1.1 This practice outlines dosimetric procedures to be followed with self-contained dry-storage gamma-ray irradiators. If followed, these procedures will help to ensure that calibration and testing will be carried out with acceptable precision and accuracy and that the samples processed with ionizing radiation from gamma rays in a self-contained dry-storage irradiator receive absorbed doses within a predetermined range.

1.2 This practice covers dosimetry in the use of dry-storage gamma-ray irradiators, namely self-contained dry-storage ¹³⁷Cs or ⁶⁰Co irradiators (shielded freestanding irradiators). It does not cover underwater pool sources, panoramic gamma-ray sources such as those raised mechanically or pneumatically to irradiate isotropically into a room or through a collimator, nor does it cover self-contained bremsstrahlung x-ray units.

1.3 The absorbed dose range for the use of the dry-storage self-contained gamma-ray irradiators covered by this practice is typically 1 to 10⁵ Gy, depending on the application. The absorbed-dose rate range typically is from 10^-2 to 10³ Gy/min.

1.4 This practice describes general procedures applicable to all self-contained dry-storage gamma-ray irradiators. For procedures specific to dosimetry in blood irradiation, see Practice E1939. For procedures specific to dosimetry in radiation research on food and agricultural products, see Practice E1900. For procedures specific to radiation hardness testing, see Practice E1249. For procedures specific to the dosimetry in the irradiation of insects for sterile release programs, see Guide E1940. In those cases covered by Practices E1939, E 1900, E1249, or E1940, those standards take precedence. In addition, this practice does not cover absorbed-dose rate calibrations of radiation protection instrumentation.

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.