ASTM E2852-13(2021)

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.
Designation: E2852 − 13 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Guide for
Acquisition, Maintenance, Storage, and Use of Hazardous
Material Detection Instrumentation
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2852; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
In today’s environment there exists a serious, potential threat to the public and the safety personnel
that protect them.This threat comes from chemicals, gases, biological agents, radiation, and explosive
materials. In order for Safety officials to mitigate this threat, instrumentation designed to detect and
measuretheirpotentialtoinflictharmmustbeacquired,maintained,andusedinapre-definedmanner.
1. Scope mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This guide provides techniques that can be used to
ensure the proper operation and use of Hazardous Material
2. Referenced Documents
detection equipment. This document cannot replace education
or experience and should be used in conjunction with profes-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
sional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be appli- E2411 Specification for Chemical Warfare Vapor Detector
cable in all circumstances.
(CWVD) (Withdrawn 2014)
E2458 Practices for Bulk Sample Collection and Swab
1.2 This guide is not intended to represent or replace any
Sample Collection ofVisible Powders Suspected of Being
accreditationorcertificationdocumentsbywhichtheadequacy
Biological Agents and Toxins from Nonporous Surfaces
of a given professional service must be judged.
E2770 GuideforOperationalGuidelinesforInitialResponse
1.3 This guide does not purport to address all of the safety
to Suspected Biological Agents and Toxins
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
2.2 Other Documents:
of the user of this guide to establish appropriate safety and
ANSI N42.42-2006 American National Standard Data For-
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory
mat Standard for Radiation Detectors Used for Homeland
limitations prior to use.
Security
1.4 When using HAZMAT equipment follow the manufac-
DHS Guide 101-04 The Guide for the Selection of Biologi-
turer’s guidance and appropriate safety practices for the ex-
cal Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First
pected or suspected threat.
Responders, Volume I, March 2005
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
DHS Guide 101-04 The Guide for the Selection of Biologi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the cal Agent Detection Equipment for Emergency First
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
Responders, Volume II, March 2005
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter- Guide100-06 GuidefortheSelectionofChemicalDetection
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Equipment for Emergency First Responders, 3rd Edition,
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor- January 2007, Dept. of Homeland Security
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Guide 101-06 Guide for the Selection of Biological Agent
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders,
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
2nd Edition, March 2007
1 2
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E54 on Homeland For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Security Applications and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E54.01 on contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
CBRNE Detection and Decontamination. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2021. Published December 2021. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as E2852 – 13. DOI: The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
10.1520/E2852-13R21. www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2852 − 13 (2021)
MIL Standard 810 Department of Defense Test Method 3.2.2 CAD—chemical agent detector
Standard for Environmental Engineering Considerations
3.2.3 CWAs—chemical warfare agents
and Laboratory Tests
3.2.4 FEMA—Federal Emergency Management Agency
NCSL RP-7 Recommended Practices, Laboratory Design
NFPA 472 Standard for Competence of Responders of Haz- 3.2.5 HAZMAT—hazardous materials
ardous Materials/Weapons of Mass Destruction Incidents
3.2.6 HSEEP—Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation
NIJ Guide 100-99 Guide for the Selection of Commercial
Program
Explosives Detection Systems for Law Enforcement
3.2.7 LEL—low explosive level
Applications, Sept. 1999
NIJ Guide 101-00 An Introduction to Biological Agent 3.2.8 NIOSH—National Institute for Occupational Safety
Detection Equipment for Emergency First Responders, and Health
December 2001
3.2.9 ppm—parts per million
UL-913 Intrinsically Safe Apparatus and Associated Appa-
3.2.10 TICs—toxic industrial chemicals
ratus for Use in Class I, II, and III, Division 1, Hazardous
(Classified) Locations 3.2.11 TIMs—toxic industrial materials
Calibration, Philosophy in Practice, Second Edition, Fluke
3.2.12 TLV—threshold limit value
Corp.
3.2.13 TWA—timewaitedaverage(referstoatimeweighted
A Directory of Standards Laboratories, NCSL annual publi-
averageconcentrationforanormal8hdayina40hworkweek
cation
in which MOST workers can be exposed REPEATEDLY
without adverse effect)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
4. Summary of Guide
3.1.1 Definitions are from NFPA Glossary of Terms, when
4.1 Acquisition:
possible.
