This document specifies the general requirements, based on ISO 11074 and ISO/IEC 17025, for all steps in the planning (desk study and area reconnaissance) of the sampling and the preparation of samples for testing. It includes the selection of the sampling strategy, the outline of the sampling plan, the presentation of general sampling methods and equipment, as well as the methodology of the pre-treatment of samples adapted to the measurements of the activity of radionuclides in soil including granular materials of mineral origin which contain NORM or artificial radionuclides, such as sludge, sediment, construction debris, solid waste of different type and materials from technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials (mining, coal combustion, phosphate fertilizer production etc.).

For simplification, the term “soil” used in this document covers the set of elements mentioned above.

This document is addressed to the people responsible for determining the radioactivity present in soil for the purpose of radiation protection. It is applicable to soil from gardens, farmland, urban, or industrial sites, as well as soil not affected by human activities.

This document is applicable to all laboratories regardless of the number of personnel or the range of the testing performed. When a laboratory does not undertake one or more of the activities covered by this document, such as planning, sampling, test or calibration, the corresponding requirements do not apply.

NOTE      The term “laboratory” is applicable to all identified entities (individuals, organizations, etc.) performing planning, sampling, test and calibration.