Lead-equivalent Glass for Control Rooms
Installation teams in Lagos, Abuja, PH & Kano
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Pricing, lead-times & compliance in 24 hours
Radiation Shielding Glass is a specialized lead-lined glass, also known as X-ray glass or lead glass, used to create safe viewing windows in rooms containing radiation-emitting equipment. It is used daily by radiographers, radiologists, and medical physicists in hospitals and diagnostic centres to observe patients during procedures like X-rays, CT scans, fluoroscopy, and angiography. Its primary clinical impact is enabling continuous, direct visual monitoring of the patient, which is crucial for procedural accuracy and patient safety, while completely protecting the medical staff from harmful ionizing radiation exposure. Without it, operators would be working blind, compromising both diagnostic quality and their long-term health.
The price for Radiation Shielding Glass in Nigeria ranges from NGN 800,000 – NGN 2,500,000 for a standard-sized viewing window (e.g., 600x800mm) suitable for a general radiography room. For larger panels with higher shielding properties required for CT scanners or interventional cardiology suites, the cost increases significantly to NGN 5,000,000 – NGN 15,000,000 or more. The final price is driven by the required lead equivalency (mm Pb), the physical size and thickness of the glass, the brand (premium brands like Schott AG cost more), the type of lead-lined frame, international freight, customs duties, and the complexity of the installation. A comprehensive quote must include line items for the glass, frame, freight, insurance, installation, and documentation for NNRA compliance.
For a detailed quote tailored to your facility's specific imaging equipment and room design, contact Franance.
Entry-level, and therefore the cheapest, options for radiation shielding glass in Nigeria start from NGN 600,000 – NGN 1,200,000. This price typically gets you a smaller panel (e.g., 400x600mm) with a minimum safe lead equivalency (e.g., 1.5mm Pb) from a lesser-known manufacturer. These low-cost options are almost always supplied without a certified lead-lined frame, professional installation, or the necessary documentation for regulatory approval, placing the entire compliance risk on your facility. The hidden costs are substantial: if the glass is improperly installed or fails the NNRA shielding integrity survey, you will have to bear the full cost of removal and replacement, effectively losing 100% of your initial investment and delaying your facility's commissioning by months.
To avoid these risks, contact Franance for a quote that guarantees compliance.
The most affordable, best-value approach is a turnkey bundle priced between NGN 1,500,000 and NGN 4,000,000 for a standard X-ray or CT room. This package includes the correctly specified glass panel (e.g., 2.0mm Pb), a custom-fabricated lead-lined steel frame, professional handling and installation by a certified team, and all supporting documentation required for a successful NNRA certification. Opting for a piecemeal, low-cost approach creates a 30-40% risk of installation failure or regulatory rejection, which can halt your operations for over 3 months while you re-procure and reinstall. A turnkey bundle from a reputable supplier eliminates this risk, protecting your investment and ensuring your facility opens on schedule.
Contact Franance to structure an affordable, risk-free turnkey package for your project.
New radiation shielding glass for a standard X-ray room costs between NGN 800,000 and NGN 2,500,000, while refurbished or salvaged lead glass is not a viable product category in Nigeria and should be considered to have a price of zero. The reason is safety and compliance: refurbished lead glass carries an unacceptably high risk of invisible micro-fractures or delamination from its previous installation, which compromises its shielding integrity. No credible medical physicist will certify a room with used lead glass, meaning it will never be approved for use by the NNRA. The lifecycle and warranty of new glass are guaranteed, whereas used glass has no warranty and an unknown history of radiation exposure.
| Feature | New Radiation Shielding Glass | Refurbished/Used Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Price Range | NGN 800k - 15M+ | Not Recommended (High Risk) |
| NNRA Compliance | Guaranteed with proper installation | Will almost certainly fail inspection |
| Warranty | 12-24 months for manufacturer defects | None |
| Integrity | Certified, pristine condition | High risk of micro-fractures |
| Lead Time | 8-12 weeks by sea freight | N/A |
| Recommendation | The only safe and compliant option | AVOID AT ALL COSTS |
For a quote on new, certified radiation shielding glass that guarantees compliance, contact Franance.
