Radiation Protection FAQs

Lead sheet can be bonded to various types of boards, and we don’t suggest that one type of board is better than another.

In most cases we use plasterboard/gypsum – an excellent choice for screens and window coverings. But other types of board are also available, including MDF and Plywood (lead bonded to plywood is a good choice for floors and ceilings)

It depends! A great feature of thin lead sheet is its adaptability. It is a malleable material, so it can be wrapped around pipes or used in aprons and curtains as well as being built into walls, doors and window frames.

Lead-lined boards provide heavy-duty protection even where there aren’t any walls for you to bond lead sheet onto. Lead-lined boards also provide portable protection, including x-ray screens.

We generally use 2.4m x 600mm x 12.5mm plasterboard/gypsum – and can supply boards up to a maximum length of 3.0m.

For other types of boards – plywood and MDF – we offer different thicknesses, from 4mm up to 25mm, depending on the board type.

For gypsum boards, our standard width is 600mm.

Our turnaround times for plasterboard are very quick! For standard Code 3, Code 4 and Code 5 lead lined plasterboard (12.5mm), we can dispatch within 3-5 days of receiving the order, depending on the quantity required.

Delivery time for non-standard plasterboards and plywood sizes depends on the type of board and the quantity requested. Delivery times outside of the UK will also vary. Contact our team of friendly experts and we’ll happily give you a delivery estimate.

Fitting lead-lined boards in a small dental or veterinary practice is relatively straightforward. We’ve prepared a handy guide to fitting lead-lined boards, in partnership with a Radiation Protection Advisor (RPA). For larger projects, please get in touch with us and we can refer you to an RPA or experienced healthcare project manager.

Fillet backing strips are rolls or strips of lead that are fitted to the wooden battens or steel framework where the lead boards are joined together. Standard lengths are 3m or 6m in length and 50mm or 100mm wide.

We also supply corner strips, which are rolls of lead 100mm wide in the length and code of lead board shield.

The thickness of the lead you need is dictated by the x-rays (in kv) that you will be protecting against. We can supply thicknesses from 1.0 mm (giving protection against 75 kv) up to 9mm.

Please refer to a Radiation Protection Advisor for official approval of your specific requirements.