Full Description

This document is applicable to security screening systems designed to expose persons to X-rays. In particular, the document applies to systems where the body is exposed to the primary beam of X-rays. It is common to divide currently used systems into three types: backscatter systems, transmission systems and combination backscatter/transmission systems. Some examples of systems that fall within the scope of this document are backscatter X-ray scanners; transmission X-ray scanners; occupied vehicle scanners.

The purpose of this document is to provide standardized requirements and test methods to ensure the safe operation of X-ray personnel screening systems, from a radiation protection point of view. In particular, the document specifies requirements related to the radiation protection of the persons being screened, persons who are in the vicinity of the equipment and the operators. Standard methods are provided to estimate the effective dose to the persons being screened. There are several simplifying assumptions inherent in such procedures that limit their accuracy. Nevertheless, there is value in having simple standard methods for dose estimation, e.g. for regulatory use. When highly accurate dose estimates are needed, different methods should be used that account for the particular characteristics of the X-ray system and persons being screened.

The document does not address image quality or detection performance.