scope:

This standard applies to the clearance of materials and equipment from controlled areas during operations. This standard establishes a primary radiation dose criterion and derived screening levels for surface and volume contamination for groups of radionuclides.

The following are not included in the scope of this standard:

1. Naturally occurring radioactive materials.

2. Radioactive materials in or on persons.

3. Release of a licensed or regulated site or facility for unrestricted use.

4. Radioactive materials on or in foodstuffs.

5. Release of land or soil intended for agricultural purposes.

6. Clearance issues related to national defense or security.

7. Process gases and liquids.

This clearance standard is not intended as a substitute for radiological criteria for decommissioning or for intervention criteria during cleanup projects. This standard provides criteria, which are protective of the public health and the environment, for the clearance of items and materials. Conditional clearance is not covered in this standard because the existence of conditions implies the definition and imposition of future controls on the materials being conditionally cleared.