What PPE Should You Wear for Radiation Protection?

Radiation is invisible, odourless, and potentially life-threatening — which makes protecting yourself from it very different from other workplace hazards. Unlike dust, chemicals, or biological contaminants, you can’t see or feel radiation exposure happening — and by the time symptoms appear, the damage may already be done. That’s why the right personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a crucial role in reducing risk.

But here’s the catch: not all PPE protects against radiation. The effectiveness of protective gear depends entirely on the type of radiation you’re exposed to and the work you’re performing. The PPE needed in a medical imaging lab, for instance, isn’t the same as what’s required in nuclear maintenance or radiological emergency response.

In this guide, we’ll break down the essentials — from understanding the different types of radiation to the PPE levels and materials that actually make a difference.

How radiation exposure works

Before we dive into PPE specifics, it’s important to understand what we’re actually protecting against. The word radiation covers a broad range of energy types — from the harmless kind emitted by your phone to the highly dangerous kind produced in nuclear reactors or medical imaging.

Ionising vs non-ionising radiation

Ionising radiation carries enough energy to remove electrons from atoms, which can damage cells and DNA. This type is the most dangerous and includes:

• Alpha particles – heavy, slow-moving, and stopped by paper or skin, but harmful if inhaled or ingested.
  

• Beta particles – lighter, faster particles that can penetrate skin and cause burns.
  

• Gamma rays and X-rays – high-energy waves that can pass through the human body and most materials.

Non-ionising radiation, on the other hand, includes everyday sources like microwaves, ultraviolet (UV) light, and radio waves. It can still cause harm (like skin burns or eye damage from prolonged exposure), but it doesn’t have enough energy to ionise atoms or cause deep tissue damage.

Common sources of radiation exposure

Radiation exposure isn’t limited to nuclear plants — it occurs across several industries and scientific settings:

• Medical imaging and radiotherapy (X-rays, CT scans, and cancer treatment).
  

• Nuclear power generation and maintenance.
  

• Industrial radiography (using radiation to inspect materials or welds).
  

• Research laboratories working with radioactive isotopes.
  

• Emergency response and decontamination teams.

Each of these environments has very different exposure risks, which is why PPE requirements can vary so widely.

The dangers of radiation exposure

Radiation exposure can cause a range of health effects — from short-term skin burns and acute sickness to long-term cancer risks due to DNA damage. In high doses, ionising radiation can also contaminate skin, clothing, tools, or surfaces, spreading radioactive materials to others.

Unlike biological or chemical hazards, where PPE focuses on blocking or filtering contaminants, radiation protection is about shielding, contamination control, and exposure time reduction. The goal isn’t just to prevent contact — it’s to reduce how much radiation reaches your body and for how long.

PPE basics for radiation protection (The Three Principles)

When it comes to radiation safety, PPE is only one part of the bigger picture. Unlike most workplace hazards, where protective gear directly blocks or filters a substance, radiation protection relies on three core principles: time, distance, and shielding. These principles work together to limit your exposure and determine how much PPE you’ll actually need.

1. Time

The less time you spend near a radiation source, the lower your dose of exposure. This is one of the simplest — yet most effective — ways to reduce risk.

• Plan tasks efficiently: Know exactly what needs to be done before entering a radiation area.
  

• Work in shifts: Rotate staff to minimise individual exposure time.
  

• Use remote tools: When possible, handle radioactive materials with instruments instead of direct contact.

Reducing time doesn’t require specialised PPE, but it’s the foundation of every radiation protection plan.

2. Distance

Radiation intensity decreases dramatically as you move away from the source — this is known as the inverse square law. In simple terms; the father, the safer. This means, doubling your distance from a source of radiation reduces exposure to one-quarter of the original level.

Whenever possible:

• Maximise your distance from radiation-producing equipment or radioactive materials.
  

• Use remote handling systems, tongs, or robotic tools in high-risk zones.
  

• Stand behind designated safety barriers or warning zones marked for safe distance.

3. Shielding

Shielding is where PPE comes in — but not in the way most people think. The materials used in radiation protection gear are specifically chosen to absorb or block radiation, depending on the type.

• For alpha radiation: Lightweight PPE (like lab coats, gloves, and face shields) is usually enough, as alpha particles can’t penetrate skin.
  

• For beta radiation: Denser materials like plastic, acrylic, or rubber aprons are used to prevent skin burns and contamination.
  

• For gamma or X-ray radiation: Only heavy shielding materials like lead aprons, leaded glasses, or lead-lined walls are effective.

PPE also plays a key role in contamination control, preventing radioactive particles or dust from sticking to your clothing, skin, or hair. Disposable coveralls, gloves, and shoe covers help reduce the risk of carrying contamination outside controlled areas.

Types of PPE for radiation protection (by radiation type and risk level)

Not all radiation is the same — and neither is the PPE used to protect against it. The right protective equipment depends on what kind of radiation you’re working with, how strong the source is, and whether the risk comes from external exposure or contamination. Below is a breakdown of common PPE types used for different radiation environments.

1. Alpha radiation (low penetration, high contamination risk)

What it is: Alpha particles are heavy and can’t penetrate skin or even a sheet of paper. However, they become hazardous if inhaled, ingested, or enter the body through cuts.

Recommended PPE:

• Standard laboratory coats or disposable coveralls to prevent surface contamination.
  

• Nitrile or latex gloves to stop alpha-emitting materials from contacting skin.
  

• P2, N95 or P3 respirators when working with loose alpha-emitting dusts or powders.

• Safety goggles or face shields to protect mucous membranes.

💡 Key focus: Prevent inhalation or ingestion — not shielding from external exposure.

