel, turkish 1 (wet) 3 70

Shirt, cotton 1 (wet) >150 c 66

Shirt, cotton 2 7 66

Handkerchief, woman's cotton 4 (wet) 84 C 63

Handkerchief, man's cotton 1 (wet) 98 c 63

Dress m aterial, cotton 1 (w et) 1 8 0 c 56

Handkerchief, woman's cotton 4 2 56

Slip, rayon 1 6 ” 50

Dress m aterial, cotton 1 5 48

Shirt, cotton 1 3 35

Handkerchief, man's cotton 1 2 28

a Those items with a resistance of 36 mm or greater have limited use as respiratory protective expedients, b These items could not be evaluated when wet since they exhibited intolerable resistance to human breathing. c Resistance obtained when checked immediately after hand wringing. This resistance began to decrease after about one minute when the m aterial started to dry.

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3.4. IMPROVISING HOUSEHOLD AND PERSONAL ITEMS FOR RESPIRATORY PROTECTION In some places where radioactive contaminants may become airborne, commercial respiratory protective devices may not be readily available and it may be necessary to improvise suitable de­ vices from materials at hand. Some household or personal items may give a degree of protection when held tightly over the nose and mouth. There is divided opinion as to whether or not one can achieve a higher filtration efficiency for particles by using wet or dry cloth. Eighteen variations of eight household and personal items were eva­ luated in an atmosphere containing spores of a non-pathogenic bac­ teria to determine their effectiveness in protecting the wearer against airborne contaminants. The items tested included man's handkerchiefs, turkish bath towels, muslin bed sheets, cotton shirt material, rayon slip material, and toilet paper. The results are given in Table IV. It should be stressed that these items were tested against aero­ sols and under no circumstances will they provide protection against gases or vapours.

4. FITTING OF RESPIRATORS AND COMMON PROBLEMS 4. 1. FACEPIECE-FIT TEST AND PROCEDURES Leakage between the face and facepiece is the main limitation of an air-purifying respirator or mask because the facepiece in­ terior is always under a negative pressure when the individual is breathing. Tests conducted in several countries have demonstrated that it is impossible to fit all sizes of faces with one size oronasal or full-facepiece respirator properly. It is advantageous to stock respirators with facepieces of various styles and sizes as an aid to proper fitting. A good fit can be achieved more often with the full- facepiece mask than with the oronasal facepiece. Providing satis­ factory protection with a full-facepiece respirator for individuals wearing spectacles is a special problem. A proper seal is difficult to achieve if the side pieces of the spectacles extend through the sealing edge of the full-facepiece mask. Some manufacturers have developed systems for mounting corrective lenses inside the facepiece.

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Fitting tests should be done on all men and women who wear air-purifying respirators for protection against radioactive conta­ minants. Individuals must be trained how to fit respirators proper­ ly to the face. Each trainee should be fitted by an expert and shown how to test for proper face fit. He should repeat the procedure several times until confident he can do it properly. Individuals who cannot be properly fitted should not enter areas where airborne radioactive materials are present in dangerous quantities.

4. 1. 1. Simple fitting test for air-purifying respirators Negative pressure test Close off the inlet opening of the canister by covering it with the palm of the hand or by replacing the tape seal, inhale so that the facepiece collapses slightly, and hold the breath for 10 seconds. If the facepiece remains in its slightly collapsed condition and no inward leakage of air is detected, the tightness of the respirator is satisfactory. Positive pressure test Close the exhalation valve and exhale gently into the facepiece. - The face fit is considered satisfactory if a slight positive pressure can be built up inside the facepiece without any evidence of outward leakage of air at the seal. One disadvantage of this method is that one must remove the exhalation valve cover before it can be closed off. Many recently designed respirators make this difficult or impossible. Isoamyl acetate test Respirators equipped with an activated charcoal cartridge may be tested for leaks in an atmosphere containing an organic vapour such as isoamyl acetate. The test may be conducted without a special test chamber because an adequate concentration (100 ppm) can be obtained in any room by evaporating 17.3 ml of isoamyl ace­ tate for each 1000 ft3 of room volume. If the person wearing the respirator can stay in the test atmosphere for a minute or two with­ out detecting the odour of isoamyl acetate, the respirator is proper­ ly fitted. If the odour of isoamyl acetate is detected he should re­ treat to fresh air, readjust the facepiece and then repeat the test. 60 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

It may be necessary to conduct fitting tests in the field. The fit may be checked by pouring a few drops of isoamyl acetate onto a piece of cotton and holding it near the facepiece.

Stannic chloride smoke test An irritant smoke tube (glass tube 12 cm long by 1 cm diameter, filled with stannic chloride-impregnated pumice) is used to produce a very irritating smoke when air is blown through the tube. The smoke is directed at the facepiece seal and leakage is indicated by irritation of the throat and lungs. Freshly produced smoke par­ ticles from this tube range from less than 0.1 to 3.0 /um in diameter. The glass tube is marked or scored at each end for easy breaking. A squeeze bulb with a short rubber tube connected to the smoke tube aspirates through the tube; visible smoke is immediately formed by contact with moisture in the atmosphere. The irritant is HC1 adsorbed on the particulate.

Titanium tetrachloride smoke test

An irritant smoke generated from a tube containing titanium tetrachloride is used. When air is aspirated through a titanium tetrachloride smoke tube, visible smoke is immediately formed by contact with moisture in the atmosphere, but the smoke is reported to be less irritating than that produced by stannic chloride. When testing a halfmask respirator with a smoke tube, precaution should be taken to protect the eyes.

