Answer to Question #13958 Submitted to "Ask the Experts"

Category: Medical and Dental Equipment and Shielding — Lead Aprons

The following question was answered by an expert in the appropriate field:

Q

Currently we have a couple of lead aprons that are missing. How do facilities document that an apron is lost and cannot be inspected? We were debating a possible policy that states that such an apron is in orphan status and won't be reinstated for use until inspected. Do you all have a better suggestion?

A

Facilities for which we provide services normally indicate in their annual lead apron testing record if an apron is "missing/lost." We then recommend that a memo be issued to each department listing those missing aprons and indicate that they should not be used, if located, until they have been tested. This way you have addressed each apron each year, and if a missing apron is found, the responsibility is on the department that has it to submit it for testing prior to use.

Ken "Duke" Lovins, CHP

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