For a detailed, turnkey quote covering supply, installation, and compliance for your specific imaging suite, contact the Franance projects team today.
You can buy Radiation Shielding Glass from specialized medical equipment suppliers and experienced construction contractors with a portfolio in radiation shielding projects, located primarily in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. The verification process is critical: you must go beyond a simple CAC registration check. Insist on seeing evidence of at least three successfully completed and NNRA-certified shielding projects in Nigeria. Ask for contact details of the biomedical engineers or hospital managers at those facilities to serve as references. A credible supplier must also demonstrate a direct relationship with an OEM or a major international distributor and provide proof of their installers' training in handling heavy, fragile lead glass.
Franance’s verification workflow for shielding suppliers is rigorous. We pre-qualify partners by auditing their import history to confirm they source from reputable OEMs like Schott, verifying their installation team's certifications, and reviewing their dossier of successful NNRA project sign-offs. This protects you from unqualified vendors who could jeopardize your project's safety and timeline.
Contact Franance to be connected with a pre-verified, compliant shielding supplier.
Franance provides end-to-end procurement and project management for radiation shielding glass, covering precise specification based on your imaging equipment, sourcing from certified global OEMs like Schott AG, and managing all logistics. Our service guarantees professional installation by vetted experts and ensures your entire room shielding project achieves NNRA certification without delays. We de-risk the entire process for your facility.
The best radiation shielding glass in Nigeria is sourced from globally recognized manufacturers like Schott AG or Corning, specified to the precise lead equivalency (mm Pb) required by your specific imaging equipment, and installed within a lead-lined frame by a certified team. There is no "one-size-fits-all" best product; the best choice is always tied to the radiation source it is shielding against.
The key outcome-moving specification is always the lead equivalency. Under-specifying puts your staff at risk and guarantees a failed NNRA inspection, while over-specifying unnecessarily increases project cost and glass weight.
Comparing radiation shielding glass models primarily involves assessing three factors: the lead equivalency (mm Pb) against your needs, the maximum available size from the manufacturer, and the brand's reputation for optical clarity and long-term stability. For example, a general X-ray room only needs a 1.6mm Pb panel, while a CT room requires a thicker, heavier, and more expensive 2.5mm Pb panel. The choice is not about features but about matching certified specifications to the radiation source.
| Tier | Best for | Key Specs (Lead Eq.) | Typical Lead-time | Maintenance | Power Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | General X-ray, Dental, Mammo | 1.5mm - 2.0mm Pb | 8-12 weeks (Sea) | Periodic cleaning | None |
| Mid | CT Suites, Fluoroscopy, C-Arms | 2.0mm - 2.5mm Pb | 8-12 weeks (Sea) | Periodic cleaning | None |
| Advanced | PET/CT, Interventional, Oncology | 2.5mm - 3.5mm+ Pb | 8-12 weeks (Sea) | Periodic cleaning | None |
The most reputable and reliable brands for radiation shielding glass available for import into Nigeria are Schott AG and Corning. Schott's RD 50® product line is a global industry standard, known for its exceptional optical clarity (high light transmittance) and guaranteed shielding properties across a wide range of lead equivalencies. Corning's Med-X® Glass is another premium option offering similar high performance. These brands are recommended because they provide batch-specific certification, ensuring the product you receive meets the exact specifications required for NNRA compliance. They have a long history of stability and do not discolour over time, unlike cheaper, unverified alternatives.
A price list for radiation shielding glass in Nigeria is based on size and lead equivalency. These are project-based items, not off-the-shelf, so prices are always indicative ranges for standard panel sizes (e.g., 800x1200mm).
When you receive a range-based quote, it's crucial to understand the variables. A quote of "NGN 2.5M - 3.5M" for a CT window depends on the final dimensions, the current USD/NGN exchange rate, and the chosen freight method (air freight is faster but can add 50-100% to shipping costs). For example, a standard 800x1200mm, 2.0mm Pb panel might be quoted at NGN 2.8M based on sea freight and a 45-day clearing timeline. If you need it urgently via air freight, the price could jump to NGN 4.0M. Always confirm what the quoted range includes.