Test chambers Some laboratories and industries have constructed test chambers for repeated training of large numbers of people who must wear re­ spirators in atmospheres containing extremely toxic contaminants. In a special test chamber or room the ability to move around and perform moderate exercises simulating those encountered during work can be an advantage. 61 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

4. 1. 2. Quantitative methods of evaluating leakage Freon The respirator is worn under a small plastic hood into which Freon gas is introduced. A sample of air taken from the respirator is analysed with a commercially available instrument to determine Freon content and thus leakage. Sodium chloride aerosol A submicron sodium chloride aerosol is blown into a small plastic hood which is placed over the head of the wearer whose respirator is to be tested. The amount of sodium chloride in the exhaled breath is measured with a flame photometer. Routine fitting tests of the respirator can be made in a few minutes. Penetrations as low as 0.1% can be measured. Helium leak-detection method An accurate and fast method to measure the leakage between the face and facepiece of a respirator is by means of a helium atmos­ phere in a tent-type enclosure. The helium leaking into the face cavity is measured by a spectrometer. Uranine A submicron uranine aerosol is used to measure the overall leakage of a respirator equipped with a high-efficiency filter. This aerosol has the advantage of low toxicity and its fluorescence can be measured quantitatively down to 0.001 /ug.

4. 2. COMMON PROBLEMS

4. 2. 1. Vision Any full-facepiece mask affects the wearer's ability to see. There are special problems such as distorted field of vision and fogged eyepieces. The distorted field of vision from faulty lenses, scratches and other causes can be tolerated or corrected. However,

62 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ impaired vision from fogged eyepieces is intolerable and is an unsafe working condition. A worker wearing a respirator under cold tem­ perature conditions finds the eyepieces immediately fogged on the outside when he enters a warm room with relatively high humidity. Also, the eyepieces may become fogged on the inside when the worker is in a cold environment because of condensation from his breath and by facial perspiration. Fogging may be prevented in a full facepiece mask by a nose cup that leads the exhaled air directly to the exhalation valve and by an air inlet system which directs the incoming air across the inside of the eyepieces. Anti-fogging com­ pounds will prevent fogging and freezing in cold atmospheres down to -15°C. Nose cups are effective at -30°C.

4. 2. 2. Communications The ability to communicate while wearing a respirator affects both the wearer's comfort and the effectiveness of the respirator. Good communication may make the difference between a safe ef­ ficient operation and confusion and panic, especially in difficult and dangerous jobs when it is imperative to maintain constant control over a situation. Communicating through a respirator, even one fitted with a speech transmitter, is difficult, irritating and fatiguing, and some workers may insert a finger and pull the facepiece away from the face in order to be heard. One of the many types of elec­ tronic communication equipment available should be used.

4. 2. 3. Comfort A special problem in the use of respirators is comfort. The degree of discomfort caused by a respirator in no way indicates its efficiency.

4. 2. 4. Beards Men with beards that contact the surface of the sealing edge of a respirator cannot obtain a gas-tight seal. One day's growth of face hair (stubble around the face where the full facepiece seals) can increase the penetration by a factor of 10. Two days' growth of face stubble increased the penetration by another factor of 10 (total penetration increased by 100). 63 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

5. MAINTENANCE

The primary purpose of a maintenance programme for personal protective equipment and clothing is to ensure that it is kept and used in a satisfactory condition. Personal protective equipment and clothing used routinely should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. When it has been used in an emergency it should be cleaned after use. Equipment and clothing should not be left in storage for long periods before cleaning because contamination becomes fixed. It is good practice to destroy grossly contaminated equipment and clothing unless the contamination is mainly short-lived isotopes. When warranted, personnel handling contaminated equipment and clothing should wear respirators and protective clothing and work in satisfactory exhaust hoods.

5. 1. CLEANING AND DECONTAMINATION There are many methods of cleaning and decontaminating equip­ ment and clothing. Washing with a good grade of soap or detergent in hot water by machine, or hand washing, rinsing and air drying in a clean place is satisfactory. For some personal protective equipment, solutions containing complexing agents such as ethylene- diamine-tetracetic acid have been found useful. Some of the dif­ ferent techniques used to clean the many types of equipment and clothing are described.

5. 1. 1. Respirators and masks Respirators may be collected at a central point at the end of each shift for cleaning and inspection. It is good practice to identify each individual's respirator so that it may be returned to him after cleaning. Respirators and masks may be monitored before cleaning to separate them according to different contaminants and different levels of contamination. This is useful in large establishments where a variety of radioactive materials is used. Grossly contam­ inated respirators and masks should be discarded or separated and cleaned with strong cleaning agents before using the routine cleaning procedure outlined.

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Cleaning One procedure that may be used for cleaning air purifying respi­ rators is as follows: (1) Remove filter or canister (2) Wash facepiece and head harness in detergent or soap in warm water (50°C) (3) Rinse thoroughly in clean warm water (4) Air dry the equipment in a clean area (5) Inspect the valves, head straps, and other parts; replace defective parts (6) Insert new or tested old filters or canisters; make sure the seal is tight (7) Test for leaks (8) Place in a plastic or paper bag for storage. Disinfecting When respirators are used by different individuals, it is a good policy to disinfect them before reissuing. Reliable compounds for disinfecting respirators are: (1) a hypochlorite solution (50 parts per million (ppm) of chlorine; 2 minutes immersion); (2) a solution of iodine in alcohol (50 ppm iodine; 2 minutes immersion); or (3) a quaternary ammonia compound (about 200 ppm in water with less than 500 ppm total hardness).

5. 1.2. Cotton coats, coveralls, caps, etc. The clothing should be sorted according to the different types of garments, contaminants and levels of contamination. This can be done in the laboratory where they originate or in a central clean­ ing area. Clothing that is grossly contaminated is usually destroyed. Contaminated clothing should be handled as little as possible, since it can give rise to airborne contamination. Cleaning The processes used in cleaning this type of clothing are similar to those used in conventional or commercial laundries. It is con­ sidered good practice to wash the clothes twice for ten minutes and rinse five minutes in clear water after each wash. Adequate rinsing

65 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ is required to remove detergents; if not, residue may cause skin rash or dermatitis on some individuals. Soaps Experience will dictate the choice of soaps or reagents used for laundering clothing. Unbuilt detergents, sodium metasilicate, sodi­ um acid phosphate, citric acid, and various combinations of these reagents have been used successfully.

