Safety first
AWE Nuclear Security Technologies manages the UK’s nuclear deterrent. To make way for new facilities on AWE sites, we need to remove old facilities. Nuclear decommissioning involves safely dismantling and disposing of contaminated equipment. To do this, workers could potentially be exposed to radiation and contamination and so Personal and Respiratory Protective Equipment (PPE/RPE) is worn.
Each item of PPE is carefully selected to give the most protection while undertaking different tasks. A pressurised breathing air suit controls the air around the operator, with respirators used for lower hazard work. The lead in lead aprons provides protection to organs from radiation.
AWE PPE suits