ISO 5576-1997 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 5576:1997 — Non‑destructive testing — Industrial X‑ray and gamma‑ray radiology — Vocabulary. This international vocabulary standard gives authoritative definitions of terms used in industrial radiography (X‑ray and gamma‑ray) for non‑destructive testing to promote consistent use of terminology across standards, technical documents and industry practice.

Abstract

ISO 5576:1997 is a vocabulary document that compiles and defines the principal terms and expressions used in industrial radiographic testing with X‑rays and gamma rays. It covers terminology related to radiation interactions, equipment and components, image and film characteristics, image quality and measurement concepts, and related procedural and safety terms so that practitioners, regulators and standards authors share a common language.

General information

• Status: Published (International Standard; confirmed in periodic review).
• Publication date: 31 July 1997 (officially published 1997‑08 edition).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 01.040.19 (Testing — Vocabularies); 19.100 (Non‑destructive testing).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (1997).
• Number of pages: 35 pages.

Scope

This standard establishes and defines terms used specifically for industrial radiology employing X‑rays and gamma rays within the field of non‑destructive testing (NDT). Its scope includes definitions for physical radiation phenomena and interactions, names and descriptions of radiographic equipment and materials, image/film characteristics, measures of image quality and sensitivity, and commonly used procedural and safety terms relevant to industrial radiographic inspection. The vocabulary is intended for use in standards, technical reports, training, inspection documentation and regulatory references.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized definitions of radiation interaction terms (attenuation, absorption, Compton scatter, backscatter, build‑up factor).
• Terms for equipment and components (anode, cathode, collimator, cassette, betatron, radiographic source descriptors).
• Image and film vocabulary (artifact, fog, characteristic curve, density step wedge, contrast, spatial resolution).
• Image‑quality and measurement concepts (contrast sensitivity, average gradient, beam angle, thickness sensitivity).
• Procedural and technique terminology (exposure, penetration, radiographic technique, computed tomography definitions where applicable).
• Safety, shielding and radiological protection terms relevant to industrial radiography practice.

Because ISO 5576 is a vocabulary standard, its primary "requirement" is to provide clear, unambiguous definitions and, where applicable, multilingual equivalents so other standards and documents can reference consistent terminology.

Typical use and users

Typical users include NDT engineers and technicians, industrial radiographers, quality‑assurance and inspection personnel, standards writers, training and certification bodies, safety and radiation protection officers, regulatory agencies and technical authors preparing specifications or reports where radiographic terminology must be consistent. The vocabulary supports harmonized communication in industrial inspection, maintenance and asset integrity programs.

Related standards

ISO 5576 is part of the ISO NDT vocabulary and radiographic standards landscape maintained by ISO/TC 135 (Nondestructive testing), SC 5 (Radiation methods). Related standards and documents include other vocabulary standards in the ISO 55xx series and technical standards addressing radiographic equipment, image quality, procedures and safety (examples include standards on radiographic illuminators, film handling and specific radiographic methods). Users commonly consult ISO/TC 135 deliverables and related IEC/IAEA guidance for practice and radiation safety.

Keywords

industrial radiography, X‑ray, gamma‑ray, non‑destructive testing, vocabulary, terminology, radiographic image, film, attenuation, contrast, radiographic equipment, radiation protection.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 5576:1997 is an ISO vocabulary standard titled "Non‑destructive testing — Industrial X‑ray and gamma‑ray radiology — Vocabulary" that defines terms used in industrial radiographic NDT.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions for radiation phenomena, equipment and components, film and image terminology, image‑quality and measurement concepts, technique and procedural terms, and radiation protection vocabulary relevant to industrial X‑ray and gamma‑ray radiography.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT practitioners (radiographers, inspectors), engineers, safety/radiation protection staff, standards authors, certification and training bodies, regulators and technical writers who need consistent radiographic terminology.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 5576:1997 remains the published edition from 1997 and has been through ISO's periodic review process; recent records show it was reviewed/confirmed in 2025 and remains the current confirmed edition at this time. Users should check with their national body or ISO for the absolute latest status before formal citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the set of ISO standards produced by ISO/TC 135 (Nondestructive testing) and in practice is grouped with other NDT vocabulary and method standards (other ISO 55xx vocabulary items and radiographic method requirements). It is intended to be cross‑referenced by radiography‑related technical standards and guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: industrial radiography, X‑ray, gamma‑ray, NDT, vocabulary, terminology, attenuation, contrast, radiographic image, film, radiographic equipment.