*This post is part of two pillar blogs: The Ultimate Radiation Shielding Guide and Radiation Shielding Doors 101
Introduction
In an age where technological advancements push boundaries, safety remains paramount, especially as more and more industries turn to the benefits of utilizing radiation (think x-rays, NDT).
Radiation, while beneficial in many applications, poses significant risks if not properly contained.
Enter custom radiation shielding doors, an essential component in protecting sensitive areas from harmful radiation exposure.
Although people most often think about vaults when discussing shielding, ensuring you have a high-quality radiation shielding door is extremely paramount to the success and safety of your operation due to it being the last line of defense.
In this article, our team discusses the role of radiation shielding doors, benefits to constructing a custom one, the customization options that exist, installation and maintenance, and some important cost considerations to keep in mind.
Let’s get started.
The Role of Radiation Shielding Doors
Up first, we’ll be going over the key role that radiation shielding doors play. We obviously touched on it a bit in the introduction, but let’s dive a bit deeper.
Protecting Sensitive Areas
Radiation shielding doors are critical in safeguarding areas where radiation is present, such as medical imaging rooms, laboratories, and nuclear facilities. They prevent radiation from escaping these controlled environments, ensuring the safety of surrounding areas.
Another important thing to note is that these doors don’t just keep the radiation in, they keep personnel not approved to enter out. Most often they are equipped with security that prevents accidental exposure to radiation from an unsuspecting individual.
Ensuring Safety for Personnel
Not only do they act as a barrier separating individuals on the inside, and outside, they also protect personnel who may be working outside of the vault, such as in a hospital setting.
Personnel working in environments with radiation exposure rely on shielding doors for their safety. These doors are designed to block harmful radiation, allowing workers to operate safely and reducing the risk of radiation-induced health issues.
You never want someone who has nothing to do with working around a radiation source to become accidentally exposed due to an improper shielding door.
Benefits of Custom Radiation Shielding Doors
Now that we’ve talked about the role of these shielding doors, let’s look at some of the most common benefits you’ll see when you choose to customize your door instead of going with a generic option from a manufacturer.
Tailored to Specific Needs
First up: an arguably obvious benefit. You can tailor your shielding door to your required specification, and outfit it with any extra controls you desire.
Custom radiation shielding doors are designed to meet the unique requirements of each application. This customization ensures optimal protection and functionality, addressing the specific needs of the facility while still maintaining state and federal safety requirements.
Enhanced Safety Features
The next huge benefit is enhanced safety features. Custom doors often include advanced safety features, such as interlock systems and emergency release mechanisms. These features enhance the overall safety of the facility, providing additional required layers of protection.
Improved Durability and Longevity
Who doesn’t love something that’s built to last? Built to withstand harsh conditions, custom radiation shielding doors are highly durable. Their construction materials and design ensure long-lasting performance, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
With the right customized shielding door, you can easily last for many years. (It is important to do regular maintenance of course).
Aesthetic Integration
The last big benefit we’ll cover in this article is aesthetic integration. If you’re paying for a shielding door, you want it to look as good as it performs.
Custom doors can be designed to match the aesthetic of the facility, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the existing architecture. This integration maintains the visual appeal of the space without compromising safety.
When you work with a shielding team that has in-house design expertise, this should be top-of mind for them.
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Customization Options
We touched on this here and there during the last section, but because of how important the customization of your shielding door is, we really should go further in-depth with it.
Size and Shape
Choice #1: the size and shape of your door.
Custom radiation shielding doors can be manufactured in various sizes and shapes to fit specific openings and spaces (within the mandated physics requirements done by a licensed physicist). This flexibility ensures a perfect fit and maximum protection.
Material Choices
Choice #2: the material you use to construct your door.
Depending on the level of radiation protection required, different materials can be used in the construction of the doors based on the physics requirements.
Different types of materials include lead, steel, concrete, polyethylene and other composite materials, each offering very unique shielding benefits.
For example, for a low energy KV vault, our customers typically go with Lead. For higher energy vaults, we see them go with a mixture of multiple materials.
Locking Mechanisms
Choice #3: safety and locking mechanisms.
Advanced locking mechanisms can be incorporated into custom doors for enhanced security. Options include electronic locks, biometric access, and keycard systems, providing controlled access to restricted areas. This is normally customer directed.
Automated Systems
Choice #4: controls and automation systems.
Automation adds convenience and efficiency to radiation shielding doors. Automated systems can include motorized opening and closing, remote control operation, and integration with building management systems.
Installation and Maintenance
In this section, we’ll be talking about the installation and maintenance of your radiation shielding door. If you are not a shielding company, DO NOT attempt to install your door by yourself. So many things can and will go wrong.
Some maintenance is possible to do in house, but if you are in any way unsure, please contact the installer of your door.
Professional Installation
Proper installation of radiation shielding doors is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness. Professional installation guarantees that the doors are correctly fitted and sealed, providing optimal protection. Making sure they are fitted and sealed correctly is the only way to make sure no radiation leaks out.
Regular Maintenance Practices
Regular maintenance is essential to keep radiation shielding doors in good working condition. Routine inspections and servicing help identify and address any issues, ensuring long-term performance and safety. Like we mentioned, some maintenance can be done in house, but most of the time you’ll need to call a professional.
At the time of your door’s commissioning, AVM Group will provide and review our in-house, customized comprehensive safety and maintenance manual, including all spare parts, preventative maintenance, drawings and diagrams of your door, troubleshooting and many other helpful tips.
Cost Considerations
Before we wrap up, let’s talk everyone’s favorite subject: cost.
The initial cost of custom radiation shielding doors can be significant, but this investment is justified by the enhanced protection and durability they provide. AVM custom doors are built for long-term use and value, minimizing the cost of repairs or replacement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, custom radiation shielding doors offer unparalleled protection and are tailored to meet the unique needs of various applications.
From healthcare facilities to industrial sites, these doors ensure safety, durability, and aesthetic integration.
Investing in custom radiation shielding doors is a smart choice for any facility where radiation protection is paramount.
AVM Group will customize a shielding door system to meet both your radiation requirements and your budget.
If you’d like to talk to our team about your next shielding door, contact us.