ASTM F1468-04a

The significant attributes of this practice are the methods for determining the detection capabilities of metal detectors, the methods for determining the effects of outside influences on detectors, and certain safety requirements for detectors.

While this practice was originated for walk-through metal weapons detectors, it is equally applicable to detectors of other metal objects. The innocent objects set (15.1.2) would require modification commensurate with the size of the other object to be tested; some tests may not be applicable and other specific and different tests may be necessary.

This practice includes testing site requirements (Section 6) to minimize data variations. These methods may be used at nonconforming sites if site-related disturbances are considered and accounted for.

This practice is not meant to constrain designs but it is applicable only to detectors which are designed for individual walk-through. The portal structure shall be deemed to meet this criterion if it provides a minimum vertical clearance of 1.96 m (77 in.) and a minimum horizontal width clearance of 0.66 m (26 in.).

This practice recognizes that the complex movements of a test object when carried by a person walking through a detector limits the precision and repeatability of the resultant observed signals. Averaged results from repeated tests under identical controlled conditions are recommended to obtain a better approximation of the underlying hypothetical true value for that set of conditions.

Where the term “significant” is used, it refers to phenomena which, in accordance with accepted engineering practices, exceed the normal variation of data.

1.1 This practice establishes standard methods for the evaluation of walk-through metal weapons detectors and criteria for testing metal detection performance.

1.2 This practice specifies certain health, safety, and human factors criteria pertaining to the usage of the detection equipment.

1.3 This practice requires the use of non-standardized (user-supplied) test objects and test equipment. Evaluations made using the procedures outlined in this practice can be used for comparative evaluations only if the tests are made with the same equipment and test objects.

1.4 This practice is intended for use by manufacturers and evaluators of electromagnetic field devices used for screening persons entering into controlled access areas. It is not intended to set performance nor limit or constrain operating technologies, nor is it a document for use by individual operators or users of such equipment at specific access control points.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. Other units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6 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 appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific hazards statement, see warning note in 12.2.5.