In Germany, hazardous radiation is mainly generated in medical facilities. As these facilities are accessed through doors, radiation protection doors are generally required. These doors are subject to DIN 6834-1, which regulates radiation protection doors used to protect against X-rays and other types of radiation.
Radiation protection is usually achieved by lead inserts that are integrated into the door leaf and, if necessary, into the frame. The thickness of this lead must be determined as part of a risk assessment or specified in the radiation protection plan. The radiation protection plan must be drawn up when installing a system in accordance with DIN 6812, DIN 6844-3 or DIN 6853-2 and is the responsibility of the operator.
The thickness of the lead insert is determined using the so-called lead equivalent value (lead thickness in mm), the attenuation factor in mm or the attenuation equivalent value in mm (attenuation factor in accordance with DIN EN 61331-1).
For example, if the medical system requires a lead equivalent value (attenuation equivalent value) of Pb 1 mm due to the radiation intensity of the devices, lead of 0.5 mm can be applied to each side of the door, as both sides of the door are included in the calculation.
When designing the door, care must be taken to ensure that oblique radiation is also shielded by the construction. According to DIN 6834-1, the gap between the bottom edge of the door and the top edge of the floor must not be greater than 10 mm.
The function of radiation protection doors must not be impaired by the fittings and additional equipment. This also applies to the wall connection. Specifically, this means that these areas must also be covered with lead, for example. The walls in which radiation protection doors are installed must also provide the necessary radiation protection.
Radiation protection doors do not require testing as is the case with fire or smoke protection doors. Basically, any door can be converted into a radiation protection door by fitting it with lead foil. Prerequisite: The door construction must be able to bear the additional weight permanently. Hence the recommendation: Only have such doors manufactured by specialised companies.
