Variations can occur in surface preparation, application, and curing of coating materials. They may affect the performance of a coating system exposed to radiation when considered in conjunction with applicable engineered safety requirements. This test method is designed to provide a uniform test to assess the suitability of coatings, used in nuclear power facilities, under continuous radiation exposure for the projected 40-year lifetime of the facilities, including radiation during a DBA. Specific plant radiation exposure may exceed or be less than the amount specified in 6.2 of this standard. The gamma dose used may exceed the actual anticipated plant gamma dose in order to account for expected beta exposure as well. Coatings in Level II areas (outside primary containment) are expected to be exposed to lower accumulated radiation doses.

1.1 This test method covers a standard procedure for evaluating the lifetime radiation tolerance of coatings to be used in nuclear power plants. This test method is applicable to Coating Service Levels I and II.