HPS N43.6-2007 (R2013)

This standard establishes a system of classification for sealed
radioactive sources based on performance specifications related to
radiation safety. It does not consider the radiation output of the
sealed source.

The standard provides a manufacturer of sealed radioactive
sources with a set of tests to evaluate the safety of its products
under specified conditions, and also to assist a user of such
sources to select types that suit an application, especially where
protection against radioactive contamination is concerned. This
standard also provides guidance to regulatory authorities.

The tests fall into several groups, including, for example,
exposure to abnormally high and low temperature and a variety of
mechanical tests. Each test can be applied in several degrees of
severity.

Although the standard classifies sealed sources by a variety of
tests, it does not imply that a sealed source will maintain its
integrity if used continuously at the rated classification. For
example, a sealed source tested for one hour at 600°C (1112°F) may
or may not maintain its integrity if used continuously at 600°C
(1112°F).

Table 4 of this standard includes a list, which is not intended
to be comprehensive, of typical applications of sealed radioactive
sources with a suggested performance classification for each
application. These classifications are minimum requirements
corresponding to the applications in the usual environment. Factors
to be considered for applications in especially severe environments
are listed in Sections 4.2 and 4.3.

This standard makes no attempt to classify the design of
sources, their method of construction, or their calibration in
terms of the radiation emitted.

Several subjects relating to sealed sources and their testing
are not treated in detail in this standard, including selected
brachytherapy sources, self-luminous light sources and IAEA tests
for special-form radioactive material. These subjects are covered
by separate standards as listed in Section 4.4.