What safety equipment is essential for workers handling radioactive sources?

Full protective gear is essential for workers handling radioactive sources due to the varying levels of exposure risks associated with radiation. This gear typically includes not just gloves, but also specialized clothing, face shields or goggles, respiratory protection, and sometimes lead aprons, depending on the type and intensity of radiation exposure.

Radiation can pose serious health risks, including increased chances of cancer and other long-term health effects, so comprehensive protection is mandated to minimize these dangers. Each piece of equipment serves a specific purpose in protecting against different types of radiation (alpha, beta, gamma) and prevents contamination of the worker's skin and clothing.

Effective safety protocols also necessitate that all personnel engaged in handling radioactive materials are equipped with the appropriate protective equipment to ensure both their safety and that of those around them. Hence, simply relying on gloves or eye protection alone would not provide sufficient safety, making full protective gear a critical requirement.