The five most decisive specifications for radiation shielding glass, which directly impact safety, compliance, and cost, are:
Professional installation of radiation shielding glass typically takes 1-2 days on a fully prepared site and costs between NGN 200,000 and NGN 500,000, excluding the cost of the lead-lined frame. Calibration is not performed on the glass itself; rather, the entire room's shielding integrity, including the installed glass and frame, is tested and certified by an NNRA-licensed medical physicist. The turnkey installation process involves a site readiness assessment, fabrication and installation of the lead-lined frame, careful lifting and placement of the heavy glass using specialized equipment, and sealing the edges with lead lining to ensure there are no radiation leaks. The final step is the physicist's survey, which must be passed before the room can be used.
To ensure your radiation shielding glass is installed correctly and passes NNRA certification the first time, engage Franance for a turnkey project management solution.
Delivery timelines for radiation shielding glass, from placing an order to arrival at your facility, are typically 8-12 weeks for sea freight and 3-4 weeks for urgent air freight. The associated logistics costs, including international freight, insurance, customs duties, and local transport, can range from 15% to 30% of the glass's value. The process is complex: it involves securing foreign exchange for the purchase, processing Form M and PAAR, managing the international shipment in a specialized crate, clearing the fragile cargo through customs at Apapa port or MMA, and arranging for secure, insured inland transportation to your hospital or clinic. Due to the high value and fragility, professional logistics management is essential to prevent costly damage or delays.
The standard warranty for new radiation shielding glass is typically 12 months from the manufacturer, which covers material defects such as delamination (separation of layers) or discoloration under normal use. Service and maintenance are generally not required for the glass itself. The most critical aspect is that the warranty is almost always contingent on the glass being installed by a certified or approved professional. Any damage that occurs during shipping or installation, which is the most common source of problems, must be covered by the supplier's transit insurance and the installer's liability policy, not the manufacturer's warranty.
Refurbished radiation shielding glass is not a viable, safe, or available option in Nigeria. The price range is effectively zero because the product carries 100% risk. The process of removing lead glass from its original frame almost always creates invisible micro-fractures that compromise its ability to shield against radiation. There is no way to re-certify its safety, and it will be immediately rejected during an NNRA shielding integrity survey. Buying used lead glass is equivalent to buying a critical safety device that you know is broken, and it will ultimately cost you more when you are forced to replace it with a new, certified panel.
To verify you are buying original, authentic radiation shielding glass, you must demand and receive the manufacturer's batch-specific certificate of conformity and the supplier's original shipping documents (Bill of Lading for sea freight or Air Waybill for air freight). These documents create a paper trail that traces the product directly from a reputable OEM's factory (e.g., Schott in Germany) to the port in Lagos and finally to your supplier. Red flags for fake or non-compliant glass include unbelievably low prices (50% or more below market rate), a supplier's inability to produce these documents, or a refusal to provide references for other NNRA-certified installations they have completed.
The only essential accessory for radiation shielding glass is the custom-fabricated, lead-lined steel frame it must be installed in. This frame is not optional; it is a critical part of the shielding system. The cost for a custom frame in Nigeria typically ranges from NGN 300,000 to NGN 800,000, depending on the size of the glass, the thickness of the lead lining, and the final finish (e.g., powder-coated or stainless steel). There are no consumables. The best procurement strategy is to always buy the glass and the frame as a single, bundled package from the same supplier to ensure a perfect fit and seamless shielding integrity where the glass meets the wall.
Radiation shielding glass is a passive safety component and has zero power requirements. However, it is installed as part of a larger diagnostic imaging suite which has significant and strict power needs. The room housing the glass and the X-ray or CT equipment requires a stable, clean, three-phase power supply, typically conditioned by a 60-150 kVA online UPS and backed up by a dedicated generator with an automatic transfer switch (ATS). The electrical conduits and back boxes installed in the shielded walls must be carefully planned so they do not create gaps or weaknesses in the overall radiation protection.
