Although the amount of radiation used in X-rays is low, it can be dangerous if you work with X-rays regularly and the amount is able to build up. X-ray vests provide protection against radiation and are designed to keep you as safe as possible while working. When you do need an X-ray vest, it is important to have one that fits properly and is comfortable to wear, since you may need to wear it frequently throughout the day. Make sure you know what to look for when shopping and how to keep the X-ray vest safe after purchase.
Shopping for X-Ray Vests
It is important to take time when shopping for X-ray vests to find the right one for you. With the plethora of options available today, if you need x-ray vests for work, you have the opportunity to find one that’s going to provide the right amount of protection, that’s going to protect you in the right places, and that’s going to be more comfortable to wear. It is important to look at a wide range of specifications when looking at the options to find one that meets your needs best.
Made Especially for Women
If you are female and are looking to purchase an X-ray vest, be sure to choose one that’s made specifically for women. By finding one that matches your gender, it is possible to get a much better fit compared to one that is for males or that is unisex. Ones made specifically for females will be designed with your body proportions in mind, which allows you to get a much better fit and make sure you are fully covered when you’re wearing it.
What to Look For in a Vest
It’s time to shop for a new X-ray vest to use at work. What do you look for? Beyond making sure it’s designed for women, there are several features to consider while you’re shopping. Some of these include the following.
- Wide Range of Sizes: One-size-fits-all isn’t going to work well for X-ray vests because they will provide more coverage for some people and less for others. Instead, it’s better to look for vests that offer a wide range of sizes. This allows you to choose one that’s going to fit you properly, providing maximum coverage but less weight.
- Adjustable: Check for adjustable options to make sure you can tailor the fit of the vest to your body shape. Everyone is built differently, so it can be hard to get a good fit if the X-ray vest isn’t adjustable. When you can adjust it, you can make sure you’re fully covered and that you’re protected while you work.
- Protection Type and Level: Check to see what the vest protects against and how much protection it will offer. Vests that offer more protection tend to be thicker and heavier, but this may be necessary if you do X-rays all day or need as much protection as possible while you’re working.
- Amount of Coverage: Make sure the X-ray vest has sufficient coverage for your job. It is important to make sure you are fully covered at work so you don’t take any risks. Check how the vest provides coverage to make sure it’s going to cover the right areas on you.
- Weight: If you’re wearing the X-ray vest often throughout the day, you will want to make sure you pay attention to the weight. Lead can be heavy, especially if it’s in a vest that provides full coverage. There are other options besides lead to consider, but they can be more expensive for the same amount of coverage. They may, however, be lighter and more comfortable to wear all day.
- How You Put on the Vest: Take into mind how you put on and take off the vest. If you’ll be taking it off and on frequently during the day, you won’t want one that goes over your head. You’ll prefer one that’s much easier to put on and be adjusted, so you don’t have to spend a lot of time messing with it when it’s time to take X-rays.
How to Store the Vest
It is crucial to make sure the vests are stored properly when you use them. Improper storage can mean the vest isn’t able to provide the right amount of protection, as there could be creases or cracks in the interior materials. Even if the X-ray vest looks okay on the outside, if it isn’t stored properly, it can be damaged and will not provide the protection you need. Instead, make sure the X-ray vest is always hung properly to keep it from creasing or wrinkling and damaging the interior materials. Never fold the vest or lay it down on a table or chair between uses unless it is lying flat. If you’re going to use the X-ray vest frequently at work, have the hanger ready to go when you take it off so you can make sure it’s hung properly.
How to Transport the Vest
Transportation may be needed if the vest needs to be moved to a new location, if you take it to and from work each day, or for other reasons. When it is necessary to travel with it, use an apron carry bag that prevents it from being folded or creased. These bags are in a tube shape and include an interior form. Wrap the vest gently around the interior form, then place this in the bag. This helps keep the vest from folding or creasing but allows it to be easily moved from place to place.
If you regularly use X-ray vests at work, it may be beneficial to purchase your own. To do this, you will want to make sure you purchase the right one and that it’s going to fit your needs. Take the time to use the information here to check out the X-ray vests available today and to find the right one. Once you have, make sure you’re storing and transporting it properly to help it work better and last as long as possible.