scope:

The scope of this standard describes requirements for training in the use of personal radiation detectors (see ANSI N42.32¹), portable radiation detection instruments (see ANSI N42.33), portable radionuclide identifiers (see ANSI N42.34), and portal radiation monitors (see ANSI N42.35). Other types of radiation detectors may be included in revisions of this standard as new equipment is developed.

This standard provides training requirements for three identified and defined levels of training. Students who successfully complete training at the minimum requirements of this standard shall have a demonstrated competency appropriate for that training level. This includes a general understanding and background of the principles of ionizing radiation, radiation effects, and radiation detection. The individual user organizations should develop training programs with content specific to their organizations and requirements. Training for incident manager or incident commander and response post-identification of a radiation source are beyond the scope of this standard.

Purpose

This standard establishes minimum requirements and provides recommendations and guidelines for training users in basic radiation detection and the proper use of radiation detection instrumentation for homeland security interdiction and prevention applications. Reference to response in this document is only for preevent preparations. This standard does not cover mission-specific procedures and protocols. This training is intended primarily for organizations involved in detection and interdiction efforts, including law enforcement, transit police, private sector security personnel, the U.S. Postal Service, and private shippers.

¹ For information on references, see Clause 2.