Radiation protection instrumentation test and calibration

The operational requirements of radiation protection instrumentation are set forth in the recommendations of various commissions and committees. Additionally, the user may establish the need for different or more restrictive requirements. The ability to meet these requirements will depend not only on the instrument capabilities but also on periodic recalibrations, preventative maintenance, and testing of the instruments. A new standard, ANSI N323, ''Radiation Protection Instrumentation Test and Calibration,'' has been prepared and approved for use. This standard establishes calibration methods for portable radition protection instruments used for detection and measurement of levels of ionizing radiation fields or levels of radioactive surface contamination. Included within the scope of this standard are conditions, equipment and techniques for calibration as well as the degree of precision and accuracy required. The salient points of the new standard are presented. The nature of improvements required by the standard are discussed.