What safety equipment is recommended when working with radioactive materials?

When working with radioactive materials, it is essential to prioritize safety to minimize exposure and protect oneself from contamination. The recommended safety equipment includes lab coats, gloves, safety goggles, and face shields. Each of these items serves a specific purpose in ensuring safety:

• Lab coats provide a barrier against contamination of personal clothing and skin, helping to prevent radioactive particles from settling on the body.

• Gloves protect the hands from direct contact with radioactive materials, which is crucial, as skin contact can lead to contamination or radiation exposure.

• Safety goggles shield the eyes from splashes or airborne particles that may contain radioactive substances, ensuring that the sensitive eye area remains protected.

• Face shields offer additional facial protection, especially in scenarios where there is a potential for larger amounts of radioactive material to be present or in situations involving the handling of materials that can produce aerosols.

This combination of protective gear is specifically designed to minimize exposure risks, making it essential when handling potentially hazardous radioactive substances. Other choices listed do not provide the necessary level of protection specific to the risks associated with radioactive materials.