This International Standard applies to hand-held instruments used for the detection and
localization of radioactive photon emitting materials. These instruments are highly sensitive
meaning that they are designed to detect slight variations in the range of usual photon
background caused mainly by illicit trafficking or inadvertent movement of radioactive
material. Compared to pocket devices (see IEC 62401), this highly sensitive instrument allows
the scanning of larger volume items such as vehicles or containers. They may also be used in
fixed or temporarily fixed unattended mode to monitor check points or critical areas.
These instruments also provide an indication of the ambient dose equivalent rate from photon
radiation. However, this standard does not apply to the performance of radiation protection
instrumentation which is covered in IEC 60846-1 and IEC 61526.
These instruments may provide additional functions as described below without including all
features of specialized portable identification devices as defined by IEC 62327:
? rejecting natural background variation encountered when used in movement;
? sorting alarms of interest from naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) or medical
radionuclides originated alarms;
? provide source categorization data (including limited photon spectra) to a remote location.
The object of this standard is to establish performance requirements including physical
characteristics, general test conditions, radiation characteristics, electrical safety, and
environmental conditions. This standard provides examples of acceptable test methods to
determine if an instrument meets the requirements of this standard. The results of tests
performed provide information to users on the capability of radiation detection instruments for
reliably detecting photon sources.
Obtaining operating performance that meets or exceeds the specifications as stated in this
standard depends upon properly establishing appropriate operating parameters, maintaining
calibration, implementing a suitable response testing and maintenance program, providing
proper training for operating personnel and developing operating procedures that address the
instrument limitations and capabilities.
IEC 62533:2010 history
2010IEC 62533:2010 Radiation protection instrumentation - Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for photon detection of radioactive material