ANSI HPS N43.4-2005 pdf download Classification of Radioactive Self-Luminous Light Sources
3.3 Performance standards for classification of self-luminous light sources (Table 3) Table 3 establishes test requirements for self-luminous light sources according to intended usage and source activity. These performance requirements are minimums for applications involving normal usage (including typical accidents). Where generally extreme environmental conditions may be encountered, a “special” test appropriate to that situation shall be developed. There also may be situations where a source in its intended usage shall encounter only one extreme environmental condition. Under such a condition the general classification shall be modified to accommodate the abnormal condition.
3.4 Fire and explosion Table 2 does not consider exposure of the source or source-device to fire and explosion. In the evaluation of self-luminous light sources and source-devices, the manufacturer and user shall consider the probability of fire and explosion and the possible results. Factors that should be considered in determining the need for tests more stringent than those suggested for specific classes in Table 3 are: consequences of loss of activity, quantity of material in the source, radiotoxicity, physical form of the material environment in which the source is used, and protection afforded the source or source-device combination. It is recognized that the possibility of fire or explosion exists in many areas where light sources are used. However, light sources, because of certain inherent characteristics, cannot always be constructed so as to completely resist the effects of fire or explosion. Therefore, special test requirements shall be specified where the probability of fire or explosion is known to be abnormally high. These special tests shall include temperature, thermal shock, pressure and impact resistance.
3.5 Radiotoxicity and solubility Except as limited by Section 3.4, radiotoxicity of the radioactive material and its solubility shall be considered only when the activity of the source exceeds the value shown in Table 1 . If the activity exceeds the value shown in Table 1 , the classification of the source shall be considered on an individual basis. If the activity does not exceed the values shown in Table 1 , then Table 3 may be used without consideration of either radiotoxicity or solubility.