What is EN IEC 62244 about?
EN IEC 62244 defines the performance requirements of installed monitors used for the detection of gamma and neutron radiation emitters. These monitors are commonly known as radiation portal monitors or RPMs.
EN IEC 62244 establishes the general, radiological, climatic, mechanical, electric and electromagnetic, and documentation requirements and associated test methods.
Note: EN IEC 62244 does not apply to the performance of spectroscopy-based portal monitors covered in IEC 62484.
Who is EN IEC 62244 for?
EN IEC 62244 on the detection of gamma and neutron radiation emitters is relevant to:
- Radiation instrumentation manufacturers
- Nuclear instrumentation companies
- Regulatory authorities
- Government organizations
- Nuclear facilities
- Airport authorities
Why should you use EN IEC 62244?
Illicit and inadvertent movement of radioactive materials has become a problem of increasing importance. Radioactive sources out of regulatory control, so-called “orphan sources”, have frequently caused serious radiation exposures and widespread contamination. Although illicit trafficking of nuclear and other radioactive materials is not a new phenomenon, concern about a nuclear “black market” has increased in the last few years particularly in view of its terrorist potential.
Nuclear instrumentation companies are developing and manufacturing radiation instrumentation to assist in the detection of illicit movement of radioactive and special nuclear materials. This type of instrumentation is widely used for security purposes at nuclear facilities, border control checkpoints, and international seaports and airports.
RPM are detection devices that provide a passive or non-intrusive means to screen people, vehicles or other objects for the presence of nuclear or radiological materials. These monitors are used to eliminate the need for individual searches using handheld monitors.
EN IEC 62244 stipulates the performance requirements of installed radiation portal monitors which will help you accurately detect and assess whether substances or products are clear of hazardous materials or not. Standardising the processes will improve credibility and trust of your product and service.
What’s changed since the last update?
BS EN IEC 62244:2021 supersedes BS EN 62244:2011, which is withdrawn.
BS EN IEC 62244:2021 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 62244:2011. These include:
- Making the standard consistent with the new standards for detection of illicit trafficking of radioactive material
- Creating unformed functionality test for all environmental, electromagnetic and mechanical tests and a requirement for the coefficient of variation of each nominal mean reading
- Reference to IEC 62706 for the environmental, electromagnetic and mechanical test conditions
- Adding information regarding climatic exposures