ASTM C1269-97(2021)

Standard Practice for Adjusting Operational Sensitivity Setting of In-Plant Walk-Through Metal Detectors (Withdrawn 2023)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Performing this procedure from this practice should result in a properly adjusted walk-through metal detector operating at or near the optimum sensitivity setting for the environment in which it is installed.  
5.2 This practice determines the lowest sensitivity setting required to detect a specified test object and establishes a sensitivity setting suitable for most operational needs.  
5.3 This practice may be used to establish an initial sensitivity setting for follow-on procedures that determine credible values for probability of detection and confidence level, as required by regulatory authorities.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for adjusting the operational sensitivity of in-plant walk-through metal detectors. Performance of this procedure should result with in-plant walk-through metal detectors being adjusted to an initial operational sensitivity setting suitable for performance testing.  
1.2 This practice does not set test object specifications or specify specific test objects. These should be specified by the regulatory authority.  
1.3 This practice uses information developed by Practice C1270, or an equivalent procedure, which identifies the critical test object (from a specified set of test objects), its critical orientation, and the critical test path through the detection zone. In the case of Practice C1270, the information is found on the detection sensitivity map(s) for each in-plant walk-through metal detector.  
1.4 This practice is one of several developed to assist operators of nuclear facilities with meeting the metal detection performance requirements of the regulatory authorities (see Appendix X1 and Appendix X2).  
1.5 This standard practice is neither intended to set performance levels nor limit or constrain technologies.  
1.6 This practice does not address safety or operational issues associated with the use of walk-through metal detectors.  
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standards. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.8 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.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This practice covers a procedure for adjusting the operational sensitivity of in-plant walk-through metal detectors. Performance of this procedure should result with in-plant walk-through metal detectors being adjusted to an initial operational sensitivity setting suitable for performance testing.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee F12 on Security Systems and Equipment, this practice was withdrawn in April 2023. This standard is being withdrawn with no replacement because the practice for adjusting WTMDs is the domain of the manufacturer. There are many different models of WTMD and having a general practice for the user may not be ideal.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 31-Dec-2020
• Withdrawal Date: 11-Apr-2023
• ICS: 03.080.30 - Services for consumers
• ICS: 13.320 - Alarm and warning systems
• Technical Committee: F12 - Security Systems and Equipment
• Drafting Committee: F12.60 - Controlled Access Security, Search, and Screening Equipment

Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: C1269 − 97 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Practice for
Adjusting Operational Sensitivity Setting of In-Plant Walk-
Through Metal Detectors
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1269; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Nuclear regulatory authorities require personnel entering designated security areas to be screened
for concealed weapons. Additionally, in security areas containing specified quantities of special
nuclear materials, personnel exiting the facility are required to be screened for metallic nuclear
shielding material. Walk-through metal detectors are widely used to implement these requirements.
Nuclear regulatory authorities usually specify an assortment of metal detector test objects that must
all be detected by walk-through metal detectors. This practice provides a procedure for adjusting the
operational sensitivity setting to the lowest setting necessary to detect the least likely to-be-detected
test object in its least likely to-be-detected orientation while passing through the detection zone in the
weakest known detection path. All other test objects will then be detected at this sensitivity setting
anywhere in the detection zone.
1. Scope 1.5 This standard practice is neither intended to set perfor-
mance levels nor limit or constrain technologies.
1.1 This practice covers a procedure for adjusting the
1.6 This practice does not address safety or operational
operational sensitivity of in-plant walk-through metal detec-
issues associated with the use of walk-through metal detectors.
tors. Performance of this procedure should result with in-plant
walk-through metal detectors being adjusted to an initial
1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
operational sensitivity setting suitable for performance testing.
standards. The values given in parentheses are for information
only.
1.2 This practice does not set test object specifications or
specify specific test objects. These should be specified by the 1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
regulatory authority.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.3 This practice uses information developed by Practice
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
C1270, or an equivalent procedure, which identifies the critical
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
test object (from a specified set of test objects), its critical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
orientation, and the critical test path through the detection
zone. In the case of Practice C1270, the information is found
2. Referenced Documents
on the detection sensitivity map(s) for each in-plant walk- 2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
through metal detector.
C1238 Guide for Installation of Walk-Through Metal Detec-
1.4 This practice is one of several developed to assist tors
C1270 Practice for Detection Sensitivity Mapping of In-
operators of nuclear facilities with meeting the metal detection
performance requirements of the regulatory authorities (see Plant Walk-Through Metal Detectors
C1309 Practice for Performance Evaluation of In-Plant
Appendix X1 and Appendix X2).
