Lead Apron Storage
Busy radiology and interventional departments can struggle to manage storage solutions for personal protective equipment (PPE) like lead aprons. However, ensuring proper storage of these garments is crucial.
A key example of this is a study in 2011 published by the Journal of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology. Researchers analyzed 85 protective lead aprons in a radiology department. They found that:
Only 13 (15.3%) of the aprons still had a structurally sound internal lead layer.
14 (16.5%) of the aprons had folds in the lead layers that could cause structural damage over time.
The remaining 58 (68.2%) of aprons were defective.
The main reasons for this were improper storage conditions and a lack of regular lead apron inspections and maintenance.
Fortunately, implementing the right storage solutions can prevent structural damage and make it easier for busy healthcare teams to manage and protect.
The rest of this article will detail the optimal lead apron storage solutions and tips to maintain their lifespan and effectiveness.
How Should Lead Aprons Be Stored?
We recommend storing lead aprons on heavy-duty hangers placed on wall-mounted or free-standing storage racks. These make them easy to manage for clinicians conducting regular X-rays and interventional procedures using C-arms and fluoroscopy.
The Importance of Heavy-Duty Hangers
Heavy-duty lead apron hangers are essential since these garments weigh a lot. Lead aprons can weigh 10 pounds or more. Therefore, having a sturdy hanger is important to ensure aprons are properly supported.
We recommend using steel hangers for lead aprons to ensure they hold up over long-term use. Also, look for X-ray lead apron hangers that have upturned edges to keep the garments centered and avoid having them slip off. If you need hangers, we can help.
The Importance of Preventing Folding and Creasing During Storage
When you fold or crease lead aprons, it can cause cracks or tears in their protective material. This can make them much less effective since it allows radiation to slip through.
Instead of folding aprons, it’s best to hang a lead apron when possible. You could also roll them up like a beach towel or lay them completely flat on top of each other during transportation.
Identifying Cracks or Tears in Lead Aprons
We recommend performing an annual X-ray scan for your annual lead checks to identify cracks, tears, or other damage that can reduce their protective capabilities. Visual and tactile inspections alone are not reliable enough to catch dangerous damage.
A study published by K. Lambert and T. McKeon established rejection criteria for aprons with cracks or tears. Those findings suggest that aprons should be replaced when damage exceeds:
15 mm2 over critical organs like the gonads and thyroid
11 mm2 on thyroid shields
670 mm2 on the seams, back, or overlapped areas
We can help with annual X-ray scans at Radiological Care Services (RCS). We make the process easy by helping you track your inventory through our RADCOMPLY™ software to stay up to date on inspection schedules. When it’s time for inspection, all you have to do is send your aprons to us, and we’ll take care of the rest.
Proper Lead Apron Hanging Techniques
The technique clinicians use to place aprons on hangers matters. It’s important to instruct healthcare teams to take a moment to do this step right each time. The biggest elements to pay attention to are:
Make sure aprons are hung from both shoulder panels
Place the apron evenly in the middle of the hanger
Ensure no parts of the apron are bunched up or creased
Improper techniques like hanging an apron on only one shoulder panel can cause bunching, creasing, or tears that lead to damage.
Describe Proper Storage of a Lead Apron
One of the best storage options is getting a lead apron rack wall-mounted. Getting an apron holder wall-mounted works well since it frees up space in storage rooms. It allows clinicians to walk in and get dressed in protective garments without having to work around several storage units.
Manufacturers offer many wall-mounted hanging solutions, such as:
Swing arm apron racks that allow hangers to swing out left and right. It keeps them tucked up tight to the wall when aprons aren’t in use while still allowing easy access.
Low-profile hanging racks that require less overhead clearance for smaller storage areas.
Hanging racks with space for accessories like gloves or thyroid collars.
Other Hanging Solutions
Wall-mounted hangers free up extra space, but they aren’t the only hanging solution available. Free-standing and mobile lead apron racks work well too.
Free-standing solutions provide a central place to store lead aprons in a room. They come in different sizes and weight capacities to accommodate various storage needs, and you don’t have to commit to keeping them in the same place as you do when mounting a rack on the wall.
