Traceability In Nuclear Safeguards: The Role Of IRMM

The correct application of Reference Materials plays a critical role in any measurement procedure and one essential to the statement of uncertainties which should always accompany measurement values. The concept of the traceability of the result is a basic element of any measurement process and essential to the statement of uncertainty. This relationship will be illustrated by examples of measurements in Safeguards using Certified Reference Materials and a critical examination of the role of Reference Materials in the measurement process given. IRMM sees its role as provider of Reference Measurements and Materials, which help to ensure the traceability link to the SI (system international), the only way measured values can be universally compared in space and over time. Such materials benefit the industrial user as well as the Safeguards authorities. Examples of presently available Isotope Reference Materials and Amount Reference Materials (isotopic spikes) are given and the new problems of the supply of highly dilute Reference Materials for application on the measurement of environmental samples are discussed. Emphasis will be given to the traceability to the SI which can result from the application of these Reference Materials.