ISO 2919:2012

Overview

ISO 2919:2012 - Radiological protection - Sealed radioactive sources - General requirements and classification - defines an international, performance‑based classification system for sealed radioactive sources. The standard specifies general requirements, performance and production tests, marking and certification so manufacturers, users and regulating authorities can assess source safety and select appropriate types to limit release of radioactive material and exposure to ionizing radiation.

Key Topics

• Performance-based classification: Sources are classified by test performance (Table 1), with class numbers describing severity for temperature, external pressure, impact, vibration, puncture and optional bending tests.
• Test types and severity: Includes exposure to extreme temperatures (examples up to +800 °C for 1 h and thermal shock), external pressure (up to 170 MPa), impact, vibration, puncture and bending forces. Each test has increasing severity levels; pass/fail is determined by leakage.
• Leakage criteria: Leakage test methods are referenced (ISO 9978); integrity after testing is judged by absence of unacceptable leakage.
• Designation format: Classification codes use the format ISO/<year>/<letter><five digits>(•), where the letter C or E indicates activity relative to thresholds in Table 2 and the five digits indicate class numbers for each test type.
• Activity thresholds and radionuclide groups: Table 2 sets specified activity levels by radionuclide group (Annex A). Sources exceeding these activity levels require additional evaluation.
• Additional requirements: Source marking, certification, recommended working life (RWL), quality assurance and guidance for special or severe environments (Annexes C and D).

Applications and Who Uses It

ISO 2919:2012 is used by:

• Manufacturers of sealed sources (design validation, production testing, marking and certification).
• Regulatory authorities (type approval, licensing guidance, compliance assessment).
• End users and radiation safety officers in industries such as industrial radiography, brachytherapy, irradiators and gauges (selecting sources suitable for intended service conditions).
• Test laboratories performing performance and leakage testing. Practical uses include selecting a source with appropriate classification for expected environmental stresses (temperature, pressure, mechanical shock) and determining when additional tests are needed for especially severe conditions (fire, corrosion, explosion).

Related Standards

• ISO 9978 - Radiation protection - Sealed radioactive sources - Leakage test methods (referenced for leakage criteria).
• ISO 361 - Basic ionizing radiation symbol (referenced for marking).

ISO 2919:2012 is intentionally performance‑based and does not classify source design, construction methods or reactor fuel elements. It provides minimum test schedules and guidance to maintain safe sealed-source use across medical, industrial and research applications.