1 This practice covers dosimetric procedures to be followed in facility characterization, process qualification, and routine processing using electron beam radiation to ensure that the entire product has been treated with an acceptable range of absorbed doses. Other procedures related to facility characterization (including equipment documen-tation), process qualification, and routine product processing that may influence and may be used to monitor absorbed dose in the product are also discussed.
Note 1—For guidance in the selection and calibration of dosimeters, see Guide E 1261. For further guidance in the selection, calibration, and use of specific dosimeters, and interpretation of absorbed dose in the product from dosimetry, also see Practices E668, E 1275, E 1276, E1431. E 1607, E 1631, and E 16S0. For use with electron energies above 5 MeV, see Practices E 1026, E 1205, E 1401, E 1538, andE 1540 for discussions of specific large volume dosimeters. For discussion of radiation dosimetry for pulsed radiation, see ICRU Report 34. When considering a dosimeter type, be cautious of influences from dose rates and accelerator pulse rates and widths (if applicable).
2 The electron energy range covered in this practice is between 300 keV and 25 MeV, although there are some discussions for other energies.
Note 2—For application of dosimetry in the characterization and operation of electron beam and X-ray (bremsstrahlung) irradiation facilities for food processing, see Practice E 1431. For application of dosimetry in the characterization and operation of irradiation facilities using X-ray radiation (bremsstrahlung), see Practice E 1608.
3 Dosimetry is one component of a total quality assur-ance program for adherence to good manufacturing prac-tices. Specific applications of electron beam radiation pro-cessing may require additional controls.
4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.