Walk-Through Metal Detectors
F1468 Practice for Evaluation of Metallic Weapons Detec-
tors for Controlled Access Search and Screening
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F12 on Security
Systems and Equipment and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F12.60 on
Controlled Access Security, Search, and Screening Equipment. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2021. Published February 2021. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as C1269 – 97 (2012). Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
DOI: 10.1520/C1269-97R21. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1269 − 97 (2021)
3. Terminology case orthogonal orientation for all the test paths (the entire
detection zone). The two are coincident in the critical test path.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1.3 critical sensitivity setting, n—the lowest sensitivity
3.1.1 clean-tester, n—a person who does not carry any
setting of a detector at which the critical test object in its
extraneous metallic objects that would significantly alter the
critical orientation is consistently detected (ten out of ten test
signal produced when the person carries a test object.
passes) when passed through the detection zone on the critical
3.1.1.1 Discussion—Smaller test objects require more com-
test path.
plete elimination of metallic objects. By example but not
limitation, such extraneous metallic objects may include:
3.1.4 critical test element, n—see test element.
metallic belt buckles, metal buttons, cardiac pacemakers, coins,
3.1.5 critical test object, n—see test object.
metal frame eyeglasses, hearing aids, jewelry, keys, mechani-
3.1.6 critical test path, n—the straight-line shortest-course
cal pens and pencils, shoes with metal shanks or arch supports,
path through the portal aperture, as defined by an element on
metallic surgical implants, undergarment support metal, metal
the detection sensitivity map, that produces the smallest
zippers, etc. In the absence of other criteria, a clean tester
detection signal or weakest detection for the critical test object
passing through a metal detector shall not cause a disturbance
in its critical orientation (see Figs. 2 and 3).
signal greater than 10 % of that produced when carrying the
3.1.7 detection sensitivity map, n—a depiction of the grid
critical test object through the detector. Test objects requiring
more complete elimination of extraneous metal to obtain less used to define test paths through the detection zone with each
element of the grid containing a value, usually the sensitivity
than 10 % signal disturbance.
3.1.1.2 Discussion—The tester shall have a weight between setting of the detector, that is indicative of the detectability of
the test object (see Fig. 2).
50 to 104 kg (110 to 230 lb) and a height between 1.44 to
1.93 m (57 to 75 in.). Should a given detector be sensitive to 3.1.7.1 Discussion—These values are relative and describe
the detection sensitivity pattern within the detection zone for
body size because of design or desired sensitivity, the physical
size of testers should be smaller and within a narrower range. the specific test object. The values are derived by identically
testing each defined test path using a specific test object in a
3.1.1.3 Discussion—It is recommended that the clean tester
be surveyed with a high sensitivity hand-held metal detector to single orthogonal orientation. The value is usually the mini-
mum sensitivity setting of the detector that will cause a
ensure that no metal is present.
consistent alarm (ten out of ten test passes) when the test object
3.1.2 critical orientation—the orthogonal orientation of a
is passed through the detection field. Appendix X2 is a sample
test object that produces the smallest detection signal or
form for a potential detection sensitivity map configuration.
weakest detection anywhere in the detection zone; the orthogo-
3.1.8 detection zone—the volume within the portal aperture.
nal orientation of a test object that requires a higher sensitivity
setting to be detected compared to the sensitivity settings
3.1.9 detector, n—see walk-through metal detector.
required to detect the object in all other orthogonal orienta-
3.1.10 element, n—see test element.
tions; see Fig. 1 for handgun orientations
3.1.11 grid, n—see test grid.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—Critical orientations are determined by
testing using a mapping procedure such as described in
Practice C1270.
3.1.2.2 Discussion—The term critical orientation can be
applied in two ways. Critical orientation can refer to the worst
case orthogonal orientation in a single test path or the worst
NOTE 1—Numbers are sensitivity setting values for a hypothetical
detector. The numbers represent the lowest sensitivity setting at which the
object was detected ten out of ten consecutive test passes through the
indicated test path.
FIG. 1 Six Standard Orthogonal Orientations for Handgun FIG. 2 Example of Detection Sensitivity Map
C1269 − 97 (2021)
two corresponding network openings and it represents a
straight-line shortest-course path through the detection zone;
see Figs. 2 and 3.
3.1.16.1 Discussion—On a detection sensitivity map the
corresponding networks appear as a rectangular grid with each
element of the grid representing a test path through the
detection zone. The element defining the critical test path is the
critical test element.
3.1.17 test grid, n—a network of nonconductive/
nonmagnetic material, such as string or tape, can be stretched
across the entry and exit planes of the portal aperture to define
test paths through the portal aperture; the material should not
be hygroscopic.
