Which of the following practices is NOT considered a form of shielding?

The practice of watching the radiation process closely is not considered a form of shielding because shielding specifically relates to physical barriers that protect individuals from exposure to radiation. Collimation, lead aprons, and structural barriers all serve the purpose of absorbing or deflecting radiation, thereby reducing the amount of radiation that reaches the individual or the environment.

Collimation involves the use of focused beams to limit the area of exposure, thereby reducing unnecessary radiation. Lead aprons are worn by individuals during procedures involving radiation to protect vital organs from exposure, as lead is a dense material that effectively absorbs radiation. Structural barriers, such as walls or other physical constructions, are built into facilities to create safe zones where individuals can work without excessive radiation exposure.

Watching the radiation process closely, while essential for safety and monitoring, does not actively shield against radiation. Instead, it is a practice focused on awareness and observation rather than providing a physical barrier to radiation exposure. This distinction clarifies why this practice does not align with the concept of shielding in radiation safety.