1.1 This document covers essential recommendations for dosimetry needed to conduct research on the effects of ionizing radiation on materials, products and biological samples. Such research includes establishment of the quantitative relationship between absorbed dose and the relevant effects. This document also describes the overall need for dosimetry in such research, and for reporting of the results. Dosimetry should be considered an integral part of the experiment, and the researcher is responsible for ensuring the accuracy and applicability of the dosimetry system used.

1.2 This document covers research conducted using the following types of ionizing radiation: gamma radiation (typically from Cobalt-60 or Cesium-137 sources), X-radiation (bremsstrahlung, typically with energies between 50 keV and 7.5 MeV), and electrons (typically with energies ranging from 80 keV to more than 10 MeV). See ISO/ASTM 51608, 51649, 51818 and 51702.

1.3 This document describes dosimetry recommendations for establishing the experimental method. It does not include dosimetry recommendations for installation qualification or operational qualification of the irradiation facility. These subjects are treated in ISO/ASTM 51608, 51649, 51818 and 51702.

1.4 This document is not intended to limit the flexibility of the researcher in the determination of the experimental methodology. The purpose of the document is to ensure that the radiation source and experimental methodology are chosen such that the results of the experiment will be useful and understandable to other scientists and regulatory agencies. The total uncertainty in the absorbed-dose measurement results and the absorbed-dose variation within the irradiated sample should be taken into account in the interpretation of the research results (see ISO/ASTM Guide 51707).

1.5 This document is one of a set of standards that provides recommendations for properly implementing dosimetry in radiation processing, and describes a means of achieving compliance with the requirements of ISO/ASTM 52628. This document is thus intended to be read in conjunction with ISO/ASTM 52628.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.