EN 62534:2015

Radiation protection instrumentation - Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material

This standard applies to hand-held instruments used for the detection and localization of neutron emitting radioactive material. These instruments are highly sensitive meaning that they are designed to detect slight variations in the range of usual background that may be caused by illicit trafficking or inadvertent movement of radioactive material. This high sensitivity allows scanning of larger volume items such as vehicles and containers. These instruments may also be used in fixed or temporally fixed unattended mode to monitor check points or critical areas. Instruments addressed by this standard shall also provide a means to detect photon radiation for personal protection.

Strahlenschutz-Messgeräte - Hochempfindliche Handgeräte zur Detektion von Neutronenstrahlung emittierendem radioaktivem Material

Instrumentation pour la radioprotection - Instruments portables de haute sensibilité pour la détection neutronique de matières radioactives

La CEI 62534:2010 s'applique aux instruments portables utilisés pour la détection et la localisation des substances radioactives émettant des neutrons. Ces instruments sont à haute sensibilité, ce qui signifie qu'ils sont conçus pour détecter de faibles variations dans le domaine de l'environnement habituel, lesquelles peuvent avoir pour origine le transport illicite ou des mouvements fortuits de substances radioactives. Cette haute sensibilité permet le balayage d'objets de grand volume, tels que des véhicules et des conteneurs. L'objet de la présente Norme est d'établir des exigences d'aptitude à la fonction, de fournir des exemples de méthodes d'essai acceptables et de spécifier des caractéristiques générales, des conditions générales d'essai, des caractéristiques de rayonnement, des caractéristiques de sécurité électriques et environnementales, qui sont utilisées pour déterminer si un instrument est conforme aux exigences de la présente Norme.

Instrumenti za zaščito pred sevanjem - Zelo občutljivi ročni instrumenti za zaznavanje nevtronskega sevanja radioaktivnega materiala

Ta standard velja za ročne instrumente za zaznavanje in lokalizacijo nevtronskega sevanja radioaktivnega materiala. Ti instrumenti so visoko občutljivi, kar pomeni, da so namenjeni zaznavanju rahlih variacij običajnega stanja, ki jih lahko povzroči ilegalni promet ali nenameren premik radioaktivnega materiala. Ta visoka občutljivost omogoča skeniranje večjih elementov, kot so vozila in kontejnerji. Te instrumente se lahko uporabi tudi tako, da se jih pritrdi ali začasno pritrdi za namen spremljanja kontrolnih točk ali kritičnih območij brez nadzora osebja.  Instrumenti, ki jih obravnava ta standard, omogočajo tudi zaznavanje fotonskega sevanja za namen osebne zaščite.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 05-Nov-2015
• Withdrawal Date: 01-Nov-2018
• ICS: 13.280 - Radiation protection
• Technical Committee: CLC/TC 45B - Radiation protection instrumentation
• Drafting Committee: CLC/TC 45B - Radiation protection instrumentation
• Current Stage: 6060 - Document made available - Publishing
• Start Date: 06-Nov-2015
• Due Date: 22-Jun-2017
• Completion Date: 06-Nov-2015
• Ref Project: SIST EN 62534:2016 - Radiation protection instrumentation - Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material

