This part of IEC 61577 covers the general features concerning tests and calibrations of radon and radon decay product measuring instruments. It emphasizes the definition and use of reference atmospheres.
This standard addresses only the isotopes 220 and 222 of radon and their subsequent short-lived decay products.
Due to the very short half-life of radon 219, its activity and the activity of its RnDP are considered as negligible compared to the activity of the two other series. Its health effects are therefore not important. Unless particularly mentioned, it will not be addressed by this standard.
Thus this standard does not apply to installations where enriched uranium is used.
This standard is intended to help the user or the manufacturer to choose the most appropriate instrument for a given application.
It is also intended to help to define type tests which have to be conducted in order to qualify these instruments. These type tests are described in IEC 61577-2, IEC 61577-3 and IEC 61263.
IEC 61577-1:2000 history
2006IEC 61577-1:2006 Radiation protection instrumentation - Radon and radon decay product measuring instruments - Part 1: General principles
2000IEC 61577-1:2000 Radiation protection instrumentation - Radon and radon decay product measuring instruments - Part 1: General requirements