HPS N13.37-2014 PDF Download

The HPS N13.37-2014 standard provides criteria for the design and implementation of passive environmental dosimetry systems. These systems are used to monitor radiation doses in areas surrounding radiological facilities, ensuring compliance with public dose limits and assessing the potential impact of facility operations on the environment. The standard covers the use of dosimeters, such as TLDs, OSL dosimeters, and direct ion-storage dosimeters, as well as the readout devices required for processing the dosimeters.

The standard is divided into several sections. Sections 1 to 4 provide an overview, definitions, general considerations, and a summary of requirements and recommendations. Sections 5 and 6 outline laboratory tests that determine the performance characteristics of a dosimetry system design. These tests establish criteria for bias and precision in field measurements, enabling accurate quantification of the radiological impact. Section 7 of the standard focuses on implementation performance objectives, requirements, and recommendations for field measurements using a dosimetry system that meets the performance criteria from Sections 5 and 6.

To conform to the standard, the system design must be fully documented, including the dosimeters, readout equipment, processing hardware, equipment configuration, operating procedures, and dose calculation methods used for testing. If a system design has been tested and shown to meet the standard's criteria, the results of the tests can be applicable to other processors implementing the same design. However, any changes made to the system design by the end user must be documented and should not alter the basic performance characteristics determined in the type tests.

Overall, the purpose of the HPS N13.37-2014 standard is to provide performance test methods and criteria for the design and implementation of environmental radiation dosimetry systems used for measuring external photon radiation. The standard acknowledges the influence of factors such as detector material, anneal treatment, readout protocols, dose calculation algorithms, and other variables on the sensitivity, reproducibility, minimum quantifiable dose, and fading characteristics of the dosimetry system. It also recognizes that manufacturers and processors may have different roles in the implementation process, but ultimately, the processor is responsible for determining the final system design.