Overview

EN 62534:2015 - issued by CLC/CENELEC and aligned with IEC 62534:2010 - specifies requirements for highly sensitive hand‑held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material. The standard covers design, performance, testing and documentation for portable detectors intended to detect slight deviations from neutron background levels that may indicate illicit trafficking or inadvertent movement of radioactive sources. Instruments covered are also required to provide photon (gamma/X‑ray) detection capability for personal protection.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Detection scope: Highly sensitive neutron detection with supplemental photon detection for personal protection. Suitable for scanning large volumes (vehicles, containers) and for fixed or temporarily unattended monitoring at checkpoints.
• Operating modes: Defines functional modes such as monitor, search, and integration to support different operational tasks and sensitivities.
• Alarms and indications: Requirements for source‑indication alarms (neutron) and personal‑protection alarms (photon), including response behavior and false‑alarm considerations.
• Environmental and mechanical performance: Tests and requirements for temperature, humidity, cold start‑up, dust and moisture resistance (IP considerations), drop, vibration, impact (microphonics) and battery performance.
• Electrical and EMC requirements: Electrostatic discharge (ESD), radio‑frequency (RF) immunity/emissions, conducted immunity and magnetic field robustness are covered to ensure reliable operation in real‑world environments.
• User interface and documentation: Requirements for markings, display units, communication interfaces, maintenance/calibration instructions, and operation/maintenance manuals.
• Test procedures and type testing: Standard prescribes reference conditions, statistical considerations and test methods for radiation response, alarm rates, warm‑up time and over‑range behavior.

Applications and users

EN 62534:2015 is relevant to organizations and professionals involved in radiation security and monitoring:

• Border control, customs and port authorities scanning vehicles and cargo containers
• Law enforcement and first responders involved in interdiction of illicit radioactive materials
• Nuclear facility security and perimeter monitoring
• Manufacturers and testers of radiation protection instrumentation seeking compliance and type certification
• Agencies deploying unattended monitoring checkpoints or temporary screening stations

Practical value

Compliance with EN 62534 ensures that hand‑held neutron detectors are sensitive enough to detect low‑level anomalies, robust for field use, and interoperable with security workflows. The standard helps reduce false alarms, improves operator safety via photon detection, and supports reliable large‑volume scanning operations.

Related standards

Standards referenced or harmonized in EN 62534 include:

• IEC/EN 61005 (neutron ambient dose equivalent meters)
• IEC/EN 61526 (personal dose equivalent meters)
• ISO 8529‑1 (reference neutron radiations)
• IEC 60068 series (environmental testing)
• IEC 61000 series (EMC/ESD/RF)

Keywords: EN 62534:2015, neutron detection, hand‑held instruments, radiation protection, highly sensitive, photon detection, CLC, CENELEC, radiation monitoring.

Standards Content (Sample)

2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.Strahlenschutz-Messgeräte - Hochempfindliche Handgeräte zur Detektion von Neutronenstrahlung emittierendem radioaktivem MaterialInstrumentation pour la radioprotection - Instruments portables de haute sensibilité pour la détection neutronique de matières radioactivesRadiation protection instrumentation - Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material13.280Varstvo pred sevanjemRadiation protectionICS:Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z:EN 62534:2015SIST EN 62534:2016en01-marec-2016SIST EN 62534:2016SLOVENSKI
STANDARD
EUROPEAN STANDARD NORME EUROPÉENNE EUROPÄISCHE NORM
EN 62534
November 2015 ICS 13.280
English Version
Radiation protection instrumentation - Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material (IEC 62534:2010)
Instrumentation pour la radioprotection - Instruments portables de haute sensibilité pour la détection neutronique de matières radioactives (IEC 62534:2010)
Strahlenschutz-Messgeräte - Hochempfindliche Handgeräte zur Detektion von Neutronenstrahlung emittierendem radioaktivem Material (IEC 62534:2010) This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2015-11-02. CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions. CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom. European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17,
B-1000 Brussels © 2015 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN 62534:2015 E SIST EN 62534:2016

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights. CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Endorsement notice The text of the International Standard IEC 62534:2010 was approved by CENELEC as a European Standard without any modification. In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated: IEC 60068-2-18:2000 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-18:2001 (not modified). IEC 60068-2-27:2008 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-27:2009 (not modified). IEC 60068-2-75:1997 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60068-2-75:1997 (not modified). IEC 60086-1:2006 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60086-1:2007 1) (not modified). IEC 60721-3-7:2002 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60721-3-7:1995 (not modified) and as EN 60721-3-7:1995/A1:1997 (not modified) IEC 61000-4-1:2006 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-4-1:2007 (not modified). IEC 61000-4-4:2004 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-4-4:2004 2) (not modified). IEC 61000-4-6:2008 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-4-6:2009 (not modified). IEC 61000-4-8:2009 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61000-4-8:2010 (not modified). IEC 61187:1993 NOTE Harmonized as EN 61187:1994 (modified). IEC 62022:2004 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62022:2007 (modified). IEC 62244:2006 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62244:2011 (modified). IEC 62327:2006 NOTE Harmonized as EN 62327:2011 (modified).
1) Superseded by EN 60086-1:2011 (IEC 60086-1:2011), not modified. 2) Superseded by EN 61000-4-4:2012 (IEC 61000-4-4:2012), not modified. SIST EN 62534:2016

