Test procedures
Test procedures by standard
A test procedure belongs to a standard: the clause numbers, the test points and the acceptance limits are all set by it. 8 procedures are written up so far, grouped below by the standard that specifies them. Each covers what the test is for, how to set it up, what the acceptance rule requires, and the mistakes that quietly invalidate a result — in our own words, with clause numbers cited for reference.
Portable survey meters, dose rate meters and area monitors
- § 8.7
Linearity
Relative response across the decades of the measuring range, normalised to the reference point.
- § 8.7.4
Statistical fluctuation
Coefficient of variation at each test point, judged against a limit that steps with dose rate.
- § 8.4.2
Energy response
Relative response across photon energies, normalised to the response at the reference radiation quality.
- § 8.4.2
Angular response
optionalResponse to radiation incident from directions other than the reference direction, measured in two perpendicular planes.
- § 8.8.2
Overload
optionalBehaviour during and after exposure well above the measuring range, and recovery to normal operation.
- § 8.9.2
Response time
optionalTime to reach 90 % of the final indication after a step change in dose rate, and the indication 60 s later.
- § 8.11
Dose rate dependence
optionalRelative response of an integrating measurement as the dose rate varies at constant total dose.
- § 8.13
Alarm accuracy
optionalAbsence of an alarm below the set level and its activation above it, with the uncertainty of the reference field included in the exposure conditions.
Standards without written procedures
These are described on the site, but their test procedures are not written up yet. The standard page for each covers its scope and the characteristics it requires.
- IEC 61526:2024 Electronic personal dosimeters worn on the body
- IEC 61017:2016 Environmental dose rate monitoring stations and mobile survey equipment
- IEC 60846-2:2015 High-range portable instruments for emergency response
- IEC 62387:2020 Passive dosimetry systems — thermoluminescence, optically stimulated luminescence and film
- IEC 61005:2014 Neutron survey meters
- IEC 60532:2010 Fixed area monitors and warning assemblies in facilities
- IEC 60325:2002 Surface contamination meters and monitors