4.1.1 A review of applicable equipment should be per-
3.1.2 calibrate—to correlate the reading of an instrument or
formed to determine which device will be best suited for the
system of measurement with a standard (NFPA).
identified application and to meet the needs of the organization
3.1.3 counts per minute (cpm)—the number of radiological
that will use the equipment. The review should take into
transformations detected by a radiation instrument in one
considerationpotentialhazardsandtheimportanceofdetecting
minute.
them both as a precautionary measure and once they are
3.1.4 detect—to discover or determine the existence of a
discovered. Different equipment may be used before and after
material or item of interest.
a hazard is discovered. For example, a personal radiation
3.1.5 dose rate—the radiation dose delivered per unit of detector may be routinely carried to detect the presence of
time; measured for example, in “rem per hour.” radioactive material. Once radioactive material is detected,
other equipment may be used to further analyze the material.
3.1.6 dosimeter—a portable device used to measure and
4.1.2 Prior to purchase, a review of testing should be
record the total accumulated exposure to ionizing radiation by
conducted with highest consideration given to those devices
an individual.
that have had independent testing done. If possible other users
3.1.7 flux—a term referring to the amount of some type of
should be contacted to obtain additional information as to
radiation crossing a certain area per unit time.
performance, reliability, and ease of maintenance.Appropriate
3.1.8 functional tests—tests performed to verify the ability
spare parts and reference/calibration sources should be pur-
of an element or component of an element to continue to be
chased with the chosen instrument.
used for its intended purpose. (NFPA modified).
4.2 Training:
3.1.9 jig—device used to position a test source and/or the
4.2.1 Prior to field use, formal training for the designated
instrument such that calibration or functional checks are
users should be conducted. This training should be developed
repeatable.
based on manufacturer’s information and the user organization
3.1.10 quality control—a system of actions that keep the
protocol. Retraining/continuing training should be performed
qualityofgoodsorservicesatthelevelexpectedbytheirusers.
periodically (refer to NFPA 472).
3.1.11 radionuclide (nuclide)—radioactive form of an ele-
4.3 Equipment Storage:
ment.
4.3.1 Equipment are typically susceptible to extremes of hot
3.1.12 survey instrument—a handheld device used to mea-
and cold temperatures, humidity, moisture, vibration, and/or
sure the amount and locate hazardous material, hazardous
shock. All of these factors must be taken into consideration to
material contamination, and hazardous conditions.
mitigate their effect on the equipment while in storage.
3.1.13 traceable—in reference to a calibration standard, the
4.4 Maintenance/Calibration:
properties of which can be related back to a national standard.
4.4.1 Repair and calibration requires highly qualified per-
3.2 Acronyms:
sonnel in order to assure that the equipment will function
3.2.1 BA—biological agent correctly and provide accurate and reliable information to the
E2852 − 13 (2021)
user.Afacilitycanbesetupwiththeappropriatepersonneland 6.3.2 Sealed radionuclide sources for calibration and re-
test equipment, or the task can be outsourced to a competent sponse checking radiation detection instruments.
facility.
6.3.3 Particulate concentrations/dusts, as appropriate.
4.5 Equipment Use:
7. Procedure
4.5.1 Use of the equipment requires knowledge of the
function, experience in its use, and acute observation of its
7.1 Hazardous Materials Equipment Acquisition:
response during use. No matter how well trained, experienced,
7.1.1 When determining which HAZMAT equipment an
and knowledgeable an individual is, selection of the appropri-
organization will require to achieve its mission, an analysis of
ateequipmentfortheknownorsuspectedhazardisparamount.
the organization’s operational environment should be per-
formed. The following factors should be considered (but not
5. Significance and Use
limited to):
5.1 This guide provides information that could be used to: 7.1.1.1 Hazardous materials that need to be identified
5.1.1 Establish a hazardous material instrument program; ranked in order of seriousness of hazard to your organization.
5.1.2 Help ensure that consistently reliable instruments are
7.1.1.2 Environmental factors, is your operational area
available for the detection of hazardous materials; and
mostly hot, cold, dry, humid, dusty, or rainy.These factors may
5.1.3 Provide the safety professional with the means to help eliminate some choices based on any performance testing
evaluate the risk and facilitate the mitigation of the threat from
the instrument has been subjected to and available
hazardous materials.
manufacturer-stated limitations.