Normative references to international publications with their corresponding European publications The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. NOTE 1 When an International Publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD applies. NOTE 2 Up-to-date information on the latest versions of the European Standards listed in this annex is available here: www.cenelec.eu.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year IEC 60050-393 2003
International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Part 393: Nuclear instrumentation - Physical phenomena and basic concepts - -
IEC 60050-394 2007
International Electrotechnical Vocabulary - Part 394: Nuclear instrumentation - Instruments, systems, equipment and detectors - -
IEC 60529 1989
Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) EN 60529 1991
- -
+ corrigendum May 1993
+ A1 1999
+ A1 2000
IEC 61000-4-2 2008
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) - Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques - Electrostatic discharge immunity test EN 61000-4-2 2009
IEC 61005 (mod) 2003
Radiation protection instrumentation - Neutron ambient dose equivalent (rate) meters EN 61005 2004
IEC 61526 (mod) 2005
Radiation protection instrumentation - Measurement of personal dose equivalents Hp(10) and Hp(0,07) for X, gamma, neutron and beta radiations - Direct reading personal dose equivalent meters and monitors EN 61526 2007
ISO 8529-1 2001
Reference neutron radiations - Part 1: Characteristics and methods of production - -
IEC 62534Edition 1.0 2010-06INTERNATIONAL STANDARD NORME INTERNATIONALERadiation protection instrumentation – Highly sensitive hand-held instruments for neutron detection of radioactive material
Instrumentation pour la radioprotection – Instruments portables de haute sensibilité pour la détection neutronique de matières radioactives
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION COMMISSION ELECTROTECHNIQUE INTERNATIONALE UICS 13.280 PRICE CODECODE PRIXISBN 978-2-88912-004-8
– 2 – 62534 © IEC:2010 CONTENTS FOREWORD.5 1 Scope and object.7 2 Normative references.7 3 Terms and definitions.8 3.1 General.8 3.2 Definitions.8 3.3 Quantities and units.9 4 General requirements.9 4.1 General characteristics.9 4.2 Physical configuration.10 4.3 Basic information.10 4.3.1 Documentation supplied.10 4.3.2 Radiation detector.10 4.3.3 Size.10 4.3.4 Weight.10 4.4 Operating modes.10 4.4.1 Monitor mode.10 4.4.2 Search mode.10 4.4.3 Integration mode.10 4.5 Maintenance/Calibration.11 4.6 Communication interface.11 4.7 User interface.11 4.8 Markings.11 4.8.1 General.11 4.8.2 Exterior markings.11 4.9 Power supply.12 4.9.1 Requirements.12 4.9.2 External DC or AC power.12 4.10 Protection of switches.12 4.11 Display units.12 4.12 Effective range of measurement.12 4.13 Alarms.13 4.13.1 Source indication alarm.13 4.13.2 Personal protection alarm.13 4.14 Explosive atmospheres.13 4.15 Indication features.13 5 General test procedure.13 5.1 Nature of test.13 5.2 Reference conditions and standard test conditions.13 5.3 Statistical fluctuations.13 6 Radiation tests.14 6.1 Rate of false source indication alarm.14 6.1.1 Requirements.14 6.1.2 Test method.14 6.2 Alarm and response time.14 6.2.1 Requirements.14 SIST EN 62534:2016

