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212 R a d i u m
wall thickness of which should be equivalent to not less than 2 cm. of
lead.
3. The handling of emanation should, as far as possible, be carried
out during its relatively inactive state. In manipulations where emanation
should be very carefully guarded against, and the room in which
it is prepared should be provided with an exhaust electric fan.
GENERAL
The governing bodies of many institutions where radiological work
is carried on may wish to have further guarantees of the general safety
of the conditions under which their personnel work.
1. Although the committee believe that an adequate degree of
safety would result if the recommendations now put forward were acted
upon, they would point out that this is entirely dependent upon the loyal
co-operation of the personnel in following the precautionary measures
outlined for their benefit.
2. The committee would also point out that the National Physical
Laboratory, Tedding ton. is prepared to carry out exact measurements
upon X-ray protective materials and to arrange for periodic inspection
of existing installations on the lines of the present recommendations.
(Sec Report No. 2.)
3. Further, in view of the varying susceptibilities of workers to
radiation, the committee recommend that wherever possible periodic
tests, e. g., every three months, be made upon the blood of the personnel,
so that any changes which occur may be recognized at an early stage.
In the present state of our knowledge it is difficult to decide when small
variations from the normal blood-count become significant.
REPORT NO. 2
In view of the widespread uncertainty and anxiety as to the efficacy
of the various devices and materials employed for the purposes of protection
against X-rays, the X-ray and Radium Protection Committee
strongly advise that the Heads of X-ray departments of hospitals and
other institutions should safeguard themselves and their staffs on this
score by recommending to the hospital authorities the adoption of the
following precautions:
1. The various protective appliances should be inspected and reported
on by ihe National Physical Laboratory (N.P.L.), Teddington. In
the event of an adverse report, early steps should be taken to carry out
the recommendations of the Laboratory. The laboratory is prepared.
wherever possible or expedient, to engrave (or otherwise suitably mark)
the N. P. L. monogram and year of test on such appliances as provide
the full measure of protection laid down in the Revised Report No. 1 of
the Protection Committee. It should be pointed out that, in the case of
materials which may deteriorate, e. g.. lead rubber, such inspection should
be periodic, say, every twelve months.
2. Within the committee'? recent experience, the working conditions
of X-ray departments, .\ g., lay-out of installations, degree of scattered
radiation, ventilation, high-tension insulation, etc.. arc often unsatisfactory.
It is recommended that such conditions be inspected by
the N.P.L. and that early steps be taken to give effect to such alterations
as may arise out of their report. It is advised that, in the planning of new