5. 1.3. Impervious protective clothing Gloves It is usually impractical to clean and decontaminate rubber or plastic gloves, especially the thin type commonly called surgeons' gloves. No efficient way is known of washing them in large numbers without transferring contamination from the outside to the inside of the glove. When it is necessary to decontaminate heavy rubber gloves, such as those that cover the arm or those impregnated with lead, the user should wash them before leaving the work area. Good quality soaps or detergents and scrubbing brushes should be pro­ vided at appropriate places where personnel may wash their own gloves. Boots and shoes Rubber boots should be cleaned and decontaminated by scrub­ bing with a detergent or complexing solution by hand or by machine. It may sometimes be necessary to use mechanical buffing or abra­ sive paste to decontaminate rubber-soled shoes. Precautions should be taken to prevent contaminated liquids from wetting the inside of leather shoes. Heavy-duty suits Heavy-duty impervious suits, for example frog suits, require special procedures for decontamination. They are often worn in areas where there may be very high levels of alpha or beta conta­ mination and may be used for protection in high concentrations of tritium gas or vapour. Where extreme contamination occurs, the

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wearer should pass through a shower or some other washing facility while still wearing the suit. Often a cheap throw-away oversuit is used and removed before showering. It is important to choose the washdown location carefully to prevent the spread of contamination. After the shower the suit should be washed with detergent and soap solutions, using cloth swabs and soft bristled brushes. Operation in these suits usually involves at least two individuals and it is a con­ venient practice for them to wash each other. After decontamination, these suits should be rinsed in clean water and air dried immedi­ ately. Other kinds of re-usable impervious suits may be sent to a central facility for decontamination.

5. 1. 4. Miscellaneous protective equipment Equipment such as hard hats, helmets, eye glasses and face shields may be decontaminated by any of the methods listed above that will not damage the surface of the equipment. In addition, it will often be necessary to decontaminate support equipment, such as air-supply hoselines, harness, and breathing-air compressors. Certain types of mechanical and electrical equipment can be da­ maged by detergents and water, and care must be taken to prevent such damage.

5. 1. 5. Monitoring The clothing and equipment should be thoroughly dried before being monitored. It should be decontaminated to levels recommen­ ded by the local authority. Where there is no local recommenda­ tion, the maximum permissible levels for surface contamination quoted in IAEA Safety Series No. 1 may be used. These are from 10"5 to 10*6 juCi/cm2 for a emitters and about 10'4 /uCi/cm2 for em itters. Usually the interior surfaces of respirators are decontaminated to the more restrictive levels. When clothing or equipment is to be re-used in highly contaminated areas for short periods of time, the levels of contamination allowed may be higher provided it is well fixed to the surface. 5.2. INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE Inspection and maintenance is an important part of any pro­ gramme for providing safety equipment. For example, no matter

67 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ how well a respirator is designed or how good its performance, it cannot give satisfactory protection unless it is maintained in good condition. This factor is frequently neglected, particularly with non-emergency respirators, because neglect is not readily evident. Proper maintenance saves money. Well- maintained equipment lasts longer and requires less frequent replacement. Inspection and maintenance should be centralized whenever possible and supervised carefully by a person with a thorough knowledge of the equipment.

5. 2. 1. Respirators and masks A programme for the inspection and maintenance of respira­ tory protective equipment must suit the type of working conditions and type of contamination involved. Respiratory protective equip­ ment should be maintained in as good a condition and give as good a performance as when it was new. All routinely used respirators should be inspected and tested after cleaning and prior to each use. Emergency respiratory pro­ tective equipment should be inspected at least monthly to ensure that it is always in first-class condition. Inspection procedure All equipment returned from operating areas for maintenance should be examined to determine tne tightness of connections and that the facepiece, headbands, exhalation and inhalation valves, connecting tubes and canisters are in good condition and working properly. Rubber or plastic parts in particular should be inspected for pliability and signs of deterioration. Stretching and manipula­ ting rubber or plastic parts with massaging action will help to keep them pliable and flexible and prevent them from taking a set during periods of disuse. Operating parts of respiratory protective devices, including regulators, exhalation and inhalation valves and canisters, should be tested periodically for proper functioning in accqrdance with the manufacturer's instructions. Filters or canisters used for protection against radioactive con­ taminants should be discarded after use unless properly tested and decontaminated to acceptable levels. Before replacing the filters or cartridges on the respirator make sure that proper gaskets are in place.

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To prevent fogging from moisture in exhaled air, antifogging compounds should be applied to the inside of self-contained breathing apparatus. Self-contained breathing apparatus, either demand or recircula­ ting type, should be inspected monthly. The air or oxygen cylinder should be fully charged and the regulator must function properly. Reducing valves or regulators should be returned to the manu­ facturer for adjustment or repair. It is extremely dangerous for anyone other than a skilled mechanic who thoroughly understands the construction, operation and adjustment of a regulator to attempt to repair or adjust it. A record should be kept of inspection and maintenance and findings for all emergency equipment.

5. 2. 2. Cotton coats, coveralls, caps, etc. After protective clothing has been decontaminated and monitored, it should be inspected for tears and holes and repaired. It should also be inspected to make sure that all buttons, fasteners, snaps, zippers and other types of connectors are in good repair.

