Re: Survey Instrument calibration frequency

[steve hand <hand@wam.umd.edu>]

Jim:

    We routinely check, on our quarterly lab inspections,  the GMs that record
in cpm with a check source.  We calibrate exposure rate meters annually per our
state regulations as required:

"shall ensure that instruments and equipment used for quantitative radiation
measurements, for example, dose rate and effluent monitoring, are calibrated for
the radiation measured at intervals not to exceed 12 months."

steve hand
radiation safety
university of maryland

"Jim F. Herrold" wrote:

> Howdy.
>
> Reading through Draft NUREG 1556 vol.11 I came across this statement under
> section 8.10.2, RADIATION MONITORING INSTRUMENTS:
>
> "Some instruments may only need to be checked periodically for operability
> and response to radiation rather than receive full calibration.  For
> example, Geiger-Mueller (G-M) type survey instruments used to identify
> contamination in laboratories may only need to be checked for ability to
> detect low level contamination."
>
> If this is true, it would have a HUGE impact on our calibration program. Is
> anybody else doing this? Does anybody know where the NRC got this guidance?
> Was it from ANSI N323A-1997? I don't have it yet, but am planning to obtain
> one as soon as possible. We have been following the old ANSI N323-1978, and
> don't remember any statements like the one above.
>
> We are in the process of renewing our license. Because NUREG 1556-11 is
> still in draft form, the NRC says I can't use it yet. However, if I can find
> another suitable reference for this statement, I could use it.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jim Herrold, Radiation Safety Officer
> herrold@uwyo.edu
>
> University of Wyoming
> Environmental Health & Safety
> 303 Merica Hall
> Laramie, WY 82071-3413
>
> (307) 766-3277
>
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