Compliance for any facility using radiation is mandatory and is strictly regulated by the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA). Before you can legally operate your X-ray or CT scanner, your facility must be licensed by the NNRA. A core requirement for this license is a comprehensive shielding integrity report, prepared and signed by an NNRA-accredited medical physicist. This report must certify that the radiation levels in all surrounding areas, including at the viewing window, are below the safe regulatory limits. The process involves submitting your room design for approval, using certified materials like the lead glass, and conducting a physical radiation survey after installation.
Financing for radiation shielding glass is most commonly bundled with the acquisition of the main imaging equipment it supports, such as a CT scanner or C-arm. When procured as part of a larger project, it can be included in a bank loan or a leasing package. Nigerian commercial bank loans for medical equipment typically have interest rates of 25-30% per annum with a tenor of 2-3 years, requiring significant collateral. For standalone purchases, most facilities use their internal operational or capital project funds. Franance can also structure integrated financing solutions that cover not just the main equipment but all ancillary project costs, including shielding.
The 5-year Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for radiation shielding glass is almost entirely composed of the initial capital expenditure for the product and its installation. For a NGN 2,000,000 window, the 5-year TCO is effectively just that—NGN 2,000,000. This is because the glass is a passive component with no moving parts, no software, no consumables, and no required preventive maintenance or service contracts. The only potential future cost, which accounts for less than 5% of the TCO, would be for periodic room integrity reassessments by a medical physicist as part of your facility's ongoing radiation safety program, which is a regulatory requirement.
Tertiary hospitals operating high-energy equipment like 128-slice CT scanners, PET/CT units, or linear accelerators for oncology require the highest specification of shielding glass. This means panels with 2.5mm to 3.5mm+ lead equivalency from premium brands like Schott AG. These facilities often need large, multi-panel viewing windows for control rooms or observation areas, driving the total cost for a single suite's glass and framing to between NGN 7,000,000 and NGN 20,000,000+. The priority is maximum safety and compliance for high-radiation environments.
A private diagnostic centre or clinic installing a general CT scanner (up to 64-slice), a fluoroscopy machine, or a C-arm needs a robust, mid-range shielding solution. The standard is a glass panel with 2.0mm to 2.5mm lead equivalency. The focus for these facilities is achieving guaranteed NNRA compliance in a cost-effective manner. A turnkey bundle, including the glass, a lead-lined frame, and professional installation, is the ideal approach, with a typical project cost of NGN 2,500,000 to NGN 6,000,000.
For NGOs setting up basic radiography or chest X-ray clinics, particularly in rural areas, a standard and durable shielding solution is required. A glass panel with 1.6mm to 2.0mm lead equivalency is perfectly sufficient and safe for general X-ray equipment. The procurement focus should be on a complete, easy-to-install package from a reliable supplier to avoid logistical challenges. A turnkey project cost for an NGO-run clinic's viewing window typically falls between NGN 1,500,000 and NGN 3,500,000.
Mobile X-ray units, which are commonly used in Emergency, Theatre, and ICU settings, do not require fixed shielding installations like lead glass windows, as safety is managed through distance and personal protective equipment (lead aprons). However, for modern hybrid operating theatres with fixed C-arm or angiography systems, a shielded control booth is necessary. This requires a standard 1.6mm to 2.0mm lead equivalency glass window, similar to what is used in a general radiography suite.
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The price for radiation shielding glass in Nigeria ranges from NGN 850,000 to NGN 2,500,000 per square meter. This cost depends on the lead equivalency (Pb) required, with a 2.0mm Pb equivalent glass for a standard X-ray room being cheaper than the 3.2mm Pb needed for a CT scanner control room, like one housing a GE Optima CT540 console. Always get a quote based on your specific NNRA-approved shielding plan.
For a CT scanner control room in Lagos, expect to pay between NGN 1,800,000 and NGN 4,000,000 for a standard 1m x 1.2m viewing window. The final price depends on the required lead equivalency, typically 2.5mm to 3.5mm Pb, for systems like the Siemens Somatom go.All. This price includes the glass only; framing and installation are separate costs.
Yes, more affordable options exist, typically with lower lead equivalency for general radiography or dental X-ray units. A 1.6mm Pb equivalent glass can cost between NGN 700,000 and NGN 1,200,000 per square meter. This is suitable for facilities with lower-power equipment, unlike the higher specifications needed for interventional cardiology suites using a Philips Azurion 7 system.
