A new ASTM International standard, F3356, establishes conformity assessment requirements for metal detectors used in safety and security applications.

The ASTM committee on security systems and equipment, F12, that developed the new standard, is also working with the Safety Equipment Institute to develop and launch a certification program for metal detectors.

ASTM International member Nicholas Paulter commented that manufacturers and users have long been interested in a documentary performance standard for metal detectors.

“This standard will help manufacturers have an objective and independent assessment of how their products compare and give users a means of comparing products to suit their needs,” Paulter said.

“Manufacturers are also concerned with knock-offs that resemble their products but do not perform well,” Paulter added. “They believe a conformity program will help users/purchasers distinguish between their products and knock-offs.”

The conformity assessment described in F3356 is based on baseline performance requirements and associated test methods and test objects that are described in ASTM standards on both hand-worn (F3020) and hand-held (F3278) metals detectors used in safety and security.