5. 2. 3. Impervious protective clothing Impervious protective clothing such as plastic coats, pants, suits and frog suits should be inspected after decontaminating and periodically when in storage. The entire suit should be examined for holes, tears, faulty seams or other defects. They may be re­ paired with a plastic tape recommended by the manufacturer. Heavy rubber suits, such as frog suits, may sometimes be repaired suc­ cessfully by using a rubber vulcanizing repair kit. After being re­ paired they should be tested to determine if they are impervious to water.

5. 2. 4. Support equipment For all mechanical and electrical equipment, it is recommended that the user follow the manufacturer's instructions. Inspection and maintenance procedures for all other types of support equipment should be prepared by qualified individuals.

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Air compressors

Air compressors should only be inspected and maintained by qualified mechanics. If an internally lubricated compressor is used, it should be well maintained to prevent it from over-heating and forming dangerous amounts of carbon monoxide. The air should be checked periodically to determine if carbon monoxide, oil mists or other contaminants are present. Ten ppm (0.001%) of carbon monoxide can be tolerated, if the source is positively identified and determined to be relatively constant, or if measures are instituted to achieve this degree of control.

Communication equipment

Communication equipment should be inspected and repaired when necessary by qualified electronics technicians.

5.3. STORAGE

5. 3. 1. Respirators and masks

Respiratory equipment should be stored in dust-proof containers away from sunlight, heat (not near radiators or steam pipes), extreme cold and excessive moisture. Most respirators are shipped in cartons or cases which are suitable for storage; however, at work stations and when respirators are storedfor emergency use, special compart­ ments maybe necessary. Respirators used routinely maybe placed in plastic bags. They should never be stored in suchplaces as clothes lockers or toolboxes unless they are in their carrying cases or cartons. Respirators should be packed or stored so that the rubber face­ piece and exhalation valve will rest in a normal position and function will not be impaired by the rubber setting in a bent or twisted po­ sition. When it is necessary to store a mask for a long time, a simple cardboard or wire head frame may be used to support it and prevent damage. 70 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

Issue Procedures for issuing respiratory protective equipment from storerooms should ensure that the correct respirator or mask is obtained for the job. It is essential that the individual supervising or issuing respirators be adequately trained to ensure that the correct respirator or mask is issued for each job.

5. 3. 2. Other protective equipment Protective clothing should be sorted according to size and stored in containers or biris readily available for issue in a clean area. Other protective equipment should be stored in accessible areas according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

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ANNEX A

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Some of these definitions are common to many scientific fields; others are defined for use in this book. Air-purifying respirator: A respirator to remove gaseous and/or particulate contaminants. Air-supply blower: A motor-operated blower or compressor for a source of respirable compressed air for the supplied air respir­ ator, hood, or suit. Air-supply hose: A hose to conduct respirable air from the air- supply device to that portion of a supplied air respirator carried on the wearer's person. Air-regulating valve: An adjustable valve between the air-supply line and the breathing tube of a supplied-air respirator or hood whereby the flow of air to the face-piece, helmet, or hood may be regulated. Aluminized suit: A one- or two-piece asbestos cloth suit coated with aluminium to reflect heat during fire fighting. Other materials used include impervious aluminium-coated Teflon, laminated or woven Teflon cloth. Anti-contamination clothing: Clothing used to prevent the conta­ mination of the wearer's body or personal clothing. Breathing air: Clean or pure air free of harmful contaminants. Breathing hose (tube): A flexible non-collapsible tube through which air or oxygen flows to the facepiece of a respirator. Canister: A container filled with air-purifying media, such as sor­ bents, catalysts, and mechanical filters that remove gases, va­ pours, and aerosols from air drawn through the unit. Centralized compressor unit:. A single large blower with sufficient capacity to move respirable air through multiple air lines to several breathing-air stations. Chemical filter respirator: A chemical filter respirator having a facepiece and one or more canisters to remove contaminants from the air drawn through them; it is designed for respiratory protection against low concentrations of gases and vapours or a combination of dispersoids, gases, and vapours.

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Demand respirator: A supplied-air respirator in which air or oxygen is admitted to the facepiece only when the wearer in­ hales, and in quantities governed automatically by his breathing. Detachable coupling: A device by means of which the wearer of a supplied-air respirator may quickly detach the air supply line from that part of the respirator worn on the person. Exhalation valve: A device that allows exhaled air to leave a respirator and prevents outside air from entering it. Eyepiece: A gas-tight transparent window in a respirator face-piece through which the wearer may see. Facepiece: That portion of a respirator that covers the wearer's nose and mouth as in an oronasal facepiece,and nose, mouth, and eyes as in a full facepiece. It is designed to make a gas- tight or dust-tight fit with the face and includes the headbands and exhalation valve(s). Filter: A device that removes contaminants from air drawn through it or converts those contaminants into less harmful compounds. Hood: A device that completely covers the head, neck, and portions of the shoulders. Inhalation valve: A device that allows respirable air to enter the facepiece and prevents exhaled air from leaving the facepiece through the intake opening. Leakage: The amount of contaminant which enters the respirator due to improper seals (between the respirator and the man) and defects in the various respirator components determines the leakage. It does not include contaminant passing through the respirator canister. Mechanical filter respirator: A filter respirator that removes par­ ticulate contaminants such as dust, fumes, and mists. Media: Material used in a respirator canister to remove airborne contaminants. Oronasal respirator: A respirator with a facepiece that covers the wearer's nose and mouth, but not his eyes, and makes a gas tight or dust tight fit with his face; the headbands are included in the assembly. Penetration: The percentage of contaminant air concentration which passes through the respirator. It includes both leakage and con­ taminant material passing through the air-purifying canister. „ .... Cone, inside of facepiece Penetration = —Cone,------outside—^ ---- ofj -facepiecej—:-----

