Lancs Industries at the Forefront
Radiation Protection Solutions for the Department of Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) oversees a vast and complex array of facilities dedicated to national energy initiatives, nuclear security, environmental remediation, and scientific research. At the core of many of these operations lies the need for advanced radiation protection—both to shield workers from hazardous exposure and to contain radioactive contaminants during high-risk procedures. For decades, Lancs Industries has been a trusted supplier to the DOE, offering purpose-built containment tents, glovebags, and shielding materials that are not only regulatory-compliant but also tailored to the unique operational and environmental demands of DOE sites.
Protective Demands Across DOE Missions
The DOE operates through multiple branches, most notably Environmental Management (EM), the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), and various Office of Science laboratories. Each has specific needs for radiation protection:
- Environmental Management (EM): Involves the cleanup of legacy nuclear weapons production sites, decontamination and decommissioning (D&D), and waste management. Shielding and containment systems are critical during the excavation, packaging, and transport of radioactive materials.
- NNSA Facilities: Support nuclear security operations, weapon component maintenance, and handling of special nuclear material. Here, radiation shielding ensures safety during hot cell operations and handling of high-energy isotopes.
- Research Laboratories: DOE’s national labs often conduct high-energy physics experiments and radiological research that require flexible shielding for particle accelerators, beamlines, and isotope production areas.
Lancs Industries designs its product portfolio to support diverse DOE operations with robust solutions for both containment and shielding.
- Containment Tents: Used extensively in D&D projects and nuclear waste cleanup operations, these tents allow for large-scale workspace isolation. Workers can operate within the tents wearing personal protective gear, while integrated HEPA filtration and negative-pressure air systems prevent airborne contaminants from escaping. Tents are customized based on layout, environment, and specific contamination concerns.
- Glovebags: Glovebags offer point-of-contact protection when workers need to directly manipulate contaminated tools, valves, or piping systems. These are commonly used during equipment removal or maintenance within confined or high-risk areas. Their portability and modularity make them ideal for dynamic site conditions.
- Flexible Radiation Shielding: Lancs’ lead wool blankets, non-lead shielding products, flexible shielding sheets, and custom-molded panels provide localized radiation attenuation during material handling or waste packaging. Whether draped over hot spots or wrapped around irregular components, these products effectively reduce gamma, beta, alpha and X-ray exposure levels in real time.
The Department of Energy enforces stringent safety regulations through internal directives and in alignment with national guidelines. Lancs Industries aligns its manufacturing and design practices with the following key requirements:
- DOE Order 420.1C – Facility Safety: Specifies shielding criteria for nuclear facilities, including hot cells, gloveboxes, and transport containers.
- DOE-STD-1098-2008 – Radiological Control Manual: Outlines expectations for shielding inspections, maintenance, and implementation across DOE environments.
- NRC and OSHA Regulations: Lancs products meet radiation dose standards defined in 10 CFR Part 20 and OSHA 29 CFR Part 1910, ensuring both worker safety and facility compliance.
- ANSI and ASTM Standards: Shielding materials conform to ASTM E1853 for lead product performance and ANSI/HPS N43 series for design in radiation facilities.
What sets Lancs apart is its capacity to engineer solutions that match the precise specifications of these standards while remaining adaptable to changing field conditions—especially in legacy facilities where layouts and hazards vary site by site.
DOE projects frequently occur under extreme conditions: remote outdoor locations, contaminated buildings, and industrial zones exposed to temperature fluctuations, UV exposure, and rugged mechanical use. Lancs Industries addresses these challenges through:
- Material Resilience: Products are crafted from high-durability, UV-resistant materials capable of withstanding prolonged environmental exposure.
- Field Adaptability: Many DOE projects involve irregular geometries and legacy systems not originally designed with modern shielding in mind. Lancs offers custom-fitted shielding blankets and containment units that can be deployed rapidly without disrupting work schedules.
- Reusable and Disposable Systems: Shielding materials are typically reusable unless contaminated, offering cost efficiency. By contrast, containment tents and glovebags are often designed for single-use to prevent cross-contamination, though they can remain in place for extended periods, even years, during long-term remediation efforts.
Radiation shielding and containment tools used at DOE sites undergo rigorous lifecycle management:
- Inspection Before Each Use: Any tears, punctures, or structural degradation require immediate removal from service to maintain effectiveness.
- Routine Surveys and Leak Tests: Especially in shielded enclosures and transport casks, integrity tests are required to confirm compliance with DOE protocols.
- Storage and Transport: Kits must be stored away from UV light and extreme heat and are inspected regularly to ensure readiness for deployment during planned projects or emergency events.
Learn More About Our Nuclear Industry Shielding Options
Reach out to our team to learn how we can assist you with your needs for radiation protection.
Emergency Response and Rapid Deployment
DOE contractors must be prepared for unforeseen radiological events such as equipment failures, waste leaks, or environmental breaches. Lancs Industries supplies emergency response kits containing shielding blankets, glovebags, containment tents, and PPE. These kits are pre-packed for rapid deployment and are used in DOE’s emergency exercises and real-world incidents alike.
Custom fabrication services also allow for rapid turnaround of site-specific shielding and containment solutions—a critical capability when addressing emergent radiological hazards without sacrificing compliance.
Procurement and Customization in DOE Projects
Procurement in the DOE sector is driven by project managers, health physics personnel, and safety engineers. Buyers look for:
- Compliance Assurance: Products must meet DOE, NRC, and MIL-SPEC standards.
- Fit-for-Purpose Design: Lancs offers customization in size, shielding thickness, air system compatibility, and accessory integration (e.g., grommets, straps, clear panels).
- Cost and Schedule Sensitivity: While DOE projects are mission-critical, many are also budget-constrained and sensitive to shutdown timelines. Lancs provides solutions that balance regulatory rigor with efficiency.
Enabling Safe Progress in DOE Missions
From dismantling Cold War-era test sites to powering advanced scientific research, the Department of Energy’s work comes with high radiological stakes. Lancs Industries provides DOE contractors and federal operators with radiation shielding and containment systems that are as durable as they are adaptable. Through a combination of engineering expertise, regulatory insight, and operational flexibility, Lancs ensures that workers and the environment remain protected while the nation’s energy and security missions advance safely into the future.
Custom Design Options are Available
Reach out to our team to learn how we can assist you with your needs for radiation protection.