Uncertainties of measurements in radiation protection

Abstract

Abstract On September 1st, 2001, the Austrian standard OENORM S 5255-1 with the title “Uncertainties of measurements and limiting values in radiation protection – Part 1: Basics” was published. A part 2 of the standard with the subtitle “Assessment of measurements with regard to limiting values” was published on April 1st, 2002. Part 1 of the standard is a consequent application of the “Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement” (GUM) for measurements in radiation protection. It contains a summary of the most important definitions and mathematical methods, which are relevant for measurements in radiation protection. An important prerequisite is the standardisation of the coverage factor k = 1 for measurements in radiation protection. Finally, the use of the standard is demonstrated by a detailed example there (dose rate meter). First, the uncertainty of a dose rate meter is stated, using only information on tolerances available e. g. from instrument specifications. Additionally, the strategies to reduce the uncertainty and the necessary detailed knowledge of the dose rate meter are demonstrated. Part 2 of the standard gives a simple concept for interpretation of limits using the uncertainties calculated based on part 1 of the standard.