Protective clothing and respirators used in nuclear environment

Nuclear power generation takes about 30 % of electric power in Japan, and the establishment of nuclear fuel cycle is advanced steadily. The number of the workers in the radiation environment of nuclear power stations and research facilities is about 65,000, and the establishments which handle radioisotopes reach about 1,000. The occurrence of atmospheric pollution in routine work environment is very rare, but in the case of maintenance, checkup and repair in dangerous isolated and closed facilities, works are to be carried out in the environment of radioactive pollution. In such case, the use of individual protectors, in order words, the confinement of human being, becomes the most effective protective means. The safe and pleasant protectors meeting the conditions of environment and use are always demanded. JIS were instituted for the testing method of protective effect when masks are worn and for protective clothing. As commonly used protectors, there are protective clothing and protective respirators. Protective clothing comprises underwear, coverall, socks, gloves, boots and others. There are the respirators of air cleaning type, self supply type and clean air supply type. These protectors and the method of using respirators are described. (K.I.)