2. Beta radiation (medium penetration, skin hazard)

What it is: Beta particles are smaller and faster than alpha particles. They can penetrate skin and cause burns or tissue damage with prolonged exposure.

Recommended PPE:

• Thicker protective gloves (rubber or plastic) to prevent beta burns.
  

• Acrylic or plastic aprons or shields — these materials absorb beta radiation effectively without generating secondary X-rays (which can occur with metal).
  

• Full-body coveralls and shoe covers to reduce contamination risk.
  

• P2, N95 or P3 respirators when handling loose or powdered materials.

💡 Key focus: Protect skin and limit contact time. Avoid using metal shielding for beta sources.

3. Gamma and X-ray radiation (high penetration, deep tissue hazard)

What it is: Gamma rays and X-rays are highly penetrating electromagnetic waves that can pass through the human body and most materials. They’re the most hazardous form of external radiation.

Recommended PPE:

• Lead aprons or vests (commonly used in medical imaging and radiology).
  

• Lead gloves for handling equipment that emits gamma radiation.
  

• Lead or tungsten barriers, mobile shields, or fixed protective screens.
  

• Leaded glasses or visors to protect the eyes from scattered radiation.
  

• Thyroid shields to protect one of the most radiation-sensitive organs.

💡 Key focus: Use PPE that provides adequate shielding — and always combine it with distance and time reduction strategies.

4. Mixed or unknown radiation environments

In complex or emergency situations — such as radiological incidents or decontamination work — personnel might encounter multiple types of radiation or unknown sources.

Recommended PPE:

• Full-body protective suits (such as Tyvek® or equivalent) for contamination control.
  

• Respiratory protection — P2/N95 masks or powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) to prevent inhalation of radioactive particles.
  

• Overshoes and double-gloving to avoid cross-contamination.
  

• Lead aprons or vests if gamma radiation is suspected.
  

• Personal dosimeters to monitor radiation exposure in real time.

💡 Key focus: In uncertain environments, the priority is contamination control, monitoring, and minimising exposure time until conditions are assessed.

PPE levels for radiation work

Radiation work can vary widely — from low-risk laboratory tasks to high-intensity emergency response operations. To keep things consistent and safe, PPE for radiation protection is usually categorised into levels that correspond to the type and intensity of exposure risk.

These PPE levels are adapted from international radiation safety and hazardous materials standards, ensuring that workers are properly equipped for the level of contamination or radiation they might face.

Level D — Basic laboratory protection

Used for: Routine lab or hospital environments where radiation exposure is controlled and external doses are low (e.g. diagnostic radiology, X-ray imaging, sample handling).

Includes:

• Standard lab coat or scrubs
  

• Gloves (nitrile or latex)
  

• Safety glasses or goggles
  

• Closed footwear

💡 Purpose: Protects against surface contamination and minor exposure. Additional PPE (like lead aprons) may be worn for X-ray or fluoroscopy procedures.

Level C — Controlled area work

Used for: Environments with potential for airborne or surface contamination (e.g. radiopharmaceutical labs, industrial testing, isotope handling).

Includes:

• Coveralls or Tyvek® suits
  

• Double gloves
  

• P2 or N95 respirator or powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR)
  

• Safety goggles or face shield
  

• Overshoes or shoe covers
  

💡 Purpose: Prevents inhalation or ingestion of radioactive dusts and limits contamination spread. Suitable when airborne hazards are known and concentrations are moderate.

Level B — High contamination risk

Used for: Areas where airborne radiation levels or contamination are likely but oxygen levels are normal (e.g. decontamination work, spill cleanup, nuclear maintenance).

Includes:

• Fully encapsulating, chemical-resistant suit
  

• PAPR or supplied-air respirator
  

• Double-layer gloves and footwear protection
  

• Lead shielding as required (for gamma/X-ray exposure)

💡 Purpose: Provides enhanced respiratory and skin protection when the environment is contaminated but not immediately life-threatening.

Level A — Maximum protection / emergency response

Used for: Unknown or highly dangerous radiation and contamination levels — such as nuclear emergencies, reactor leaks, or first responder operations.

Includes:

• Fully encapsulated suit (gas-tight, chemical- and radiation-resistant)
  

• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
  

• Integrated gloves, boots, and face shield
  

• Additional shielding if required (portable lead barriers, vests, etc.)
  

• Personal dosimeter or radiation monitor

💡 Purpose: Maximum protection against direct exposure and contamination when radiation levels or sources are not yet confirmed.

Selecting the right level

The right PPE level depends on:

• The type of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma, X-ray)
  

• The work environment (controlled vs emergency)
  

• The likelihood of contamination (surface, airborne, or both)
  

• The duration of exposure

Always consult your organisation’s Radiation Safety Officer (RSO) or follow ARPANSA (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) guidelines to determine which PPE level applies to your work.

Conclusion

Radiation hazards are unlike any other workplace danger — they’re invisible, silent, and often cumulative. That’s why radiation protection isn’t about wearing the thickest gear possible; it’s about choosing the right PPE for the type and level of exposure, and using it correctly as part of a broader safety plan.

By following the principles of time, distance, and shielding, and selecting PPE that’s matched to your work environment — from lightweight lab coats and gloves to lead aprons or full encapsulated suits — you can dramatically reduce your exposure risk.

PPE is only one layer of defence. Regular radiation monitoring, training, and compliance with safety guidelines are just as essential in protecting workers from long-term harm.

For workplaces handling radiological materials or diagnostic imaging, investing in high-quality, compliant PPE and ensuring proper fit and usage can make all the difference between safety and exposure.