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.