How often should personal protective equipment be inspected for radiation safety?

The correct choice indicates that personal protective equipment (PPE) should be inspected every shift. This frequency is crucial to ensure that all protective gear is in good condition and functioning properly, as any wear and tear can compromise safety. Regular inspections help identify any damage, such as punctures or tears in lead aprons or gloves, which may create vulnerabilities to radiation exposure.

Inspections after every patient or monthly may not be sufficient in fast-paced environments, where equipment could be subjected to different conditions and potential damage between patients or use cases. An annual inspection may be too infrequent to catch issues that could arise during routine use over time, ultimately affecting the safety of healthcare workers and patients. Therefore, inspecting PPE every shift ensures highest standards of radiation safety are maintained continuously throughout operations.