62534 © IEC:2010 – 3 – 6.2.2 Test method.14 6.3 Neutron alarm in the presence of photons.15 6.3.1 Requirements.15 6.3.2 Test method.15 6.4 Over-range characteristics for neutron alarm.15 6.4.1 Requirements.15 6.4.2 Test method.15 6.5 Personal protection alarm.15 6.5.1 Requirements.15 6.5.2 Test method.15 6.6 Warm-up time.16 6.6.1 Requirements.16 6.6.2 Test method.16 7 Environmental, mechanical and electrical performance requirements.16 7.1 Temperature.16 7.1.1 Requirements.16 7.1.2 Test method.16 7.2 Humidity.17 7.2.1 Requirements.17 7.2.2 Test method.17 7.3 Cold temperature start-up.17 7.3.1 Requirements.17 7.3.2 Test method.17 7.4 Dust and moisture resistance.17 7.4.1 Requirements.17 7.4.2 Test method – Dust.18 7.4.3 Test method – Moisture.18 7.5 Mechanical.18 7.5.1 Drop.19 7.5.2 Vibration.19 7.6 Impact (Microphonics).19 7.6.1 Requirements.19 7.6.2 Test method.19 7.7 Battery requirements.20 7.7.1 Requirements.20 7.7.2 Test method.20 7.8 Electrostatic discharge.20 7.8.1 Requirements.20 7.8.2 Test method.20 7.9 Radio Frequency (RF).21 7.9.1 Requirements.21 7.9.2 Test method.21 7.10 Radiated emissions.21 7.10.1 Requirement.21 7.10.2 Test method.21 7.11 Conducted immunity.21 7.11.1 Requirements.21 7.11.2 Test method.21 7.12 Magnetic fields.22 SIST EN 62534:2016

– 4 – 62534 © IEC:2010 7.12.1 Requirements.22 7.12.2 Test method.22 8 Documentation.22 8.1 General.22 8.2 Type test report.22 8.3 Certificate.22 8.4 Operation and maintenance manual.23 Bibliography.25
Table 1 – Reference conditions and standard test conditions.24 Table 2 – Radiated RF emission limits.24
62534 © IEC:2010 – 5 – INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION ____________
RADIATION PROTECTION INSTRUMENTATION –
HIGHLY SENSITIVE HAND-HELD INSTRUMENTS FOR
NEUTRON DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
FOREWORD 1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To this end and in addition to other activities, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications, Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC Publication(s)”). Their preparation is entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising with the IEC also participate in this preparation. IEC collaborates closely with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the two organizations. 2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any misinterpretation by any end user. 4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in the latter. 5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any services carried out by independent certification bodies. 6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication. 7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and members of its technical committees and IEC National Committees for any personal injury, property damage or other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is indispensable for the correct application of this publication. 9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. International Standard IEC 62534 has been prepared by subcommittee 45B: Radiation protection instrumentation, of IEC technical committee 45: Nuclear instrumentation. The text of this standard is based on the following documents: FDIS Report on voting 45B/639/FDIS 45B/653/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on voting indicated in the above table. This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2. SIST EN 62534:2016

