Lead-lined drywall is installed in areas that require radiation shielding, such as the walls of a PET/CT imaging room. During manufacture, lead sheeting is pressure-laminated to sheetrock gypsum panels. When installed with the specified lead overlapping joints, and with all attaching screws covered with lead discs, the continuous layer of lead behind the drywall provides effective radiation shielding. Because of its weight, and to prevent panels from sagging and cracking, the transportation, storage and handling of lead-lined drywall requires special care.
Instructions
1. Bend a 3-inch-wide lead batten strip 90 degrees lengthwise down the middle. Attach a batten strip vertically into all corners against the studs with the adhesive provided. This will overlap both inside faces of the corner, thus preventing radiation leakage through penetrating corner joints.
2. Attach 2-inch-wide lead batten strips to the surface of all studs, backing vertical and horizontal drywall joints with adhesive. Make sure that the batten strips are positioned to provide a 1-inch overlap on either side of the joint.
3. Prevent drywall cracks by supporting both sides and the middle of the lead-lined drywall while lifting it in place. Place the leaded side of the drywall against the studs.
4. Avoid deforming the lead backing by drilling pilot holes through the sheeting and into the stud with a suitable-size drill bit and cordless drill/driver before inserting the drywall screws. Attach the necessary lead battens to extend edge overlaps at least 1 inch into all frames and openings.
5. Attach lead-shielded drywall to the edge supporting studs with drywall screws inserted equally spaced on 8-inch centers. Screw the drywall to intermediate studs with equally spaced drywall screws on 12-inch centers. Sink in the screw heads sufficiently to dimple the drywall surface.
6. Glue 3/8-inch-diameter lead discs to the heads of all attaching screws with the adhesive provided. All lead discs and batten strips must be of equal thickness to the lead drywall backing.
7. Attach shielding to all receptacle switches, fastener penetrations and penetrating seams as laid down in the building code regulations. Extend shielding battens 1 inch into all door and window openings.
8. Tape, float and finish the walls as required for unshielded drywall.
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