Mobile racks make it even easier to move them around in a space. They usually come with wheels that you can lock in place and unlock when you want to move the unit somewhere else. It’s a great choice for facilities that plan to move equipment around or adjust their layout over time.
How Should Aprons Be Stored?
It’s important to consider your facility’s needs before purchasing an apron storage rack. Here’s a deeper comparison of the pros, cons, and considerations of mobile vs. freestanding vs. wall-mounted X-ray apron racks to help you make an educated decision.
Freestanding Apron Racks
Freestanding apron racks are best for larger imaging or storage rooms.
The Pros
Stability: These racks will feel sturdy when set up correctly.
Capacity: They can typically hold many aprons at a time when facilities have large storage needs.
The Cons
Space consumption: They occupy a lot of space and can feel bulky in smaller rooms.
Less mobile: They’re heavy and aren’t as easy to move as mobile racks.
Key Consideration
The biggest consideration to make before choosing a freestanding rack is your storage space. Look at the dimensions of racks available and compare that to the square footage of your storage area. Remember to leave room for employees to walk around and prepare for procedures.
Mobile Apron Racks
Mobile racks are a great choice for facilities that require flexibility or expect their storage needs to change over time.
The Pros
Flexibility and mobility: These racks are a flexible solution. They come equipped with wheels that make it easy to move them between rooms or change their positioning as needed.
Space efficiency: Moving the apron rack around provides a more efficient storage space. For instance, clinical teams can move them against a wall or into a corner when aprons aren’t in use.
The Cons
Stability concerns: Mobile racks may be less stable, especially if you try to move them around with aprons hanging on them. Your team will also need to ensure the wheels are locked when not moving it.
Key Consideration
The biggest consideration before purchasing a mobile rack is how you plan to use your storage or imaging room space. It can be ideal if your team needs to move aprons between multiple rooms or expects the facility's layout to change.
Wall-Mounted Lead Apron Racks
Wall-mounted racks take up the least amount of space, making them great for smaller imaging rooms.
The Pros
Space saving: Using vertical wall space minimizes square footage used in small areas.
Accessibility: Most designs allow quick grab-and-go retrieval during busy shifts.
The Cons
Installation requirements: Secure wall mounting requires careful installation.
Storage capacity: Many wall-mounted solutions hold fewer aprons.
Key Considerations
A big consideration with wall-mounted racks is they stay locked in one place. Therefore, adjusting when layouts or needs change isn't as easy. Make sure you assess your facility’s needs carefully before going this route.
Additional Apron Hanger Ideas
Some additional apron hanger ideas are:
Mobile apron lockers for security: Manufacturers offer solutions like mobile apron lockers for safety assurance. Locking the doors prevents unauthorized access and environmental contaminants.
Accessory storage add-ons: Storage solutions that have pegs or hooks for accessories like protective eyewear, gloves, and thyroid collars keep everything organized in one place.
Storage bags for transport: Some manufacturers offer storage bags that keep lead aprons rolled up tightly during transport.
Alternative designs: Consider alternative designs for different spaces. Some options include spider racks, tubular racks, and compact racks.
Conclusion
Lead apron storage solutions are a must to keep medical facilities organized and ensure the longevity of protective equipment. Fortunately, you have a lot of options available. Before choosing an apron rack and hangers, make sure you:
Measure the square footage of your space
Consider how many aprons you need to store
Assess the dimensions and weight capacity of different storage racks
Determine if you plan to move equipment around in the future
Don’t forget that storage is just one part of lead apron maintenance. It’s still important to get them inspected yearly, professionally cleaned, and repaired for the health and safety of patients and staff members. We’re here to support you at Radiological Care Services (RCS) if you need help with those steps.
Partner with RCS to Keep Lead Aprons Maintained Properly
Lead apron maintenance can feel challenging to keep up with, but you don’t have to do it alone. RCS assists medical facilities with:
Deep lead apron cleaning & sanitization
Annual X-ray inspections
Garment repairs
Garment disposal
Inventory management with our RADCOMPLY™ software
Ready to streamline lead apron maintenance? Contact us today to learn more.
