UCSD Blink: Calibration or Repair of Radiation Survey Meters

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Blink Home > Safety > Calibration or Repair of Radiation Survey Meters

Calibration or Repair of Radiation Survey Meters

Summary: Radiation survey meters must be calibrated annually or when they undergo a major repair. Never use a meter that has not been calibrated or is not working properly. Follow the steps below to keep your meters in good working order.

Note: Label meters that are not in service: "Out of service. Do not use."

What to do		How to do it
	Follow these steps to have a meter calibrated.	Environment, Health & Safety (EH&S) will notify you when your meter is due for calibration. Meters can be calibrated at the EH&S Services Lab or you can send them to an off-campus vendor. The cost of EH&S calibration is typically less than what commercial vendors charge. Calibration on campus: Ensure the meter is not contaminated. If you think your meter is contaminated, contact EH&S Radiation Safety, (858) 822-2494. Drop the meter off at the EH&S Services Lab, University Center 301-B. Provide an index number to be charged. The cost is $81.46. Typical wait time is 3 days. Loaner meters are available on a first come, first served basis. Read Loaner Radiation Survey Meters. EH&S will also inspect the meter. If it needs repair in addition to calibration, EH&S will contact you. Calibrated meters are returned with a sticker listing the meter's efficiency for measuring certain isotopes. Calibration by an off-campus vendor: Ensure the meter is not contaminated. If you think your meter is contaminated, contact EH&S Radiation Safety, (858) 822-2494. When you send your meter to an off-campus vendor for calibration, it will be returned with a calibration certificate. Mail or fax a copy of the certificate to the EH&S Services Lab at: Mail Code: 0035 Fax: (858) 822-5524
	Follow these steps to have minor repairs done on your meter.	Meters can be repaired at the EH&S Services Lab for the cost of parts and labor, or you can send them to an off-campus vendor. Repair on campus: Ensure the meter is not contaminated. If you think your meter is contaminated, contact EH&S Radiation Safety, (858) 822-2494. Provide an index number to be charged. Drop the meter off at the EH&S Services Lab, University Center 301-B. Typical repair time is 3 to 5 days. Loaner meters are available on a first come, first served basis. EH&S will contact you if the meter requires major repairs and must be returned to the manufacturer. The meter will be recalibrated if the type of repair requires it. Repair by an off-campus vendor: Ensure the meter is not contaminated. If you think your meter is contaminated, contact EH&S Radiation Safety, (858) 822-2494. Send your meter to an off-campus vendor. Loaner meters are available from the EH&S Services Lab on a first come, first served basis. If the meter is returned with a new calibration certificate, mail or fax a copy of the certificate to the EH&S Services Lab at: Mail Code: 0035 Fax: (858) 822-5524
	Follow these steps when a meter needs major repairs.	Send meters needing major repairs to the manufacturer. The EH&S Services Lab, located at University Center 301-B, has a library of manufacturer manuals and catalogs for radiation detection instruments if you need more information. Ensure the meter is not contaminated before it's shipped for repair. If you think your meter is contaminated, contact EH&S Radiation Safety, (858) 822-2494. Major repairs to a meter require recalibration. Make sure you receive a calibration certificate when the meter is returned. Mail or fax a copy of the certificate to the EH&S Services Lab at: Mail Code: 0035 Fax: (858) 822-5524