Re: Calibration "Grace Periods"

[James G. Barnes <mail15077@pop.net>]

Dear Vern,
     
    >      1. Does your facility/organization utilize "grace periods" for the 
    >      periodic instrument calibrations of your radiation monitoring 
    >      instruments?  Yes/No

            Yes.
    > 
    >      2.  If grace periods are used/allowed are they applicable to both 
    >      fixed instruments and portable survey instruments?
    >      
            Yes.

          > 3.  If grace periods are used/allowed what are typical values in 
           > terms of days or % of normal calibration interval?

            No real period restrictions.  However, 1) this approach is 
permitted only in situations where there would be signficant operational impact 
if the equipment were to be taken out of service pending calibration or the 
equipment was badly needed to cope with a situation, and 2)  a documented "as 
found" calibration is performed ASAP after removal from service, and 3) 
appropriate programmatic responses are taken if the "as found" response is 
found to be significantly out of tolerance.  It is not approached purely as an 
extension of the calibration date.
    > 

James G. Barnes, CHP
Radiation Safety Officer
Rocketdyne Division; Boeing North American
mail15077@pop.net