Final answer:
Yes, it is beneficial to give employees a choice of PPE when more than one type is effective, as it can promote comfort and compliance. White coveralls at radioactive materials spills protect from alpha and beta particles, but not from gamma rays or neutrons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When considering the effectiveness of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), it is beneficial to give employees a choice when more than one type of PPE is effective in controlling a hazard. Allowing employees to choose can increase comfort, which in turn can improve compliance with safety protocols. However, any PPE provided must meet or exceed safety standards for the hazard in question and be appropriate for the circumstances.
Regarding protection from radiation, the white coveralls typically seen in situations involving radioactive materials spills offer limited protection. These suits can protect against radioactive contamination by preventing radioactive particles from reaching the worker's skin or personal clothing. These coveralls can protect from alpha and beta particles, which are essentially stopped by the material of the suit. However, they are not effective against more penetrating radiation like gamma rays or high energy neutrons, for which additional or different types of PPE would be required.