DIN ISO 16639:2017-11

Detection and monitoring of airborne radionuclides in workplaces is particularly important for the safety of workers in facilities where dispersible radioactive materials are used. The primary purpose of monitoring the activity concentrations of airborne radioactive materials in the workplace is to assess and minimize the inhalation hazard to workers in facilities where these materials may become airborne. The results often serve as a basis for the development and evaluation of control procedures and can indicate necessary changes to technical controls or operating procedures. In particular, the detection and monitoring of radionuclide concentrations in air are critical for evaluating the safe storage of radioactive materials, assessing the effectiveness of contamination control programs and work procedures. They provide measurement data for the qualitative classification of dose, for the general assessment of the risk of air contamination in a room and for triggering an immediate warning to employees when airborne radionuclide concentrations exceed safe limits. The standard specifies guidelines and performance criteria for the sampling of airborne radioactive substances and the monitoring of concentrations at workplaces in nuclear facilities. The focus is on the health protection of workers in enclosed spaces. It contains criteria based on best practice and procedures for the use of air sampling equipment and systems, including retrospective samplers, continuous air monitoring systems and personal air samplers. In particular, it describes the objectives of air sampling programs, the establishment of indoor air sampling and air monitoring programs to achieve these program objectives. Responsible is the DKE/GK 851 "Activity meter for radiation protection" of the DKE (German Commission for Electrical, Electronic and Information Technologies) at DIN and VDE.