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.