Part 6. Instrumentation and Calibration

DOE-STD-1098-99

Radiological Control

Radiological Health Support Operations

June 2004

PART 6 Instrumentation and Calibration

561 Standardization

DOE encourages standardization on the use of commercially -available radiological instrumentation.

562 Inspection, Calibration, and Performance Tests

Radiologic al instruments shall be used only to measure the radiation for which their calibrations are valid [see

835.401(b)(2)]. ANSI N323 provides appropriate comprehensive guidance for establishing and operating a

radiological instrumentation calibration program. Calibrations should use National Institute of Standards and

Technology (NIST) traceable sources.

Calibration procedures should be developed for each radiological instrument type and should include frequency of

calibration, pre -calibration requirements, primary calibration requirements, periodic performance test requirements,

calibration record requirements, and maintenance requirements.

All radiological monitoring instruments, including pocket and electronic dosimeters and area radiation monitors,

shall be maintained and calibrated on an established frequency [see 835.401(b)(1)]. Calibration frequencies should

be determined in accordance with National Conference of Standards Laboratories Recommended Practice RP-1,

Establishment and Adjustment of Calibration Intervals .

The effects of environmental conditions, including interfering radiation, on an instrument shall be known prior to

use [see 835.401(b)(3)].

Operational tests should be used to assess instrumentation designs that include alarms or that involve a process

control. An operational test should be developed to test all components involved in an alarm or trip function and

performed at least annually.

In unusual and limited situations it may be necessary to use an instrument in an application other than that

envisioned by the manufacturer. Special calibrations should be performed for use of instrumentation outside

manufacturer's specifications. The instrument should be adjusted, calibrated, and labeled to identify the special

conditions and used only under the special conditions for which it was calibrated.

Measures should be implemented to ensure that individuals using an instrument can verify its calibration status.

Instruments whose "as found" readings indicate that the instrument may have been used while out of calibration

should be reported to the radiological control organization. The radiological control organization should review

surveys performed with the instrument while it was out of calibration and consider the need for additional surveys.

563 Maintenance

A program for preventive and corrective maintenance of radiological instrumentation should be established and

documented.

Preventive and corrective maintenance should be performed using components and procedural recommendations at

least as stringent as those specified by the manufacturer of the instrument.

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