Steel Lead Lined Door

Steel Lead-Lined Door — Radiation Protection for Radiology, X-Ray and Nuclear Medicine

Radiation protection in diagnostic and therapeutic radiology facilities requires physical shielding to reduce radiation levels in adjacent occupied areas to within AERB-prescribed dose limits. Walls, floors, ceilings, and access doors all contribute to the shielding envelope. The doors are typically the most challenging element — they must provide adequate radiation attenuation while remaining operable for patient and staff access, and must be sized for equipment and patient trolley clearance.

AERB Compliance

The Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and the Department of Radiological Safety (DRS) mandate radiation shielding requirements for all new and upgraded diagnostic radiology and nuclear medicine facilities in India. AERB Safety Code No. AERB/RF-MED/SC-1 (Rev. 1) specifies dose limits and shielding requirements. IFES provides AERB-compliant radiation shielding calculations for each door location — based on the source (kVp, mAs, and workload for X-ray; energy and activity for nuclear medicine), the geometry of the room, and the occupancy and use factor of the adjacent space.

Construction

Frame: 100×57 mm galvanised steel (GI), providing the structural rigidity needed to support a heavy lead-lined door leaf without sagging or frame deformation over time. Shutter: 44 mm overall, with 2 mm lead sheet bonded to the internal face of the door leaf. The 2 mm lead thickness is the standard specification for diagnostic X-ray rooms (up to 150 kVp), providing approximately 1 mm lead equivalent attenuation. Higher lead content (3 mm, 4 mm, or more) is available for CT, fluoroscopy, and radiotherapy applications where higher-energy radiation requires greater shielding.

Vision panel: 200×300 mm lead glass panel — lead glass contains a high percentage of lead oxide (typically 50–70% by weight) that provides radiation attenuation equivalent to the surrounding lead lining. Allows staff outside the room to observe the patient without opening the door, eliminating unnecessary radiation exposure during procedures.

Hardware

Three SS ball-bearing butt hinges, selected for load capacity appropriate to the increased weight of a lead-lined leaf (typically 2–3 times the weight of an equivalent standard door). Door closer with appropriate closing force. Mortise lock or lever handle. Custom-sized viewing windows available. Special wide-leaf configurations for patient trolley clearance. Sliding and bi-parting configurations for CT scanner room entrances where very wide openings are required.