– 6 – 62534 © IEC:2010 The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed, • withdrawn, • replaced by a revised edition, or • amended.
62534 © IEC:2010 – 7 – RADIATION PROTECTION INSTRUMENTATION –
HIGHLY SENSITIVE HAND-HELD INSTRUMENTS FOR
NEUTRON DETECTION OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
1 Scope and object This International Standard applies to hand-held instruments used for the detection and localization of neutron emitting radioactive material. These instruments are highly sensitive meaning that they are designed to detect slight variations in the range of usual background that may be caused by illicit trafficking or inadvertent movement of radioactive material. This high sensitivity allows scanning of larger volume items such as vehicles and containers. These instruments may also be used in fixed or temporally fixed unattended mode to monitor check points or critical areas. Instruments addressed by this standard will also provide a means to detect photon radiation for personal protection. This standard does not apply to the performance of radiation protection instrumentation which is covered in IEC 61005 and in IEC 61526. The object of this standard is to establish performance requirements, provide examples of acceptable test methods, and to specify general characteristics, general test conditions, radiation characteristics, electrical safety, and environmental characteristics, that are used to determine if an instrument meets the requirements of this standard. The results of tests performed provide information to government agencies and other users on the capability of radiation detection instruments for reliably detecting neutron 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, auditing compliance with quality requirements, and providing proper training for operating personnel. 2 Normative references The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies. IEC 60050-393:2003, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Part 393: Nuclear instrumentation – Physical phenomena and basic concepts IEC 60050-394:2007, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary – Part 394: Nuclear instrumentation – Instruments, systems, equipment, and detectors IEC 60529:2001, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code) IEC 61000-4-2:2008, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-2: Testing and measurement techniques – Electrostatic discharge immunity test IEC 61005:2003, Radiation protection instrumentation – Neutron ambient dose equivalent (rate) meters SIST EN 62534:2016

– 8 – 62534 © IEC:2010 IEC 61526:2005, Radiation protection instrumentation – Measurement of personal dose equivalents Hp(10) and Hp(0,07) for X, gamma, neutron and beta radiations – Direct reading personal dose equivalent meters and monitors ISO 8529-1:2001, Reference neutron radiations – Part 1: Characteristics and methods of production 3 Terms and definitions 3.1 General For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. NOTE Radiation quantities and dosimetric terms are from IEC 60050-393 and IEC 60050-394.
3.2 Definitions 3.2.1
acceptance test contractual test to prove to the customer that the instrument fulfils certain specifications [IEV 151-16-23, modified] [IEV 394-40-05, modified] 3.2.2
alarm audible, visual, or other signal activated when the instrument reading exceeds a preset value or falls outside of a preset range [IEV 393-18-03, modified] 3.2.3
background level radiation field in which the instrument is intended to operate which includes background produced by naturally occurring radioactive material 3.2.4
conventionally true value value attributed to a particular quantity and accepted, sometimes by convention, as having an uncertainty appropriate for a given purpose NOTE Conventionally true value of a quantity is sometimes called assigned value, best estimate of the value, conventional value or reference value. [IEV 394-40-10] 3.2.5
false alarm alarm not caused by an increase in radiation level over background conditions 3.2.6
functionality test
test performed to verify that alarms activate and that radiation detection is acceptable 3.2.7
influence quantity quantity that may have a bearing on the result of a measurement without being the subject of the measurement SIST EN 62534:2016

62534 © IEC:2010 – 9 – 3.2.8
manufacturer includes the designer of the equipment 3.2.9
point of measurement place at which the conventionally true values are determined and at which the reference point of the instrument is placed for calibration or test purposes 3.2.10
purchaser includes the user of the equipment 3.2.11
radioactive material in this standard, radioactive material includes special nuclear material, unless otherwise specifically noted 3.2.12
reference point of an instrument mark on the equipment at which the instrument is positioned for the purpose of calibration and testing NOTE The point from which the distance to the source is measured. [IEV 394-40-15, modified] 3.2.13
type test
conformity test made on one or more items representative of the production [IEV 151-16-16] [IEV 394-40-02] 3.3 Quantities and units In the present standard, units of the International System (SI) are used1. The definitions of radiation quantities are given in IEC 60050-393, IEC 60050-394. The following units may also be used: – for energy: electron-volt (symbol: eV), 1 eV = 1,602 × 10–19 J; – for time: years (y), days (d), hours (h), minutes (min). Multiples and submultiples of SI units will be used, when practicable, according to the SI system. 4 General requirements
4.1 General characteristics
Instruments addressed by this standard are used for the detection of neutron emitting radioactive material. These instruments are hand-held and battery-powered. They have a significantly higher detection capability than pocket-sized devices which allows them to be used to search around larger volume items such as vehicles and containers. ————————— 1
The International System of Units, 8th edition, 2006. SIST EN 62534:2016

