Overview
ISO 17874-1:2010 - Remote handling devices for radioactive materials - Part 1: General requirements defines the general requirements and classification for multipurpose remote handling devices used with radioactive materials. It covers four main device categories (mechanical master‑slave, electrical master‑slave, power manipulators and remote handling tongs), describes fixed vs mobile designs, and sets out the structure and topics covered in the full ISO 17874 series for hot cells and other radiation‑protected environments.
Keywords: ISO 17874-1:2010, remote handling devices, radioactive materials, remote manipulators, hot cells
Key Topics
- Device classification and categories
- Mechanical master‑slave manipulators (telescopic and articulated variants)
- Electrical master‑slave manipulators (bilateral electrical position control / force reflection)
- Power manipulators (motor‑driven, high‑force handling)
- Remote handling tongs (horizontal and vertical use)
- Kinematic systems and isokinematic requirements
- Guidance on master/slave kinematics to reproduce operator motions reliably
- Performance and selection criteria
- Load capacities (document notes typical ranges - e.g., some mechanical types up to ~45 kg, articulated types up to ~100 kg)
- Dexterity and number of degrees of freedom needed for tasks
- Reliability and maintenance considerations for nuclear service
- Operational and design considerations
- Working zone definitions (fixed vs mobile installations)
- Peripheral and auxiliary provisions for integration into hot cells, pools, vehicles or transporters
- Design summary and normative annex on kinematic systems
Applications
ISO 17874-1 is focused on nuclear applications where operators cannot access radioactive areas directly:
- Hot cells for research, fuel fabrication and reprocessing
- Waste treatment facilities and decommissioning activities
- Shielded containment enclosures and underwater handling (pools)
- It also notes potential non‑nuclear uses where standardized nuclear‑grade components may be advantageous
Practical benefits include safer handling of radioactive materials, standardized selection and design practices for manipulators, and clearer requirements for integrating equipment into shielded facilities.
Who Uses This Standard
- Designers and manufacturers of remote handling systems
- Plant engineers and integrators for nuclear facilities
- Operators and maintenance teams for hot cells and containment enclosures
- Licensing authorities and safety reviewers
Related Standards
Normative and related references cited include ISO 7212, ISO 9404‑1 and ISO 11933 (parts 1 and 2) for shielding units, ports, gloves and containment components relevant to integrating remote handling devices.
For implementers, ISO 17874-1:2010 provides the foundational classification and requirements to guide selection, design, testing and safe operation of remote handling devices for radioactive materials.