7.1.1.3 Location—City, suburbs, or rural. Personnel would
5.2 This guide provides information to help perform the
not want to be carrying 15 to 20 lb of monitoring equipment in
following:
addition to their regular gear up a stairwell in a high-rise
5.2.1 Select detection equipment;
building.
5.2.2 Maintain the equipment in a manner that supports its
7.1.1.4 Industry—In your area of responsibility, chemical,
immediate use when required; and
manufacturing, and processing. These will have to be investi-
5.2.3 Store equipment using proper methods and conditions
gated to determine the potential hazards of each facility.
between uses.
7.1.1.5 Should one multipurpose instrument or several spe-
5.2.4 Calibrate equipment in accordance with manufactur-
cific purpose instruments be acquired? Several single purpose
er’s recommendations and regulatory requirements:
instrumentsmaybeadequatewhenthereisaminimalhazardin
5.2.4.1 At appropriate intervals;
the organization’s location. Where the possibility exists that
5.2.4.2 Using appropriate standards; and
multiple hazards may present themselves at one time a multi-
5.2.4.3 While maintaining proper documentation of calibra-
purpose instrument may be more applicable. All configura-
tion and repair.
tions must be verified.
5.2.5 Use and verify equipment performance:
5.2.5.1 As recommended by the manufacturer for its in- 7.1.2 In addition to the factors listed in section 7.1.1,
budgetary limitations may contribute to determining the type
tended application;
and quantity of equipment selected.
5.2.5.2 By performing functional checks; and
5.2.5.3 By knowing any limitations of use. 7.1.2.1 Is the cost of the equipment acceptable to the
organization?An instrument that is slightly higher in cost may
5.3 Thisguidealsoprovidesinformationregardingthetypes
provide much better service then a less costly instrument.
of materials to be included in training programs for the use and
7.1.2.2 Most equipment manufacturers have maintenance
maintenance of the equipment.
kits available that will typically include consumables and
frequently needed parts.
6. Reagents/Test Materials
7.1.2.3 Include in the budget the cost of initial training on
6.1 Based on intended use and the type of device in any
the use of the equipment, and initial maintenance supplies for
functional group, calibration standards will be required as well
the instrument.
as response sources. These are typically gasses, liquids, and/or
7.1.2.4 Research and project maintenance costs for the
solids.
instrument in the future. Can the expected future budgets
6.2 As appropriate, test materials should be in a sealed
support these costs?
container to prevent unwanted loss of the material. Means
7.1.3 Once the type of equipment is established, specific
should be provided to permit their intended use in the calibra-
makes and models must be determined based on factors related
tion and response check process without unwanted loss of
to the organization such as; funding, number of personnel,
material and unnecessary exposure of the operator to the
physical space, and organizational structure.Amarket analysis
sources. Simulants should be used for testing response to toxic
and review should be performed to identify a specific instru-
substances.
ment within each category of instrument needed. This should
be based on factors such as reliability, durability, maintenance
6.3 Typical calibration and response sources needed should
requirements, and usability.
include the following:
6.3.1 Compressed gas of various types including simulants 7.1.3.1 As to the equipment’s primary function; will it
for calibration of gas monitors and confined space monitors. detect the suspected potential hazard?
E2852 − 13 (2021)
7.1.3.2 Safetyofoperation;ensurethatuseoftheinstrument 7.2.8 Training modules on the usage techniques must be
doesnotinterferewiththesafetyofpersonnelwhenusedinthe developed. Included in these modules should be discussion on
field. Does the use or calibration of the instrument in and of the risk from the expected hazardous material and means to
itself present a safety concern? Are instruments that will be mitigate this risk while still performing the task. Safety
brought into a flammable environment intrinsically safe? guidelines and protective equipment for the associated hazard
should also be included.
7.1.3.3 If possible obtain a device of the exact type being
7.2.9 Field training under simulated conditions should be
considered for purchase. Evaluate this device in the field to see
conducted with all the instruments to familiarize personnel
if it meets the manufacturer’s specifications and the organiza-
withthespecificfunctionsandpeculiaritiesofeachinstrument.
tions analyzed criteria (refer to Appendix X1, “Suggested
Someequipmentthataremorecomplextooperatemayhaveto
Criteria for Field Testing Instruments”).
be designated for use by specific individuals that have had
7.1.3.4 Identify and consult with other owners/users of the
specialized training.
instrument being considered to determine how they view the
instrument. Discuss its strong points and weak points.