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Pressure release valve: A hand-operated valve to release excess pressure in recirculating self-contained breathing apparatus. Protection factor: Ratio of contaminant air concentration outside the respirator to that inside the respirator. Protection factor = ——Penetration „— Protective clothing: See Anti-contamination clothing. Protective equipment: Any device to protect the wearer from health and safety hazards. Quick connector: See Detachable coupling. Resistance: Opposition to the passage of air, as through a filter or orifice. Respirable: Fit or safe to be breathed. Respirator: Any device used to protect the wearer from the inha­ lation of non-respirable atmospheres. Safety orifice: A valve which controls the volume of air delivered to a supplied-air respirator and which cannot be completely closed so that a minimum volume of air will be delivered. Safety shoe: A shoe or boot incorporating a steel toe protector. This may be equipped with a non-conducting sole. Self-contained breathing apparatus: A respirator in which the supply of air, oxygen, or oxygen generating material is carried by the wearer. Sorbent: A substance which has the capability of retaining gases or vapours by the adsorption or absorption mechanism. Supplied air respirator: A respirator designed to be connected by a small diameter hose to a supply of respirable air under posi­ tive pressure sufficient to deliver an adequate flow of air to an oronasal facepiece, full facepiece, hood, or suit. Vortex tube: A device to cool air supplied to protective clothing and equipment. ANNEX B EXAMPLES OF INVENTORIES 1. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN A TYPE A LABORATORY In a well-organized Type A laboratory the routine use of pro­ tective clothing and equipment is minimal. When an emergency oc-

74 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ curs, additional equipment is required. The inventory is therefore in two parts and is based upon a laboratory employing 10 men. The first list deals with routine requirements and the second list deals with an emergency situation in which re-entry to the contaminated area is made by two men working as a team. It is assumed that each entry to the area will require one complete set of protective equip­ ment and clothing. Spares or replacements are not included, and it is assumed that necessary support equipment is available if required.

Equipment and clothing for 5 days of routine operations by ten m en

Underwear 20 sets Socks 20 pairs Shirts and trousers or coveralls 20 sets Shoes 10 pairs Hats 20 Gloves - suitable type Many pairs required depending on the type of work Respirators 10 (Standby for emergency)

Equipment and clothing for two men re-entering the contaminated laboratory after an emergency

Underwear 2 sets Socks 2 pairs Shirt and trousers or „ coveralls„ 2 sets Rubber boots 2 pairs Impermeable overall or suit (may be PVC) 2 suits 75 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

Supplied-air hood or supplied-air respirator and hood covering (Alternative — full-facepiece respirator with combination canister filter — depending upon conditions) 2 sets Gloves — type depends upon work; often a light pair is worn under a heavier type 4 pairs Tape 1 roll 2. FIELD USE OF 32P IN BIOLOGY An example of the field use of 32 P in biology is described in chapter 3. The total amount of protective clothing used by the two technicians and one radiation protection officer during a three-week tagging operation is listed1. No respirators were required because it was a wet operation and air samples obtained during a pilot run indicated no air-borne hazard. (0. 1 mm) PVC plastic coverall-type 80 throw-away suits Cotton coveralls 100 pairs Rubber gloves 200 pairs Rubber boots with steel toe protectors 80 pairs Socks 100 pairs Tape 10 rolls

3. FIELD USE OF 32P IN AGRICULTURE An example of the field use of tagged dry phosphate fertilizer was described. The amount of protective clothing used by one man for each treatment is listed. It is assumed that each treatment can

1 It must be pointed out that the limited number of men employed on the tagging operation were required to do several other jobs connected with the experiment, but not related to the handling of the radioactive material. As a result they had to change clothing three to five times each day until the tagging was complete. If the protective clothing had been decontaminated, or reused when contamination levels permitted, the numbers of items required would have been substantially less than those listed.

76 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ be completed in less than three hours with only one set of protective equipment per man.

Cotton laboratory coat or coveralls 1 Heavy duty rubber gloves 2 pairs Respirator or mask 1 Shoe covers or rubbers 2 pairs

ANNEX C'

SUGGESTED AREA CLASSIFICATION AS GUIDE TO ADMINISTRATION Table V presents a guide for controlling personnel access to various areas. The areas are classified according to radioactive contamination levels and the type of protective equipment and cloth­ ing required in them. There are many exceptions to Table V which depend on operating conditions and the isotopes used. For example, in some laboratories protective clothing would be required in a Type 3 area when plutonium is used in a Type B laboratory. The best prac­ tice is to classify a Type B laboratory where plutonium is used as a Type 2 area for the administration of personnel access. In a well- organized laboratory, there would be a standard operating pro­ cedure prepared by a competent authority.

ANNEX D

BIBLIOGRAPHY

RESPIRA TORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPM ENT

ADLEY, F .E ., WISEHART, D .E ., Methods for performance testing of respiratory protective equip­ ment, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 23 (1962) 251-56. AMERICAN INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE ASSOCIATION AND AMERICAN CONFERENCE OF GOVERN­ MENTAL INDUSTRIAL HYGIENISTS, Respiratory protective devices manual, Braun and Brum­ field, Inc. Ann Arbor, Michigan (1963).