– 10 – 62534 © IEC:2010 4.2 Physical configuration The instrument case design shall meet the requirements stated for IP code 53 (see IEC 60529). Controls and adjustments that may affect the operation of the instrument including setting of alarms shall be designed so that access to them is limited to authorized persons. Provisions shall be made to permit testing of visual and/or sound warning indicators without the use of radiation sources. Alarm threshold values shall be calculated by the instrument automatically using background measurements and user definable alarm factors. 4.3 Basic information 4.3.1 Documentation supplied The manufacturer shall provide instrument performance specifications and instructions for operation. See Clause 8 for details. 4.3.2 Radiation detector Manufacturer provided information shall describe the radiation detector types used for neutron detection and the personal protection alarm (e.g., 3He, GM). For gas-filled counter tubes the internal pressure shall be stated by the manufacturer. The instrument’s fluence response to bare and moderated 252Cf shall be stated by the manufacturer. 4.3.3 Size The dimensions of the instrument shall be specified by the manufacturer with maximum dimensions of 350 mm × 200 mm × 150 mm excluding the handle. 4.3.4 Weight The weight or mass of the instrument shall be specified by the manufacturer and should be less than 5 kg. 4.4 Operating modes 4.4.1 Monitor mode The instrument shall have the ability to monitor the area surrounding the instrument for changes in radiation levels that may be caused by a source passing through the area. This shall be done without actions by the user and shall work autonomously. The user shall have the ability to select whether the alarm will be silent or audible, and visual or not. 4.4.2 Search mode The instrument shall have a search function that is activated by the user. The instrument shall provide an audible and visual indication when operated in search mode. Audible and visual indications shall be related to the magnitude of the radiation field (e.g., increasing frequency or pitch of beep tone with increasing radiation signal) for eyes-free searching and localization. 4.4.3 Integration mode
The instrument shall have the ability to integrate counts for an extended period of time. The start and end of the integration time shall be user activated with the accumulated counts SIST EN 62534:2016

62534 © IEC:2010 – 11 – displayed as the measurement proceeds. An alarm shall be provided based on the accumulated counts. The integrated mode alarm method shall be described by the manufacturer. 4.5 Maintenance/Calibration The instrument shall have an access-controlled, menu-driven mode that will allow personnel to check and perform adjustments as needed to calibrate the instrument as well as make adjustments to factors that can control the response of the instrument. 4.6 Communication interface The instrument shall have the ability to transfer data to another device such as a personal computer. The manufacturer shall provide a full description of the transfer data format. “XML” format based on ANSI N42.42 is recommended. 4.7 User interface The following are considered essential or desirable:
a) the following shall be provided: – simple to use for non-expert users and user-friendly controls for routine operation, – neutron radiation alarms with visual and audible alarms, – display that provides a method to track radiation levels when operating in the “search” mode, – display that provides a real-time radiation level indication that can be viewed when operating in the “monitor” mode, – audible and/or visual indication that is related to the magnitude of the radiation field (e.g., increasing frequency or pitch of beep tone with increasing radiation signal) for eyes-free searching and localization, – readable display in all lighting conditions including darkness, – protection of the setting of all operational parameters, if available, – controls and switches that are designed in a way to minimize accidental operation, – diagnostic capabilities, – indication of battery status, and – the capability to operate if the user is wearing gloves. b) the following should be provided:
– silent alarms for covert operation such as vibration alarm and/or earphone connection with an adjustable volume to cope with the large variations in human hearing sensitivity and noise level. 4.8 Markings 4.8.1 General All external instrument controls, displays, and adjustments shall be identified as to function. Internal controls needed for operation shall be identified through markings and identification in technical manuals. External markings shall be easily readable and permanently fixed under normal conditions of use. 4.8.2 Exterior markings The following markings shall appear on the exterior of the instrument or each major assembly (e.g., detector probe) as appropriate:
• manufacturer and model number, SIST EN 62534:2016