7.3 Equipment Storage:
7.3.1 HAZMAT equipment will typically consist of a
7.2 Training Basics:
detector, display, and electronics to process the signal from the
7.2.1 This section only provides general guidance. Refer to
detector. All three of these components collectively or indi-
federal training programs implemented by FEMA and HSEEP
vidually may be susceptible to extremes of hot and cold
at the state and local levels for requirements and more specific
temperatures, humidity, moisture, vibration, and/or shock.
guidance.
When storing equipment consideration must be given to
7.2.2 Obtain initial vendor training when available. Most
mitigating the effect of these factors on the device.
manufacturers offer training in the use of their equipment.
7.3.2 To maintain functionality during long-term storage, it
7.2.2.1 The format may be a video or detailed printed
is best that the storage facility have a controlled atmosphere.
material. The organization’s training person or lead person
Items such as batteries or filter media should be removed to
should present the class.
prevent corrosion or mildew buildup.
7.2.2.2 Some manufacturers may offer formal instructor-
7.3.3 For short term storage, that is, the equipment is
conducted classes.
maintained ready for immediate use, containers and padding
7.2.3 In cases where several devices are being purchased, a
should be provided to protect the equipment from environmen-
training fee may be waived by the vendor/manufacturer.
tal assault and rough handling as such storage might be in an
Consultants familiar with HAZMAT equipment may also
emergency response vehicle.
provide unbiased training.
7.4 Equipment Calibration and Maintenance:
7.2.4 Prior to use of the equipment in the field, formal
7.4.1 It is absolutely critical that equipment be calibrated in
training on operation for the designated users should be
accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. Failure
conducted. This training should be conducted in a manner
to do so could jeopardize the people whose lives depend on the
which makes it as realistic as possible.
instruments proper operation.
7.2.5 Training should be developed based on manufactur-
7.4.2 Calibration frequency should be based on the manu-
er’s information and user organization protocol.
facturer’srequirementsorrecommendation,andshallmeetany
7.2.5.1 Hands-on training in a classroom should be con-
federal, state, local requirements and/or regulations. The cali-
ducted to permit trainees to become familiar with the equip-
bration interval may be extended for some equipment with
ment.
justification based on maintenance history, performance check
7.2.5.2 Periodic review sessions should be performed to
history, and type of equipment.This is considered performance
maintain proficiency with each device. These could be con-
based calibrations. Performance based calibration frequency
ducted as one-on-one or small group sessions during down
may be longer or shorter than the manufacturer’s recommen-
time.
dation.
7.2.5.3 Field use in various environmental conditions
7.4.3 Without a proper calibration and adequate documen-
should also be conducted so that trainees can observe any
tation of the calibration, data acquired may have questionable
physical or mechanical limitations the instrument may have.
value.
7.2.5.4 All training must be documented. Competency sign-
7.4.4 Repair and calibration of equipment requires highly
offs (for example, qualification cards) should be established
qualified personnel and a well supplied calibration facility. A
and utilized to document an individual’s abilities.
facility can be set up with the appropriate personnel and
7.2.6 Use of some equipment such as radiation dosimetry or
equipment or the task can be outsourced to a competent
CO monitorsshouldbecomeanintegralpartofdailyactivities
facility.
dependent on the organization’s mission.
7.4.5 The use of traceable sources is required to perform
7.2.7 Retraining/Continuing training should be performed calibrations.ThisprovidesadocumentedpathbacktoNational
periodically. The time period should be based on the complex- Standards.Traceablesources,awrittencalibrationprocess,and
ity of the equipment and the frequency of actual use.The more good calibration records validates the quality of the calibration
complex the operation and the longer the periods between uses process and the equipment’s ability to perform its intended
should require a shorter time between training. No personnel function. This also supports the monitoring results obtained in
should exceed 1 year for retraining on the equipment. the field as a legal document.
