This standard lays down standard requirements, given examples of acceptable methods, specifies general characteristics, general test conditions, radiation characteristics, electrical safety and environmental characteristics, and also the identification certificate. It is applicable to radiation meters and monitors designed to measure or detect surface contamination by alpha and/or beta radiation emitting nuclides and which comprise at least a detection sub-assembly, which may be connected either rigidly or by means of a flexible cable or incorporated into a single assembly with a measuring sub-assembly. The standard is also applicable to special-purpose assemblies and to assemblies specifically designed for a surface of a particular nature (e.g. laundry, floors). However, some of the requirements then may need to be amended or supplemented.