ISO 22017-2020 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 22017-2020 — Water quality — Guidance for rapid radioactivity measurements in nuclear or radiological emergency situation. This International Standard provides practical guidance for testing laboratories that need to perform rapid radioactivity measurements on water samples following nuclear or radiological emergency incidents, prioritizing speed, reliability and applicability in high-contamination contexts.

Abstract

Provides recommendations on selecting, adapting and validating rapid test methods (screening and specific radionuclide methods) for water contaminated in emergency situations, including use of gross alpha/gross beta screening, gamma spectrometry and adaptations of established ISO water and radioactivity test methods. It also addresses laboratory preparedness to handle large numbers of potentially contaminated samples and to deliver timely results for decision makers.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard).
• Publication date: 28 August 2020.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.280; 17.240; 13.060.60.
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2020).
• Number of pages: 20 pages (ISO edition).

Key bibliographic and status details above are taken from the ISO bibliographic record for ISO 22017:2020.

Scope

This standard gives guidance to laboratories on the use and adaptation of rapid radioactivity test methods for water samples in the context of nuclear or radiological emergencies. It covers screening approaches (gross alpha/beta, gamma spectrometry) and how to proceed to specific radionuclide measurements when required, with an emphasis on providing reliable results fast enough to support emergency decisions and public-protection actions. Field screening techniques performed entirely outside the laboratory are not within the scope.

Key topics and requirements

• Selection and adaptation of rapid screening methods (gross alpha, gross beta) and gamma spectrometry for emergency use.
• Guidance on adapting routine laboratory methods to produce faster results without unacceptable loss of reliability.
• Procedures for switching from screening to specific radionuclide analyses (e.g., 90Sr and other radionuclides) when required.
• Laboratory preparedness and capacity planning to manage large numbers of potentially contaminated samples during an emergency.
• Quality assurance, validation and documentation of rapid methods to ensure results are fit for decision-making.

Typical use and users

Used by water testing laboratories, public-health laboratories, environmental and radiological monitoring organizations, emergency response laboratories, utility water quality teams and governmental agencies responsible for radiological protection and crisis management. The guidance supports rapid analysis workflows during emergency response and incident management.

Related standards

ISO 22017:2020 refers to and recommends adapting methods from existing ISO standards used in water and radioactivity testing, including adaptations of ISO 10704 and ISO 11704 (gross alpha/beta methods), ISO 20042, ISO 10703 and ISO 19581 (gamma spectrometry and related methods), and specific radionuclide standards such as ISO 13160 for 90Sr where applicable. It is complementary to broader emergency-management standards and water-quality standards used during incident response.

Keywords

water quality; radioactivity; rapid measurements; emergency response; gamma spectrometry; gross alpha; gross beta; radionuclide analysis; laboratory preparedness; screening methods.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 22017:2020 is an ISO International Standard titled "Water quality — Guidance for rapid radioactivity measurements in nuclear or radiological emergency situation" that provides practical guidance to laboratories performing rapid radioactivity analyses on water samples during emergency incidents.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection and adaptation of rapid screening and specific radionuclide methods (gross alpha/beta, gamma spectrometry and adaptations of other ISO methods), laboratory preparedness, quality assurance and procedural recommendations to produce timely, reliable results for emergency decision-making. Field-only screening techniques are excluded.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Water testing and public-health laboratories, environmental and radiological monitoring agencies, emergency response teams, water utilities and governmental radiological-protection authorities use it during preparedness planning and incident response.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 22017 was published on 28 August 2020 (Edition 1). According to the ISO bibliographic record, it is published and its status is that of an International Standard; ISO standards are subject to periodic review (typically every five years). Users should check the ISO catalogue for any subsequent confirmation or revisions after 2020.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone guidance document within the ISO water quality and radiological measurement family, but it explicitly references and complements several other ISO standards that define routine and specific radionuclide test methods. It should be used in conjunction with those method standards during emergency adaptation.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Water quality; rapid radioactivity measurement; emergency response; gross alpha; gross beta; gamma spectrometry; radionuclide analysis; laboratory preparedness.