E2852 − 13 (2021)
NOTE 1—Most operating manuals have a detailed outline of the steps
7.4.6 The challenges in setting up a calibration facility will
needed for calibration.
depend on the variety and volume of instruments to be
(1) The identification of the specific type of device to
calibrated and the philosophy applied to the calibrations. With
which this procedure is applicable.
the primary function of a calibration lab being instrument
(2) A list of the materials, specialty tools, and source(s)
calibration, the secondary function of any calibration facility is
necessary for the calibration.
to maintain traceability of the calibration documents for the
(3) A step by step description of the calibration process.
instruments being calibrated. The function of records is to add
This will include preparation, setup, performance, and docu-
discipline to the calibration process and ensure that any audits
mentation.Usetheequipmentoperatingmanualorinformation
of calibration activity will be successfully passed.
from the manufacturer as guidance in writing the steps in this
7.4.6.1 The physical layout of a calibration facility is up to
part.
the discretion of the facility’s operator. A helpful document is
(4) The procedure should contain or reference the appro-
NCSL RP-7, Recommended Practices, Laboratory Design. It
priate form to document the calibration data. Complete legible
can be simply a work bench at the side of a larger work area
documentation is a must for maintaining a working history of
(least desired) to a separate set of rooms (most desired). The
the equipment. Equipment history will provide insight into
choice is largely dictated by cost, available space, and volume
how well the equipment is performing over time and spotlight
of work.
any slow degradation of instrument performance.
(5) Once a procedure is written, have another individual
7.4.6.2 Whatever configuration is determined to meet the
that has not been part of the writing process perform a
needs of the organization, the area must be large enough to
walk-through of the procedure. This will find many assump-
support work and accommodate the items required for calibra-
tions that should have been a step in the procedure. It will also
tion such as:
validate the flow and order of the steps in the procedure.
(1) An area of sufficient size to permit minimal impedi-
ments to the calibration process.
7.4.6.4 The manufacturer and/or the vendor of the equip-
(2) Sufficient electrical power. Many devices used to sup-
ment will typically have “calibration kits” available for the
port calibration require electrical power, typically 120 volts.
equipment they sell. These kits provide the basic materials
(3) Awell-lightedworkbenchtoprovidesufficientspaceto
neededtoperformacalibration.Theseprovideanidealstartfor
stage the calibration equipment and the devices to be cali- building a good calibration process.
brated.
7.4.7 Calibrating some devices requires expensive equip-
(4) Good ventilation and air circulation; when working
ment and time consuming methods. The cost to establish a
with calibration gases and agents, sufficient ventilation and facility to perform a full calibration on these devices may not
humidity control must be maintained so as not to compromise be justified. It may be more cost effective to outsource this
thecalibrationorcausediscomforttothecalibrationpersonnel. activity.Aminimal calibration lab where calibration checks on
Sudden changes in temperature during a calibration can affect themorecomplexdevicesandfullcalibrationonothersmaybe
the most appropriate method.
the validity of the calibration.
(5) Sources with which to perform the calibration; gasses, 7.4.7.1 Many equipment manufacturers provide calibration
services for their products. In addition a large number of
radionuclides, liquids, and particulates as appropriate.
(6) A large supply of the appropriate batteries should be independent laboratories offer calibration services to the pub-
lic. The quality of service offered can range from unacceptable
available.
to excellent.
(7) Equipment being calibrated should have new or freshly
7.4.7.2 When choosing calibration services, look beyond
charged batteries prior to calibration.
the price.Acalibration laboratory’s capabilities and operations
(8) An adequate set of tools and analytical equipment to
should be audited before its services are utilized.
perform routine maintenance and minor repairs.
7.4.7.3 The NCSL annual publication, A Directory of Stan-
(9) Appropriate jig(s) to ensure repeatable positioning of
dards Laboratories, lists the services provided and contact
devices.
information for member labs.
(10) A substantial filling cabinet, preferably lockable and
7.4.8 Maintaining quality records is a must—a calibration
fireproof, for maintaining completed calibration records and
and repair history should be established for each device. This
other pertinent documents. Off-site duplicate storage should
can be as formal as a running log that details all evolutions of
also be considered.
an instrument’s life or as simple as a file folder containing
(11) A fireproof cabinet for combustible sources and
documents of calibration and repairs. Either way the data
chemicals.
should be recoverable for legal use when required.All records
(12) A lockable, secure cabinet for sources that must be
shouldbemaintainedforthelifeoftheinstrumentandpossibly
guarded such as radiation sources.
75 years thereafter. The actual amount of time for record
7.4.6.3 Once a facility is established, detailed calibration
storage must be established by the user organization.
procedures must be written. Calibration procedures specific to
each device must be developed to facilitate accurate and 7.5 Equipment Use:
reproducible calibrations such that the equipment provide 7.5.1 Prior to each use, a functional check must be per-
consistently similar readings during field use. Each procedure
formed to ensure that the device is operating as specified. A
will
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