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TABLE V. SUGGESTED AREA CLASSIFICATION3 AS GUIDE TO ADMINISTRATION OF PERSONNEL ACCESS TO ALL AREAS WITH REGARD TO RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION AND THE USE OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AND CLOTHING

A re a Protective equipment D e fin itio n E x a m p le s ty p e and clothing

4 Areas within the confines Unrestricted, none Administration block of an establishment where radioactive contamination is not present

3 Areas in which contamination Access limited to radiation Type B (Class 2, 3 and 4 is negligible and no special workers, no special clothing isotope) and Type C operating instructions are necessary, laboratory coats laboratories specified req u ired i f d esired in the manual

2 Areas in which the possibility Access lim ited to radiation Type A and Type B (Class 1 of contamination necessitates workers in appropriate clothing isotope) laboratory specified operating instructions and footwear in the manual

1 Areas to which there is no Controlled access to radiation Radiography cells or sim ilar normal access and in which workers only, under strictly facilities; the interior of * the radioactive contamination controlled working conditions glove boxes and ventilation levels are high and with appropriate clothing d u ctin g

a Based on suggested area classification in Safe Handling of Radioisotopes, Health Physics Addendum, Safety Series N o.2, IAEA, Vienna (1960) 58. This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

AMERICAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION, American standard safety code for head, eye, and respira­ tory protection, Z2.1 1959, Am. Stand. Ass., 10 East 40 St., N.Y. (1959). BILLARD, F ., LA VIE, J.-M ., "Present-day gas masks which are well adapted to individual pro­ tection against radioactive contaminations", Proc. Int. Conf. Radioactive Pollution of Gaseous Media, Saclay, France (1963) 15. BURGESS, W. A ., ANDERSON, D ., Performance of respirator exhalation valves, to be published in Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. BURGESS, W. A. , SILVERMAN, L ., STEIN, F ., A new technique for evaluating respirator per­ formance, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 22 (1961) 422-29. COHEN, J .J ., NETTLETON, W ., Testing of respirator high-efficiency particulate filter cartridges for reuse, UCRL-7254, 39-42. COOPER, E .A ., Suggested methods of testing and standards of resistance for respiratory protective devices, J. appl. Physiol. ^5 (1960) 1053,

DAVIES, C .N ., Ed., Design and Use of Respirators, Pergamon Press, London (1962). FLYGER, H ., A helium leak-de.tection method for respirator control, Hlth Phys. 11 (1965)223-24. FREDERIK, W .S., The development of a respirator for abnormal temperatures, Saf. Maint. 117 (1959) 14-17. GILL, E .E ., Penetration of respiratory protective equipment by ruthenium at building 202-S, HW-35043, (1955). GREEN, H. L ., Respiratory protection against particulates — problems solved and unsolved, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J.26 (1965) 203-11. GUYTON, H. G ., DECKER, H .M ,, ANTON, G. T ., Emergency respiratory protection against radiological and biological aerosols, A .M .A . Archs ind. Hlth 20 (1959) 91-95. GUYTON, H. G. , LENSE, F .T ., Methods for evaluating respiratory protective masks and their component parts, A.M .A. Archs ind. Hlth 14 (Sep. 1956) 246-49. HELD, B .J., HUETER, L .J., Respiratory protection program for the national reactor testing station, IDO-19020, (1962) 40.

HOUBERECHTS, A ., DEGUELDRE, G ., Controls de l'efficacite des masques filtrants, Hasselt: Inst. Hyg. Mines (1953). HOUBERECHTS, A ., DEGUELDRE, G ., Studies of Masks to Protect against Dust, Communication No. 135, 4th Ser., Hassalt: Inst. Hyg. Mines 11 2 (1956). HOUNAM, R .F ., A method for evaluating the protection afforded when wearing a respirator, AERE-R 4125 (1962). HOUNAM, R .F., MORGAN, D .J., O’CONNOR, D .T. , SHERWOOD, R.J. , The evaluation of protection provided by respirators, Ann. occup. Hyg. 7 (1964) 353-63. HYATT, E .C ., Air purifying respirators for protection against airborne radioactive contaminants, Hlth Phys. 9 (1963) 425-32. HYATT, E .C ., "A respirator programme for uranium mills”, Radiological Health and Safety in Mining and Milling of Nuclear Materials II, IAEA, Vienna (1964) 21-35. HYATT, E .C ., Current problems and new developments in respiratory protection, Amer. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 24 (1963) 295-304. HYATT, E .C ., Current problems in the field of respiratory protection, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 19 (1958) 121. KOSHI, S ., SAKABE, H ., Studies on the dust respirator, Rept. Inst. Sci. Labor. Ann. rept., No. 3 Tokyo (1954) 47,55.

79 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

MAGUIRE, F .S ., A technique for measuring respirator leakage under simulated breathing condi­ tions, Australia, Dept. Supply, Defence Standards Lab., Tech. Note 24 (1954) 1-9. MARSICO, Alfredo D ., Masks for carbon monoxide, Industria Quiin., B. Aires, 16 (1954) 379-80. MUELLER, H .U ., Draeger respirators with compressed air; satisfactory results of tests over 2-year period, Gluckauf 89 (1953) 317-20. ROBERT, P .E ., Possible improvement in masks and protective filters against radioactive powders, Compt. r. 246 (May 1958) 2886-9, SHERWOOD, R .J., GREENHALGH, D. M. S ., A self-contained pressurized blouse, Ann. occup. Hyg. 8 (1965) 247-52. SILVERMAN, L ., A bibliography on protective respiratory devices and the physiology of respiration through gasmasks, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. Quart. 7 (1946) 3. SILVERMAN, L. et a l,, Harvard U niv., Boston. School of Public Health, Respiratory protective equipment, Progress Report (June 1959) 59pp. SILVERMAN, L. , BURGESS, W .A ., A self-contained positive supply filter respirator. Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 25 (1964) 329-37. SILVERMAN, L ., BURGESS, W .A ., Research and development of protective respiratory equipment, Progress Report TID -11212 (July 1960) 12pp. SILVERMAN, L ., LEE, R. C ., LEE, G ., Fundamental factors in the design of protective respiratory equipment - the characteristics of inspiratory and expiratory valves, Office of Scientific Research and Development, Rep. No. 1864, (1 Aug. 1943). SOLOV*YEV, P .M ., Gas masks for chem ical plant workers, Bezopasnost* Truda v Promyshlennosti (Work Safety in Industry) No. 5 (1965) 46-49 (translation). TSARICH, J . , Importance of the exhaust valves design in gas masks from the standpoint of pro­ tection from radioactive aerosols and other substances, Technika, Belgrade 13 , 3 (1958) (Trans, from Referat. Zh. Khim. 22 (1958) Abstr. No. 74494). VAN HOFF, C ., Modem development of gas protective equipment in German mining industry, Gluckauf 91 (1955) 77-87. WHITE, J.M ., Health physics problems following a reactor accident, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 20 (1959) 478-81. WHITE, J.M ., BEAL, R .J., The measurement of leakage of respirators, Amer. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 27 (1966) 239-42.

PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

BROWN, J.R ., Physiological problems of plastic protective clothing, AECL-2123 (1964). BUTLER, H .M ., Clothing for use in contamination zones, Nuclear Saf. 5 1 (1963) 104-9. BUTLER, H. L ., VAN WYCK, R. W ., Integrity of vinyl plastic suits in tritium atmospheres, Hlth. Phys. 2 (1959) 195-98. BUTLER, H .L ., VAN WYCK, R. W ., Protective clothing program at the Savannah River Plant, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 21 (1960) 55-58. CLEARINGHOUSE FOR FEDERAL SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION, Springfield, Va. , Protective clothing and other apparel, SB-482 (Suppl. 1) (April 1965) 15pp. CROLEY, J.J.,Jr ., Protective clothing — responsibilities of the industrial hygienist, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 27 (1966). CROLEY, J.J. .Jr ., Specialized protective clothing developed at the Savannah River Plant, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 28 (1967) 51.

80 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

CURTIS, W .K., KINGSTON, D .W ., Decontamination suit (The "NEWT" Suit), U .K .A .E.A ., AERE Rep. (1958) 20pp. DAVIES, A .B ., A comparison of air conditions in manned pressurised suits when varying degrees of work are undertaken, U .K .A .E .A ., AWRE Rep. (1962) 34pp. FITZGIBBON, J. T ., Anti-contamination clothing — no buttons, zippers, or taping required, to be published in Hlth Phys. GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Protective clothing standards, TID -19754 (1963) 57pp. KRAWCZYNSKI, S ., MEIXNER, A ., Contamination protection suits for work in radioactively contaminated surroundings, Kerntechnik 2 (Jul.-Aug. 1960) 231*33. MEHAS, T .C ., Radiological Protective Apparel Program at Hanford, Hanford Atomic Products Operation, Richland, Wash. (1961) 11pp. MEIXNER, A. , New protective suits against radioactive contamination. Kerntechnik 4 (1962) 3 8 7 - 9 0 . OTS SELECTIVE BIBLIOGRAPHY, Protective clothing and other apparel, Office of Technical Ser­ vices, Washington, D .C ., SB-482 (1961) 12pp. Paper suits dispose of nuclear contamination. Saf. Maint. 121 (1961) 39-40. PLUMB, E .E ., MENDENHALL, E .L ., ROBBINS, M .C ., Evaluation of protective clothing and equipment for operations in oxygen-rich or -deficient atmospheres approaching — 100 ®F, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 27 (1966) 29-38.

RODENBAECK, B ., Protective clothing against contamination, Kerntechnik 6 (1964) 419-20. ROWLANDS, R .P ., A Catalogue of Available Whole Body Protective Clothing, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority, AHSB (RP) R 9 (1961). SCHENK, M. , Ray-protection suit for fireman, (Trans. Shewchuck, S ., Distler, W ., California Univ., Berkeley) from VFDB-Z., 11 5-9 (1962) 15pp. SYMOODS, A .E ., Jr., Evaluation of plastic films for protective suiting, Du Pont de Nemours Savannah River Laboratory, Aiken, S.C . (Nov. 1960) 18pp. WISEHART, D.E. , ADLEY, F.E. , GILL, W.E. , ANDERSON, D. E ., Factors concerning the use of ventilated clothing for prevention of heat strain, CONF-652-3 (1964) 20pp.

SUPPORT EQUIPM ENT

ADLEY, F .E ., Instrument developments in health physics, Am. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 19 (1958)75-79. DOBRATZ, B .M ., Vortex tubes, A Bibliography, UCRL-7829 (1964) 21pp. HAM, J.F ., Use of a vortex tube in safety clothing, Archs envir, Hlth 10 (April 1965) 619-23. LIENHARD, W .F. et a l., Man cooling by a vortex tube device, Archs envir. Hlth 9 (September 1964) 377-86. THORNE, A .C ., Development of protective equipment for nuclear decontamination systems, Nucl. Energy (June 1963) 145-56.

GENERAL

ALKHAZOV, V. A ., TKACHEV, A. P ., Individual Means of Protection against Chemicals and Radiation, JPRS-26674 (Individualnyye Sredstva Protivokhimicheskoy i Protivoradiatsionnoy Zashchity, State Atomic Publishing House, Moscow. (1964)) 52pp.