3.1.17.1 Discussion—See Fig. 2 for an example of a 4 by 9
element test grid.
3.1.18 test object, n—metallic item meeting dimension and
material criteria used to evaluate detection performance.
3.1.18.1 critical test object—the one test object out of any
given group of test objects that, in its critical orientation,
produces the weakest detection signal anywhere in the detec-
tion zone; the group referred to consists of one or more objects
FIG. 3 3-D View of Detection Zones and Test Grid
that are to be detected at the same detector setting.
3.1.18.2 Discussion—Depending on the particular detector,
3.1.12 grid element, n—(1) a single block on a detection
some orientation sensitive test objects may have orientations at
sensitivity map; (2) the rectilinear volume through the detec-
different locations in the detection zone that result in near
tion zone defined by coincident elements of identical grid
critical sensitivity settings. Hence, care must be taken in
works placed on either side of the portal aperture (see Figs. 2
determining the critical test object, its critical orientation, and
and 3).
the critical test path.
3.1.18.3 shielding test object—a test object representing
3.1.12.1 test path, n—as defined by an element on a detec-
special nuclear material shielding that might be used in a theft
tion sensitivity map, a straight-line shortest-course path
scenario.
through the detection zone of a detector undergoing mapping,
detection sensitivity, or detection sensitivity verification testing
3.1.18.4 Discussion—It is usually a metallic container or
(see Fig. 3).
metallic material configured as a credible gamma-radiation
3.1.13 in-plant, adj—installed in the location, position, and
shield for a specific type and quantity of special nuclear
operating environment where the device will be used.
material. The object is specified by a regulatory authority or is
based on the facility threat analysis, or both.
3.1.14 orthogonal orientation—as used in this practice,
3.1.18.5 weapon test object, n—a handgun(s) or simulated
orthogonal orientation refers to alignment of the longitudinal
axis of a test object along the xyz axes of the Cartesian handgun designated by or satisfying the regulatory authority
requirement for a weapon test object.
coordinate system; x is horizontal and across the portal, y is
vertical, and z is in the direction of travel through the portal.
3.1.18.6 Discussion—Care must be taken when selecting or
3.1.15 portal, n—see walk-through metal detector; see
designing a mock handgun. Simple blocks of metal shaped like
Fig. 1 for handgun orientations.
a handgun will likely not cause a metal detector to react the
3.1.16 test element, n—for the purpose of testing, it is
same as it would to the intricate shapes and variable compo-
necessary to define discrete and repeatable straight-line nents of a real handgun. Most government agencies use actual
shortest-course test paths through the detection zone; this can
guns for testing.
be done by using two identical networks (grids) made of
3.1.19 walk-through metal detector (detector, portal), n—a
nonconductive/nonmagnetic material attached across the entry
free-standing screening device, usually an arch-type portal,
and exit planes of the portal aperture so the networks coincide;
using an electromagnetic field within its portal structure
a test object on the end of a probe can then be passed from one
(aperture) for detecting metallic objects, specifically weapons
side of the portal aperture to the other side through correspond-
or metallic shielding material, or both, on persons walking
ing openings, which results in the test object taking a reason-
through the portal.
ably straight-line shortest-course path through the detection
3.1.20 walk speed (normal), n—walk speed is between 0.5
zone; if the networks are constructed so that they can be put
1 1
to 1.3 m/s (1 ⁄2 to 2 ⁄2 steps/s).
in-place identically each time they are used, then the test paths
through the detection zone are repeatable over time; thus, a test 3.1.20.1 Discussion—The average casual walk rate is about
element is the volume of space defined by the boundaries of 1 ⁄4 steps/s.
C1269 − 97 (2021)
3.1.20.2 shielding test object, n—see test object. object, critical test element, and critical test object orientation.
This information must be available.
3.1.20.3 weapon test object, n—see test object.
8.2 Ensure the area around the detector contains all materi-
4. Summary of Practice
als normally present; no material shall be removed purely for
4.1 A clean-tester carries the critical test object in the performance of this practice.
critical orientation through the critical test element in the
8.3 Ensure that only the walk-tester is within 1 m (3 ft) of
normal operating fashion. The metal detector sensitivity is
the detector.
adjusted upward, starting from a setting where no alarms occur,
8.4 Radios, pagers, and other electronic equipment that are
until the lowest sensitivity setting is found where ten consecu-
not part of the building or security system should be at least 3
tive passes result with ten consecutive alarms. This value is the
m (10 ft) away.
initial operational sensitivity setting.
8.5 Energize all equipment located within 10 m
...