Leading X-ray Protection, Your Shield in Healthcare
Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-10-28 Origin: Site
X-ray protective aprons are essential in medical, dental, and industrial radiography environments, providing effective shielding against ionizing radiation. However, improper hanging and storage can cause cracks or folds in the lead or lead-equivalent protective layer, reducing their protective performance and shortening their lifespan. To maintain both safety and durability, it’s important to adopt the right hanging methods and use suitable storage equipment.
The protective core of most X-ray aprons is made of lead or a lead composite, which is flexible but vulnerable to damage if bent sharply or stored incorrectly for long periods. Common storage mistakes include folding the apron, hanging it on thin hooks, or placing heavy objects on top of it. Over time, these mistakes can cause:
Permanent creases that weaken radiation shielding.
Surface cracks that allow radiation leakage.
Uneven weight distribution, causing stress points and eventual tears.
The safest way to hang X-ray protective aprons is to use wide-shoulder hangers or dedicated apron racks that distribute the weight evenly.
Hanging Equipment | Advantages | Disadvantages | Suitability |
Wide-shoulder apron hanger | Even weight distribution, prevents creasing | Requires more space | Ideal for daily storage in clinics |
Wall-mounted apron rack | Space-saving, can hold multiple aprons | Needs installation, limited mobility | Small to medium-sized facilities |
Mobile apron stand | Easy to move, holds many aprons | Higher cost, takes up floor space | Large hospitals, shared departments |
Standard clothes hanger | Cheap, widely available | Too narrow, causes shoulder creases | Not recommended |
Hang vertically
Always store aprons in an upright position, letting gravity maintain their shape.
Use wide supports
Supports should be at least 5–8 cm wide to prevent the apron from sagging or folding.
Avoid sharp bends
Never drape aprons over narrow bars or hooks, as this creates stress points in the protective material.
Keep away from heat and sunlight
Excessive heat can dry and crack the vinyl covering, while UV light can degrade material flexibility.
Rotate apron position
If space allows, periodically change the apron’s hanging position to prevent long-term stress in one area.
The following table summarizes improper storage habits and their potential damage to the apron’s protective layer:
Storage Mistake | Potential Damage | Impact on Protection |
Folding apron when not in use | Permanent creases in lead core | Reduced shielding in crease areas |
Hanging on narrow hook | Localized stress, shoulder cracks | Small but significant leakage points |
Stacking under heavy objects | Flattening and cracking of lead sheet | Loss of uniform shielding |
Leaving in hot storage area | Vinyl cover warping, lead brittleness | Shortened product lifespan |
Proper hanging of X-ray protective aprons is not just about keeping the workplace tidy—it directly affects safety performance. Investing in wide-shoulder hangers or dedicated apron racks prevents stress on the lead core, reduces cracking risk, and extends the product’s life. Avoid folding or hanging on narrow supports, and keep aprons in a cool, dry location. By following these practices, healthcare and industrial facilities can ensure both staff safety and cost efficiency through longer apron service life.If you want to purchase a suitable hanger for your X-ray protective aprons ,you can visit our website:https://www.longyuemedical.com.And also you can consult us at any time if you have questions.Our email is lyylqx@126.com,and our phone is 0086-18396692778.
