ASTM F3278-20
Standard Performance Specifications and Test Methods for Hand-Held Metal Detectors Used in Safety and Security

Standard No.

ASTM F3278-20

Release Date

2020

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM F3278-20

Scope

1.1 This standard applies to all hand-held metal detectors (HHMDs) used to find metal contraband concealed or hidden on people or other objects with accessible surfaces. This standard describes baseline performance requirements, which includes metal object detection performance, safety (electrical, mechanical, fire), electromagnetic compatibility, environmental conditions and ranges, and mechanical durability. The requirements for metal detection performance are unique and, therefore, test methods for these parameters are provided, including the design of test objects. An agency or organization using this standard is encouraged to add their unique operationally-based requirements to those requirements listed in this baseline performance specification. 1.2 This standard describes the use of spherical test objects, instead of actual threat objects or exemplars of threat objects, to test the detection performance of hand-held metal detectors. Spherical test objects are used because the detectability of spherical test objects is not orientation dependent, whereas this is not true for non-spherical test objects. This orientationdependent detectability of non-spherical test objects may allow a HHMD to be incorrectly attributed a higher performance capability than that HHMD is capable of providing. To aid agencies wishing to add specific threat objects to their detection performance requirements, included in Appendix X1 is the analysis of the probability of detection for different orientations of agency-specific threat objects. 1.3 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM F3278-20 Referenced Document

• ANSI S1.4-1983 Specification for Sound Level Meters
• ASTM F3356 Standard Practice for Conformity Assessment of Metal Detectors Used in Safety and Security
• IEEE C95.1 Military Workplaces-Force Health Protection Regarding Personnel Exposure to Electric@ Magnetic@ and Electromagnetic Fields@ 0 Hz to 300 GHz
• IEEE C95.6 IEEE standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Electromagnetic Fields@ 0-3 kHz (IEEE Standards Coordinating Committee 28)

ASTM F3278-20 history

• 2020 ASTM F3278-20 Standard Performance Specifications and Test Methods for Hand-Held Metal Detectors Used in Safety and Security
• 2019 ASTM F3278-19a Standard Performance Specifications and Test Methods for Hand-Held Metal Detectors Used in Safety and Security
• 2019 ASTM F3278-19 Standard Performance Specification for Hand-Held Metal Detectors Used in Safety and Security
• 2017 ASTM F3278-17 Standard Performance Specification for Hand-Held Metal Detectors Used in Safety and Security