Radiation Shielding  
Excepting our linac bunker work (see below) the shielding we undertake primarily involves constructing lead walls, making penetrations, forming lead baffles etc. This can involve up to 25kg chevron blocks, lead sheet or plate – all of varying thickness, depending on the Radiation Protection Advisor’s calculations. Walls are built either as a stand alone partition wall or formed against an existing structural wall and in either case we can build up to a decorative finish level. Supporting all of this work are the various EEP radiation doors which include neutron.
See FAQ ‘What material is used for radiation risks and 'Definitions' ‘The impact of electromagnetic radiation (EMR)’.
- The loading factor on the support structure can be considerable – an interconnected wall can be 10T or more
- Ensuring vertical supports can compensate for ceiling deflections
- Dealing with service penetrations without losing the shielding effect
- Fixing techniques to ensure the efficacy of the shielding remains intact
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Lead lined room |
Steel supports |
Large duct baffle |
On the practical side we have to deal with the dynamics of a working site. As a shielding provider we appreciate and understand the way radiation behaves and recognise when it is prudent to raise matters of concern. This is particularly relevant where services impinge on the shielding function. Our presence in that critical area allows us to regularly monitor the situation and to produce a suitable action should a possible risk be noted. This allows any local problem to be addressed quickly and with minimal impact on the programme.
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Impact of ceiling services |
Typical additional baffles |
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Supporting Services
We provide a comprehensive package relating to radiation shielding needs – from concept to commissioning; notably for linac bunkers. This is set out under our ’Advisory, Consultancy and Site Testing Services’.
Linac Bunker Shielding
A linear accelerator (linac) uses microwave technology to accelerate electrons which then collide with a heavy metal target resulting in the release of high-energy x-rays and other types of radiation.
Although concrete is normally used to protect against this phenomena we provide the specialist shielding associated with accessing routes to and within the bunker. This work includes:
- Manufacturing and installing the neutron shielded door(s)
- Lining passage ways i.e. the ‘maze’, with interlinked boronated polyethylene panels
- Providing baffles to protect service penetrations
Where an existing bunker is being upgraded to accommodate a higher energy linac but the existing primary shielding is not sufficient then an enhanced version of this approach can deliver:
- Optimisation of capital expenditure
- Maximum space utilisation from existing rooms
- Short time scales
- Minimum interruption to existing facilities
We also offer a Total, Consolidated Service relating to the shielding and monitoring requirements associated with linac bunkers. This work including undertaking conceptual studies, reviewing health physics issues on to installation and commissioning.
For more information click here ‘Advisory and Consultancy Service’.
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