scope:

This International Standard applies to hand-held instrumentsused for the detection and localization of neutron emittingradioactive material. These instruments are highly sensitivemeaning that they are designed to detect slight variations in therange of usual background that may be caused by illicit traffickingor inadvertent movement of radioactive material. This highsensitivity allows scanning of larger volume items such as vehiclesand containers. These instruments may also be used in fixed ortemporally fixed unattended mode to monitor check points orcritical areas. Instruments addressed by this standard will alsoprovide a means to detect photon radiation for personal protection.This standard does not apply to the performance of radiationprotection instrumentation which is covered in IEC 61005 and in IEC61526. The object of this standard is to establish performancerequirements, provide examples of acceptable test methods, and tospecify general characteristics, general test conditions, radiationcharacteristics, electrical safety, and environmentalcharacteristics, that are used to determine if an instrument meetsthe requirements of this standard. The results of tests performedprovide information to government agencies and other users on thecapability of radiation detection instruments for reliablydetecting neutron sources. Obtaining operating performance thatmeets or exceeds the specifications as stated in this standarddepends upon properly establishing appropriate operatingparameters, maintaining calibration, implementing a suitableresponse testing and maintenance program, auditing compliance withquality requirements, and providing proper training for operatingpersonnel.