Wear a lead apron. Wear lead gloves and leaded glasses, if possible. Draw the lead drape, if available. Stand back while the x-ray beam is on. Rotate your duties with co-workers.
Beta particles are relatively nonpenetrating, but can produce a skin exposure.
Time and distance methods for x-rays and gamma rays listed above also apply to beta particles. When shielding P-32 beta particles, use plexiglass, not lead. Beta particles that strike lead produce x-rays. See the Radiation Safety Manual for further information. A very small amount of radioactivity taken internally can be very serious.