Lead Handling

Lead Safety Procedures at CHESS:

Lead is used commonly at CHESS (mostly in the form of large bricks) as radiation shielding in many of the walls. In addition, lead sheet and tape are found attached to some x-ray detectors.

All research samples that have lead containing compounds must receive approval for use by the CHESS safety committee.

The following procedures are to be used when handling metallic lead at CHESS:

• All permanently installed lead must be covered whenever possible and practicable. Methods of covering can include painting, aluminum sheeting, plastic sheeting, or aluminum foil. To avoid problems that may be caused by the paint, Kapton tape may be used to cover lead that is being used as shielding close to detectors.

• Lead pieces not in use, but usable should be stored in the red box labeled “LEAD SHIELDING FOR REUSE” in the CHESS operations area. Do not leave lead lying around unless you are using it.

• To help reduce the amount of lead that needs to be drilled or machined, all lead shielding that has been machined or formed in anyway for a specific detector, experiment or station, should be stored in a clearly marked box or other container when not in use. The markings on the box should include “Lead Shielding for Reuse,” information about the experiment or detector with which the shielding is used, and the staff scientist’s name.

• Consult the CHESS Operator if you need to drill, mill or saw lead for any purpose.

• All leftover pieces of lead that are not reusable for shielding, including lead tape, should be put in the red bucket marked "LEAD FOR RECYCLING" in the CHESS Operations area. Lead scraps regardless of their size, should be recycled and never put in the trash.

• Lead bricks should not be used as door stops. When it is necessary to use a door stop use a wooden wedge. ( The doors to the CHESS Chemical lab, the CHESS darkroom, and the G-Line Chemical lab should not be propped open at anytime except to move heavy equipment in and out of those labs.)

• Whenever possible and practicable, gloves should be worn when handling lead bricks, sheeting, or tape.

• Personnel should thoroughly wash their hands after handling lead.

• Copies of this information are included in your user information packet.