Most facilities disposing or utilizing waste materials are prohibited from handling wastes that contain radioactive materials. This test method provides the user a rapid method for screening waste material samples in the field or laboratory for the presence or absence of radioactivity at user-established criteria. It is important to these facilities to be able to verify generator-supplied information that radioactive or mixed wastes have not been included in shipments of waste materials.

1.1 This test method covers the screening for α–, β–, and γ radiation above ambient background levels or user-defined criteria, or both, in liquid, sludge, or solid waste materials.

1.2 This test method is intended to be a gross screening method for determining the presence or absence of radioactive materials in liquid, sludge, or solid waste materials. It is not intended to replace more sophisticated quantitative analytical techniques, but to provide a method for rapidly screening samples for radioactivity above ambient background levels or user-defined criteria, or both, for facilities prohibited from handling radioactive waste.

1.3 This test method may not be suitable for applications such as site assessments and remediation activities.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.