Section 3440. Calibration of survey instruments

A. The registrant shall ensure that the survey instruments used to show compliance with Part XV (12VAC5-481-3380 et seq.) of this chapter have been calibrated before first use, at intervals not to exceed 12 months, and following repair.

B. To satisfy the requirements of subsection A of this section, the registrant shall:

1. Calibrate all required scale readings up to 10 mSv (1000 mrem) per hour with an appropriate radiation source that is traceable to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST);

2. Calibrate at least two (2) points on each scale to be calibrated. These points should be at approximately 1/3 and 2/3 of full-scale; and

C. To satisfy the requirements of subsection B of this section, the registrant shall:

1. Consider a point as calibrated if the indicated dose rate differs from the calculated dose rate by not more than 10%; and

2. Consider a point as calibrated if the indicated dose rate differs from the calculated dose rate by not more than 20% if a correction factor or graph is conspicuously attached to the instrument.

D. The registrant shall retain a record of each calibration required in subsection A of this section for three years. The record shall include:

1. A description of the calibration procedure; and

2. A description of the source used and the certified dose rates from the source, and the rates indicated by the instrument being calibrated, the correction factors deduced from the calibration data, the signature of the individual who performed the calibration, and the date of calibration.

E. The registrant may obtain the services of individuals licensed by the agency, the NRC, or another agreement state to perform calibrations of survey instruments. Records of calibrations that contain information required by subsection D of this section shall be maintained by the registrant.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 22, Issue 25, eff. September 20, 2006; amended, Virginia Register Volume 24, Issue 18, eff. June 12, 2008.

Statutory Authority

§ 32.1-229 of the Code of Virginia.