Inflated Plastic Suit Shields Worker in Atomic Laboratory (Sep, 1954)

Inflated Plastic Suit Shields Worker in Atomic Laboratory

Radioactive dust doesn’t bother a worker at the General Electric plutonium plant in Richland, Wash., who walks around in a plastic balloon. The suit provides a protective barrier against radiation in “hot” areas, permitting checking for contamination, cleanup and maintenance work. A flexible plastic tunnel at the rear of the suit connects to a port in the wall, provides air and serves as an entrance and exit passage. An air mask is worn ready for use in case the suit develops a leak. The suit and tunnel remain inflated because air inside the contaminated room is at a lower pressure than air on the outside. Any flow of air is into the contaminated area rather than out.

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