– 12 – 62534 © IEC:2010 • unique serial number,
• location of the reference point, and
• function designation for controls, switches, and adjustments that are not menu or software driven.
Markings shall be easily readable and permanently fixed under normal conditions of use
(including use of normal decontamination procedures). 4.9 Power supply 4.9.1 Requirements Instruments shall be equipped with a test circuit or other visible direct indicator of battery condition for each battery circuit. The manufacturer shall state the expected continuous operating time using the recommended batteries and the conditions (functional and environmental) used to determine this time.
The instrument shall be fully operational for a minimum of 8 h after warm-up under standard test conditions. The low-battery indication shall be no lower than the minimum voltage required for proper operation. If operated using consumable batteries, the batteries shall be widely available, not unique to the instrument, and be field replaceable (e.g., AA) with no special tools. Battery chargers shall meet appropriate electrical standards. 4.9.2 External DC or AC power
The instrument should be capable of operating from an external DC or AC source. Adequate protection from reverse polarity, over-voltage, and electrical noise shall be provided. AC or DC power sources may include: a) 12 V DC as would be obtained from a 12-volt vehicle electrical system.
b) A portable battery pack, such as one that can be worn, that supplies 4 V DC to 28 V DC. c) A regulated 12 V DC power supply operating from mains power. d) A single phase 100 V AC to 240 V AC 50 Hz – 60 Hz power supply. Requirements are verified by observation of the instrument and review of manufacturer-provided information. 4.10 Protection of switches
Switches and other controls should be protected to minimize or prevent inadvertent deactivation or improper operation of the instrument.
4.11 Display units
Neutron indication shall be in counts per second. 4.12 Effective range of measurement The neutron energy range shall be from thermal to fast neutrons with tests performed using moderated and unmoderated 252Cf. The manufacturer shall also state the range for neutron count rate indication.
62534 © IEC:2010 – 13 – 4.13 Alarms 4.13.1 Source indication alarm A source indication alarm shall be provided when the measured neutron field (count rate) is above the source indication alarm threshold. This alarm threshold shall be calculated by the instrument from the background measurement by adding a user-defined count rate increment or number of standard deviations (depending on instrument operating mode). The alarm shall be both audible and visual, and not be affected by slowly increasing radiation fields that could cause a slow change in the alarm threshold. It shall not be possible to switch off all alarm indications at the same time. 4.13.2 Personal protection alarm Alarms shall be provided to alert the user when the measured neutron field (counts per second) or the photon radiation field intensity are above a user-selected threshold level (typically 100 μSv.h–1). Each alarm shall be audible and visual, be different from the neutron source indication alarm, and adjustable through the restricted mode. For the personal protection photon radiation alarm, the alarm value shall be based on 137Cs. For neutron, the alarm value shall be based on the spectrum from 252Cf. The personal protection alarm shall be functional over the stated range of the instrument. 4.14 Explosive atmospheres The manufacturer shall state as to whether the instrument is certified for use in explosive atmospheres and its category. Proof of certification shall be provided when claimed. 4.15 Indication features The instrument shall provide an indication of its operational status and alarm condition. The user shall have the ability to select the visibility of the status indication. All alarm indicators shall automatically or manually reset as defined by the user. 5 General test procedure
5.1 Nature of test Unless otherwise specified in the individual steps, all tests enumerated in this standard are to be considered type tests. Certain tests may be considered acceptance tests by agreement between the purchaser and the manufacturer.
When performing radiation tests as described in this standard, the reference point of the instrument shall be placed at the point of measurement and the instrument shall be oriented with respect to the direction of the radiation source as indicated by the manufacturer. 5.2 Reference conditions and standard test conditions
Reference conditions are given in Table 1. Except where otherwise specified, tests shall be carried out under the standard test conditions in accordance with Table 1. For those tests carried out under standard test conditions, the values of temperature, pressure, and relative humidity shall be stated and the appropriate corrections made to give the response under reference conditions. The values of any corrections should be stated. 5.3 Statistical fluctuations
For any test involving the use of radiation, if the magnitude of the statistical fluctuations of the indication arising from the random nature of radiation alone is a significant fraction of the SIST EN 62534:2016