Yes, you can finance the purchase and installation of radiation shielding glass as part of a larger equipment acquisition project. Asset financing companies like Franance can bundle the cost of the glass, framing, and installation into the overall loan for your new Siemens Artis zee C-arm or GE Revolution EVO CT scanner, simplifying your procurement process.
You can buy radiation shielding glass from specialized medical equipment suppliers and radiation protection contractors in Abuja. Companies that supply and install imaging equipment like a Canon Aquilion Prime SP CT scanner often source and install the required lead glass. Always verify their NNRA certification and ask for references from other Abuja-based hospitals they have worked with.
Choose a supplier with a proven track record and NNRA (Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority) compliance. Request certificates of conformity for the glass, detailing its lead equivalency and optical quality. A reliable supplier, like those who equip major centres in Port Harcourt, will provide a warranty and can show you previous installations for equipment like a GE Discovery IQ PET/CT.
Verify quality by requesting the manufacturer's test certificate, which must state the lead equivalency (e.g., 2.0mm Pb) and glass density. The glass should be visually clear with no discoloration or bubbles. Reputable suppliers will provide documentation traceable to international standards (like IEC 61331-2) which is crucial for NNRA facility licensing.
Yes, most reputable suppliers in Nigeria offer professional installation services. This is critical because improper installation, especially of the lead-lined frame, can create radiation leaks. For a new radiology department in Kano, ensure the supplier's team handles the entire process, from delivery to sealing the glass for a Varian Halcyon radiotherapy system, ensuring a fully shielded environment.
The standard lead equivalency for a general diagnostic X-ray room control window is typically between 1.5mm and 2.5mm Pb. This is sufficient for most systems like a Mindray DigiEye 680. However, the exact specification must be determined by a radiation safety assessment (RSA) report, which is a mandatory NNRA requirement before installation.
For a CT scanner control room, the required glass thickness and lead equivalency are higher, typically ranging from 2.5mm to 4.0mm Pb. A high-workload facility using a powerful scanner like the Siemens Somatom Force will require shielding at the upper end of this range. Your NNRA-licensed physicist will calculate the precise requirement for your specific layout and machine.
Yes, radiation shielding glass can be ordered in custom sizes to fit your specific viewing window requirements. You must provide the exact dimensions, including tolerances, to the supplier when ordering. This is common for retrofitting older facilities or for custom-designed control rooms for equipment like the Philips Ingenia 1.5T MRI, which may have adjacent shielded areas.
Radiation shielding glass must be installed in a lead-lined steel or aluminum frame. The lead lining in the frame must have the same or higher lead equivalency as the glass itself to prevent radiation leakage through the edges. Using a standard, unshielded frame is a common and dangerous installation error that will cause your facility to fail NNRA inspection.
Yes, there can be differences in optical clarity, manufacturing tolerances, and certification standards. European brands like Schott often have superior optical quality and more extensive documentation. However, many Chinese brands offer a cost-effective and fully certified alternative that meets NNRA requirements. The key is to verify the test certificate and lead equivalency, regardless of origin, for your GE OEC 9900 Elite C-arm suite.
Laminated lead glass is generally better for Nigerian hospitals as it offers superior impact resistance and safety. It consists of a layer of lead glass bonded between two layers of protective float glass. If it cracks, the fragments are held in place, preventing shattering. This is a crucial safety feature in a busy environment, such as the control room for a Varian TrueBeam linear accelerator.
Always buy new radiation shielding glass. Used or refurbished glass carries significant risks, including potential micro-fractures, delamination, or scratches that can compromise its shielding integrity and optical clarity. Furthermore, you cannot guarantee its certified lead equivalency, which is a critical failure point during an NNRA audit. The cost saving is not worth the safety and compliance risk.
Discoloration or 'browning' in older lead glass is typically caused by long-term exposure to radiation, which alters the glass structure. Modern radiation shielding glass, especially from reputable manufacturers, includes cerium oxide to prevent this browning effect, ensuring long-term optical clarity for the control room of your Siemens Luminos dRF Max fluoroscopy system.
