ASTM D5928-96(2010)e1

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: D5928 − 96 (Reapproved 2010)
Standard Test Method for
Screening of Waste for Radioactivity
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5928; 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.
´ NOTE—Editorial changes were made throughout in January 2010.
1. Scope 4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Asample is held within 6 mm of the detector window of
1.1 This test method covers the screening for α–, β–, and γ
a radiation survey meter, and the visible or audible reaction of
radiation above ambient background levels or user-defined
the meter, or both, is noted. The user defines an application/
criteria, or both, in liquid, sludge, or solid waste materials.
project specific “negative” and “positive” result criteria. A
1.2 This test method is intended to be a gross screening
“negative” test result indicates radiation levels are below the
method for determining the presence or absence of radioactive
user-established criteria; a “positive” test result indicates the
materials in liquid, sludge, or solid waste materials. It is not
radiation levels are above the user-established criteria.
intended to replace more sophisticated quantitative analytical
techniques, but to provide a method for rapidly screening 5. Significance and Use
samples for radioactivity above ambient background levels or
5.1 Most facilities disposing or utilizing waste materials are
user-defined criteria, or both, for facilities prohibited from
prohibited from handling wastes that contain radioactive ma-
handling radioactive waste.
terials. This test method provides the user a rapid method for
screening waste material samples in the field or laboratory for
1.3 This test method may not be suitable for applications
the presence or absence of radioactivity at user-established
such as site assessments and remediation activities.
criteria. It is important to these facilities to be able to verify
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
generator-supplied information that radioactive or mixed
standard.
wastes have not been included in shipments of waste materials.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
6. Interferences
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
6.1 Needle deflections or audible clicks of the survey meter,
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- or both, occur due to naturally occurring omni-directional
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
background radiation. This level of ambient background radia-
tion should be periodically assessed. See Section 10.
2. Referenced Documents
6.2 Possible sources of interference include pacemakers,
X-ray generating equipment, radium-based luminescent dials,
2.1 ASTM Standards:
polonium-based static eliminators, and smoke detectors con-
C859 Terminology Relating to Nuclear Materials
taining a radioactive isotope sensing mechanism. Such inter-
ferencescanusuallybetracedtotheirsourceusingtheportable
3. Terminology
instrument specified in this test method.
3.1 For terminology related to radioactive materials, see
6.3 A large amount of potassium in the waste sample may
Terminology C859.
produce a positive result due to the natural presence of the
radioactive isotope, Potassium-40.
6.4 The sensitivity of this test method to beta and gamma
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
radiation may be dependent on sample volume.Asmall sample
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.05 on
Screening Methods.
volume with readings near background levels may give a false
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2010. Published January 2010. Originally
negative result.
approved in 1996. Last previous edition approved in 2003 as D5928 – 96(2003).
3 14
DOI: 10.1520/D5928-96R10E01.
6.5 Some radioactive isotopes, such as H and C, may not
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
emit radiation of sufficient energy to be detected. If suspected
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
to be present in the waste, another procedure should be used
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. that is appropriate to their determination.
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D5928 − 96 (2010)
6.6 Liquidsamples,aswellasmoistureinsolidsamples,are 8.2 Check sources should be replaced at least every three
goodattenuatorsofradiationandwillhinderdetectionofmany half-lives.
radionuclides unless they emit high-energy gamma radiation.
The possible inability to detect alpha particles and low-level 9. Sample
beta emissions that may be attenuated, in many cases, should
9.1 Because stratification of liquid samples is possible,
not be a serious shortcoming in this test method because these
thoroughly mix the sample by shaking or stirring prior to
emissions are often accompanied by higher energy gamma
testing. Strongly multiphasic samples should have each layer
emissions.
testedseparately.Solidsamplesshouldbethoroughlymixedby
6.6.1 Moisture-laden Americium-241 bearing waste would
a method appropriate to their size and physical characteristics.
beacasewherethereisahighprobabilityofnon-detectiondue
to attenuation.
10. Calibration and Standardization
6.7 Surveymetercontaminationcancauseartificiallylowor
10.1 Check the battery power source of the survey meter
high results when reading standard sources or ambient back-
prior to use. If the battery check indicates that the battery
ground. If this occurs, the survey meter performance shall be
charge is not in the optimal power range, it must be replaced
considered unreliable and should be appropriately decontami-
prior to use.
nated by qualified personnel, or disposed of in accordance with
10.2 Check the survey meter’s performance at least daily
applicable regulations.
using the α, β, and γ check sources. This is done by observing
6.8 The radiation monitor should be operated in accordance
the su
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