IEC 62387:2020

Overview

IEC 62387:2020 - Radiation protection instrumentation - Dosimetry systems with integrating passive detectors - defines requirements and test methods for passive integrating dosimetry systems used for individual, workplace and environmental monitoring of photon and beta radiation. The standard covers systems that measure dose quantities such as Hp(10), Hp(3), Hp(0,07), *H(10)**, H'(3) and H'(0,07) over the dose range 0.01 mSv to 10 Sv. IEC 62387:2020 applies to passive detectors that are typically read and evaluated by electronic, often computer‑controlled, equipment.

Key Topics and Technical Requirements

• Scope of measurement: Personal dose equivalents (Hp(10), Hp(3), Hp(0,07)) and ambient/directional dose equivalents (H*(10), H'(3), H'(0,07)).
• Dose and energy ranges: Specified measurable dose range (0.01 mSv–10 Sv); energy ranges for photons and betas are given in the standard’s Table 1.
• General test procedures: Reference conditions, phantom selection, dosemeter positioning, uncertainty and non‑linearity considerations, and test sample sizes.
• Performance requirements: Coefficient of variation, linearity, overload/after‑effects, reusability and model capability.
• Radiation performance tests: Energy and angular dependence for photon and beta incidence for each measured quantity; response to mixed radiation fields.
• Design and information: Requirements for system design, dose indication, assignment of values to dosemeters, contamination retention, and user instructions.
• Software, data and interfaces: Requirements for software design, identification, authenticity, alarms, data storage/transmission and hardware/software interfaces.
• Environmental and durability tests: Temperature, humidity, light exposure, fading, sealing, reader stability and other environmental performance tests.

Practical Applications and Users

IEC 62387:2020 is essential for:

• Manufacturers of passive integrating dosimetry systems and readers (design, testing and certification).
• Calibration and testing laboratories performing type testing and conformity assessments.
• Radiation protection professionals in healthcare, nuclear power, industrial radiography, research and environmental monitoring who select or verify dosimetry systems.
• Regulatory bodies and employers who require compliance evidence for occupational and public radiation monitoring programs.

This standard helps ensure accurate personal dosimetry, workplace monitoring, and environmental monitoring using passive detectors, improving dose measurement traceability and system reliability.

Related Standards (if applicable)

Consult IEC 62387:2020 alongside other IEC and national standards on radiation protection instrumentation, calibration procedures and local regulatory requirements for comprehensive compliance and implementation.