The purpose of this standard is to provide the user information and guidance for selecting and using instrumentation that will provide measurement results that can be compared to criteria for unrestricted use.

Use of this standard will provide greater assurance that the measurements obtained will be technically and administratively sufficient for making decisions regarding completion of decontamination and/or demolition/removal activities.

Use of this standard will provide greater assurance that the measurements obtained will be technically and administratively sufficient to meet all applicable regulatory requirements for unrestricted release of a component for recycle or reuse, or for unrestricted release of a remaining surface or area.

1.1 This standard provides recommendations on the selection and use of portable instrumentation that is responsive to levels of radiation that are close to natural background. These instruments are employed to detect the presence of residual radioactivity that is at, or below, the criteria for release from further regulatory control of a component to be salvaged or reused, or a surface remaining at the conclusion of decontamination and/or decommissioning.

1.2 The choice of these instruments, their operating characteristics and the protocols by which they are calibrated and used will provide adequate assurance that the measurements of the residual radioactivity meet the requirements established for release from further regulatory control.

1.3 This standard is applicable to the in situ measurement of radioactive emissions that include:

1.3.1 alpha

1.3.2 beta (electrons)

1.3.3 gamma

1.3.4 characteristic x-rays

1.3.5 The measurement of neutron emissions is not included as part of this standard.

1.4 This standard dose not address instrumentation used to assess residual radioactivity levels contained in air samples, surface contamination smears, bulk material removals, or half/whole body personnel monitors.

1.5 This standard does not address records retention requirements for calibration, maintenance, etc. as these topics are considered in several of the referenced documents.

1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.