How often should X-ray protective equipment be checked?

• A. Daily
• B. Weekly
• C. Once a year
• D. Monthly

Answer: (C)

Regular verification of X-ray protective equipment is essential to ensure the shielding remains effective as it undergoes wear and tear from use. The protective gear, like lead aprons and shields, can develop cracks, holes, or delamination that aren’t always visible yet can compromise protection. Because such damage may accumulate over time, a formal check is typically scheduled on a yearly basis and carried out by a competent person who can assess lead equivalence and overall integrity. This annual inspection balances safety with practicality, since daily or weekly checks would not reliably catch slower degradation, and monthly checks are more frequent than the standard formal requirement. Of course, staff should still perform quick visual checks before each use to catch obvious damage.