NF EN ISO 18589-3, M60-790-3 (02/2024)

This document specifies the identification and measurement of the activity of a large number of gamma-emitting radionuclides, in soils, by gamma spectrometry. This non-destructive method applicable to large volume samples (up to 3 l) makes it possible to determine, by a single measurement, all the emitters? present whose photon energy is between 5 keV and 3 MeV. The generic test method and fundamental principles of using gamma spectrometry are described in ISO 20042. This document can be used by testing laboratories carrying out routine radioactivity measurements, because the majority of radionuclides Gamma emitters are characterized by gamma emission lines between 40 keV and 2 MeV. This method can be implemented using a germanium or another type of detector with a resolution less than 5 keV. The purpose of this document is to provide methods and practices for determining the activity of gamma-emitting radionuclides present in soils, particularly in rocks from bedrock and ore, construction materials and products, pottery, etc. . These soils and materials contain naturally occurring radioactive materials (NRM), or are the results of technological processes using technologically enhanced natural radioactive materials (TEM), such as mining and processing of mineral sands, production and processing. use of phosphate fertilizers, as well as sludge and sediment. Generally used for the purpose of radioprotection, this method of determining the activity of gamma-emitting radionuclides is perfectly suited to environmental monitoring and inspection of a site and allows, in the event of an accident, a rapid assessment of the level of gamma radioactivity. It may concern the soils of gardens or agricultural land, the soils of urban or industrial sites which may contain debris from construction materials, as well as soils which have not been modified by human activities. When the radiological characterization of unscreened material greater than 200 µm or 250 µm, of petrographic nature or of anthropogenic origin, such as debris from construction materials, is necessary, this material can be crushed in order to obtain a homogeneous sample for the tests described in ISO 18589-2.
(Automatic translation from French)