IEC 62401:2017 describes design and functional criteria along with testing methods for evaluating the performance of Personal Radiation Devices (PRDs) used for detection of illicit trafficking of radioactive material (e. g., for border radiation monitoring). This document applies to alarming radiation detection instruments that are pocket-sized, carried on the body and used to detect and indicate the presence and general magnitude of gamma radiation fields. Neutron detection may also be provided.
This new edition includes the following significant technical changes with respect to the previous edition:
a) making the standard consistent with the new standards for detection of illicit trafficking of radioactive material (see the Introduction);
b) changing some basic requirements;
c) creating a uniform functionality test for all environmental, electromagnetic and mechanical tests;
d) reference to IEC 62706 for the environmental, electromagnetic and mechanical test conditions.