– 14 – 62534 © IEC:2010 variation of the indication permitted in the test, then sufficient readings shall be taken to ensure that the mean value of such readings may be estimated with sufficient precision to determine whether the requirements for the characteristic under test are met. The interval between such readings shall be sufficient to ensure that the readings are statistically independent.
6 Radiation tests 6.1 Rate of false source indication alarm 6.1.1 Requirements The false alarm rate for the source indication alarm shall be less than or equal to 1 per 1 h of continuous use when operated in a stable background environment. 6.1.2 Test method The alarm threshold shall be the same as used in 6.2 and 6.3. Place the instrument in an area with a stable and controlled background radiation level and switch on the instrument. Observe the instrument for a period of 8 h and note the number of alarms during that time interval. The average false alarm rate during this period shall not exceed 1 alarm in 1 h.
6.2 Alarm and response time 6.2.1 Requirements The instrument shall indicate the presence of neutron radiation when exposed separately to both an unmoderated and moderated neutron field within a period of not more than 2 s of the exposure.
6.2.2 Test method Neutron tests should be made in a low scatter irradiation facility (see ISO 8529-1:2001) or with the instrument placed in an area where there is open space on all sides of at least 1 m around the instrument and source. The alarm set point shall be set to the same value as that used for the false alarm test.
Expose the instrument to a neutron fluence of 0,1 n/s.cm2 (± 20 %) from a 252Cf source. Photons from the source shall be shielded with 1 cm of lead. The source to instrument distance shall be between 1 m and 2 m based on direct flux. NOTE This fluence is approximately equivalent to an unmoderated 252Cf source emitting 20 000 n/s placed 125 cm from the instrument. The distance chosen represents a point source placed in the center of a cargo container (short dimension of approximately 2,48 m). This is also based on comparison with a neutron alarm caused on a typical portal monitor.
For the test, the neutron field shall be increased to the required level within a period of not more than 2 s. The instrument shall indicate the presence of neutrons within a period of 2 s after the field increase. Reduce the field and repeat the test 60 additional times. The test result is acceptable if presence is indicated in at least 59 of 61 exposures. The test shall be repeated with a moderated neutron field obtained by placing the 252Cf source at the centre of a 30 cm diameter D2O moderation sphere, or equivalent moderator. The use of an equivalent moderator shall be recorded. SIST EN 62534:2016

62534 © IEC:2010 – 15 – 6.3 Neutron alarm in the presence of photons
6.3.1 Requirements
The instrument should not trigger a neutron alarm when exposed to a gamma ambient dose equivalent rate of up to 0,1 mSv.h–1. The instrument shall indicate the presence of neutron radiation when exposed to a neutron source while being exposed to the increased level of photon radiation. 6.3.2 Test method
The instrument shall be exposed to photons from 60Co at an ambient dose equivalent rate of 0,1 mSv.h–1. Verify that that no additional neutron alarms relative to the false alarm rate are triggered within a continuous exposure time of 5 min. In order to eliminate dependence on the neutron detector geometry the distance between the 60Co source and the detector should be at least 50 cm.
While the instrument is exposed to the elevated gamma field as stated above, expose the instrument to the neutron source as specified in 6.2. The instrument shall trigger a neutron alarm in 10 of 10 trials. 6.4 Over-range characteristics for neutron alarm
6.4.1 Requirements
The instrument shall indicate that an over range condition exists when the neutron radiation level is greater than the manufacturer’s stated maximum. 6.4.2 Test method
Expose the instrument to a step change from ambient radiation background to at least 10 times that of the manufacturer-stated maximum. The instrument shall indicate that an over range condition exists within 3 s of the step change and shall remain in that condition for the entire exposure period (minimum of 5 min). After a minimum of 5 min exposure,
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