IEC 60860:2014 pertains to equipment designed to detect gamma radiation, neutrons, or both, in order to provide warnings of a criticality accident. It primarily focuses on equipment design and does not cover the placement of such devices. The necessity for criticality alarm systems and their operational procedures are detailed in ISO 7753 and ISO 11320.
The main function of the criticality alarm system is to identify radiation from criticality incidents and alert personnel. Appropriate alarms must be installed to ensure that individuals in the affected area, as well as in adjacent areas (often encompassing the entire facility), are notified in the event of a criticality accident. These alarms are intended to trigger an evacuation alert to minimize the risk of serious exposure for personnel.
Additionally, these systems may serve secondary purposes, such as monitoring radiation levels during an incident. However, such secondary functions should only be utilized if they do not negatively impact the criticality alarms and their essential characteristics, such as reliability, as outlined in this standard.
The aim of this standard is to establish general requirements for radiation detection, environmental conditions, mechanical properties, electromagnetic compatibility, and documentation, as well as to define acceptance criteria for criticality accident warning equipment.
This standard does not apply to photon or neutron dose equivalent (rate) meters or monitors that fall under IEC 60532, IEC 60846 (all parts), IEC 61017 (all parts), and IEC 61005. Furthermore, it does not pertain to equipment or assemblies used in the control and safety systems of nuclear reactors.