Minor surface scratches usually do not affect the shielding properties, but deep scratches or chips can be a concern. You should have a medical physicist assess the damage to determine if it compromises the shielding integrity. For deep gouges, replacement is the only safe option to ensure full protection for operators of equipment like a Hologic 3Dimensions mammography system.
A radiation leak is detected using a calibrated radiation survey meter during a shielding integrity survey, performed by an NNRA-licensed physicist. This test is mandatory after installation and periodically thereafter. Leaks are often found at the interface between the glass and the frame, highlighting the importance of professional installation for your new Canon Alphenix Core + C-arm.
The NNRA requires that all radiation shielding glass meets the specific lead equivalency detailed in your facility's approved radiation safety assessment (RSA) report. You must have a certificate of conformity for the glass, and the installation must be verified by a licensed physicist through a shielding integrity survey before you can be licensed to operate your imaging equipment.
The primary regulatory body for radiation shielding glass is the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA), not SON or NAFDAC. Your focus must be on ensuring the glass and its installation meet the NNRA's radiation protection standards. Compliance is demonstrated through the physicist's shielding assessment and integrity reports, not a SONCAP certificate.
For an NNRA inspection, you must provide the shielding design/plan, the radiation safety assessment (RSA) report specifying the required lead equivalency, the manufacturer's certificate for the installed glass, and the post-installation shielding integrity survey report from a licensed physicist. These documents prove your facility, such as one with a new GE AMX 240 mobile X-ray, is safe.
Clean radiation shielding glass with a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild, non-abrasive cleaning solution like diluted isopropyl alcohol or a standard glass cleaner. Avoid ammonia-based or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the surface coating and the leaded acrylic. Regular, gentle cleaning maintains optical clarity for the console operators of a Philips Incisive CT.
Modern, high-quality radiation shielding glass has a very long lifespan, often exceeding 20-30 years, without significant degradation of its shielding properties. The lifespan is primarily limited by physical damage or, in older models without cerium, radiation-induced browning. A well-maintained window in a Lagos diagnostic centre can last the entire life of the X-ray machine it shields.
The glass itself does not require regular maintenance, but the entire installation should be visually inspected annually for any signs of damage, such as cracks, chips, or sealant failure around the frame. More importantly, the NNRA requires periodic radiation safety audits, including area surveys, to ensure the shielding integrity remains effective over time.
The first step is to engage an NNRA-licensed medical physicist or radiation safety advisor. They will conduct a radiation safety assessment (RSA) based on your specific equipment (e.g., a Siemens Multix Impact X-ray) and room layout. This assessment will determine the exact lead equivalency required for the glass and walls, forming the basis of your shielding plan.
From order to final installation, the process typically takes 4 to 8 weeks. Sourcing and shipping the custom-sized glass can take 3-6 weeks. The on-site installation, including framing and sealing, usually takes 2-4 days, followed by a day for the physicist's shielding integrity survey. Plan this timeline carefully when installing a new GE Senographe Pristina mammography unit.
The installation team should include the supplier's certified installers, your hospital's facility manager or engineer, and an NNRA-licensed medical physicist. The physicist provides oversight, ensures the installation matches the shielding plan, and performs the final radiation survey to certify the installation is safe and compliant before clinical use begins.
Radiation shielding glass itself has no power requirements. However, its specification is directly determined by the power output (kVp and mAs) of the radiation-producing equipment it shields. A high-power interventional suite with a Siemens Artis Q system will require significantly thicker and more protective glass than a low-power dental X-ray room.
Yes, you can retrofit a lead glass window into an existing wall, but the wall itself must also be properly shielded with lead lining or dense concrete blocks. The installation requires creating a structurally sound opening and installing a lead-lined frame to ensure there are no gaps between the wall shielding and the window frame. This is a common project for upgrading older radiology departments.
The most common and dangerous mistake is using an unshielded or improperly shielded frame. Even if the glass has the correct lead equivalency, radiation will stream through gaps at the edges if the frame is not lined with the same or greater Pb value. This creates a 'radiation leak' and will cause the facility to fail its mandatory NNRA shielding integrity survey.