81 This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

BELL, A ., Personal protective equipment, New Zealand Med. J. 54 (1955) 205-12. BLOMGREN, R. A ., ’’Personnel access to alpha-gamma caves using plastic suits and enclosures”, Proc. Ninth Conf. Hot Laboratories and Equipment, Chicago, Illinois, November 7-9, 1961 Chicago, Amer. Nucl. Soc. (1961) 324-30. HUSSMAN, K ., Rubber for protective means in mines — shoes, helmets, etc., Gluckauf 91 (1955) 3 9 1 -4 0 1 . INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY, Radiological Health and Safety in Mining and M ill­ ing of Nuclear Materials, IAEA, Vienna. (1964) 2 vols. LOKHANIN, G. N ., SINITSYN, V. I ., SHTAN, A. S ., Zashchitnoe Oborudovanie I Prisposobleniya Dlya Raboty S Radioactivnymi Veshchestvami (Radiation shielding and instruments in handling radioactive materials). Moscow, Gosatomizdat (1961) 130pp. MORROW, A .E., DEMKOWICZ, W .M ., CHASTAIN, G .W ,, Mine Rescue Apparatus and Auxili­ ary Equipment, A Handbook for Miners, US Bureau of Mines, Washington, D .C. (1961). REINIG, W .C ., ALBENESIUS, E. L ., Control of tritium health hazards at the Savannah River Plant, Amer. ind. Hyg. Ass. J. 24 (1963) 276-83. ^SUPRON, L .F ., ZVERV, F .P ., Medical and civil defense in total war, (MUKHIN, A .P ., Ed.) Chap. 7, State Publishing House of the Belorussian SSR (1959), English translation available from the Office of Technical Services, US Dept, of Commerce, Washington 25, D .C. WISEHART, D .E ., A discussion of personal protective equipment for limiting inhalation of noxious and irritating substances, HW-SA-3037 (1963) 14pp.

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IAEA SALES AGENTS

Orders for Agency publications can be placed with your bookseller or any of our sales agents listed below :

ARGENTINA FINLAND Comision Nacional de Akateeminen Kirjakauppa Energia Atomica Keskuskatu 2 Avenida del Libertador H elsin k i General San Martin 8250 FRANCE Buenos Aires - Sue* 29 Office international de AUSTRALIA documentation et librairie Hunter Publications* 4 8, rue G ay *L u ssac 23 McKillop Street F-75, Paris 5e Melbourne, C.l GERMANY, Federal Republic of AUSTRIA R. Oldenbourg Georg Fromme & Co. Rosenheimer Strasse 145 Spengergasse 39 8 Munich 8 A-1050, Vienna V HUNGARY Kultura BELGIUM Hungarian Trading Co. for Books Office international de librairie and Newspapers 30f avenue Mamix P.O.B. 149 B r u s s e ls 5 Budapest 62 BRAZIL ISRAEL Livraria Kosmos Editors Heiliger and Co. Rua do Rosario, 135*137 Rio de Janeiro 3 Nathan Strauss Street Jeru salem Agencia Expoente Oscar M. Silva Rua Xavier de Toledo, 140-1° Andar ITALY (Caixa Postal No. 5.614) Agenzia Editoriale Intemazionale Organizzazioni Universali (A.E.I.O.U.) Sao Pau lo Via Meravigli 16 BYELORUSSIAN SOVIET SOCIALIST Milan REPUBLIC JAPAN See under USSR Maruzen Company Ltd. CANADA 6, Tori Nichome The Queen’s Printer Nihonbashi Ottawa, Ontario (P.O. Box 605) Tokyo Central CHINA (Taiw an) Books and Scientific Supplies MEXICO Service, Ltd., Libreria Internacional P.O. Box 83 Av. Sonora 206 T a ip e i Mexico 11, D.F.

CZECHOSLOVAK SOCIALIST REPUBLIC NETHERLANDS S.N.T.L. N.V. Martinus Nijhoff S p olen a 51 Lange Voorhout 9 Nove Mesto The Hague Prague 1 N E W ZEALAND DENMARK Whitcombe & Tombs, Ltd. Ejnar Munksgaard Ltd. G.P.O. Box 1894 6 Norregade Wellington, C .l Copenhagen K This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

NORWAY SWITZERLAND Johan Grundt Tanum Librairie Payot Karl Johans gate 43 Rue Grenus 6 O slo 1211 G eneva 11

PAKISTAN TURKEY Karachi Education Society Librairie Hachette Haroon Chambers 469, Istiklal Caddesi South Napier Road Beyoglu, Istanbul (P.O. Box No. 4866) UKRAINIAN SOVIET SOCIALIST K arach i 2 REPUBLIC POLAND See under USSR Osrodek Rozpowszechniana Wydawnictw Naukowych UNION OF SOVIET SOCIALIST Polska Akademia Nauk REPUBLICS Pafac Kultury i Nauki Mezhdunarodnaya Kniga Warsaw Smolenskaya-Sennaya 32*34 Moscow G*200 ROMANIA Cartim ex UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT Rue A. Briand 14*18 BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND B u ca re s t Her Majesty’s Stationery Office P.O. Box 569 SOUTH AFRICA London, S.E.l Van Schaik*s Bookstore (Pty) Ltd. UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Libri Building Church Street National Agency for (P.O. Box 724) International Publications, Inc. P reto ria 317 East 34th Street New York, N.Y. 10016 SPAIN Libreria Bosch VENEZUELA Ronda de la Universidad 11 Sr* Braulio Gabriel Chacares B arce lo n a Gobernador a Candilito 37 Santa Rosalia SWEDEN (Apartado Postal 8092) C.E. Fritzes Kungl. Hovbokhandel Caracas D.F. Fredsgatan 2 Stockholm 16 YUGOSLAVIA jugoslovenska Knjiga Terazije 27 Belgrad e

IAEA publications can also be purchased retail at the United Nations Bookshop at United Nations Headquarters, New York, at the news*stand at the Agency's Head­ quarters, Vienna, and at most conferences, symposia and seminars organized by the A gency. In order to facilitate the distribution of its publications, the Agency is prepared to accept payment in UNESCO coupons or in local currencies.

Orders and inquiries from countries where sales agents have not yet been appointed may be sent to:

Distribution and Sales Group, International Atomic Energy Agency, Kamtner Ring 11, A-1010, Vienna I, Austria This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/ This publication is no longer valid Please see http://www-ns.iaea.org/standards/

INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA. 1967 PRICE US $2 00 Austrian Schillings 52. '14 2 stg: F Fr 9.80: DM 8.