What is BS IEC 61577-1-Principles for radon and radon decay product measuring instruments about?
BS IEC 61577 is a European standard on radiation protection instrumentation that discusses the general principles for radon and radon decay product measuring instruments to ensure protection against radiation hazards.
The IEC 61577 series covers the general features concerning test and calibration of radon and radon decay product measuring instruments.
BS IEC 61577-1 is the first part of the BS IEC 61577 series that addresses only the instruments and associated methods for measuring isotopes 220 and 222 of radon and their subsequent short-lived decay products in gases.
BS IEC 61577-1 object is to help to define type tests that must be conducted to qualify these instruments.
For the suitability of the document, BS IEC 61577-1 also proposes a classification of the instruments measuring radon or RnDP based on the duration of sampling.
Note: These type test will be described in the future IEC 61577-2-1, IEC 61577-2-2, IEC 1577-3-1, and IEC 61577-3-2.
Who is BS IEC 61577-1-Principles for radon and radon decay product measuring instruments for?
BS IEC 61577-1 on the principles for radon and radon decay product measuring instruments is useful for:
- Radon and radon decay product measuring instrument manufacturers
- Radon and radon decay product measuring instrument test personnel
- Occupational health and safety departments
- Nuclear scientists
- Researchers
- Academia
- Risk assessment authorities
- Quality assurance departments
Why should you use BS IEC 61577-1-Principles for radon and radon decay product measuring instruments?
Radon is a radioactive gas produced by the decay of 226Ra, 223Ra and 224Ra, respectively decay products of 238U, 235U and 232Th, which are present in the earth's crust. By decay, radon isotopes (i.e., 222Rn, 219Rn, 220Rn) produce three decay chains ending in a stable lead isotope.
Radon isotopes and their corresponding short-lived radon decay products (RnDP) (i.e., 218Po, 214Pb, 214Bi, 214Po for 222Rn, and 216Po, 212Pb, 212Bi, 212Po, 208Tl for 220Rn) are of considerable importance, as they constitute a major part of the radiological exposure to natural radioactivity for the public and workers.
BS IEC 61577-1 provides you with guidance on the instruments used for measuring radon and radon decay product, methods of measuring radon in an atmosphere, methods of measuring radon decay product in an atmosphere, the need for a reference atmosphere, the concept of STAR, protocols for testing radon and RnDP measuring instruments, etc.
The methods and protocols provided by BS IEC 61577-1 assist you in improving the performance and quality of the radon and radon decay product measuring instruments and ensuring a reduction in the risk to human health radiation exposure.
With obedience and compliance to BS IEC 61577-1, you can enhance the effectiveness and efficacy of radon and radon decay product measuring instruments and manufacture a standardized high-quality product.
What is changed since the last update?
BS IEC 61577-1:2006 supersedes IEC 61577-1:2000, which is withdrawn. BS IEC 61577-1:2006 has made some technical changes compared to the previous editions IEC 61577-1:2000. These include:
- A new structure of the series
- Proposal for classification of instruments used for measuring radon and RnDP
