Elements of a portable radiation detector calibration program.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Radiation Safety
• Instrument Calibration

Background:

• The Department of Environmental Health & Safety at San Diego State University (SDSU) provides calibration services for portable radiation detectors.
• The calibration program is based on recommendations from the American National Standards Institute and the National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the elements of SDSU's radiation detector calibration program.
• To detail the technical references and rationale behind the program's development.
• To specify the types of instruments covered by the calibration program.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a calibration program for portable radiation detectors.
• Adherence to guidelines from national standards organizations.
• Documentation of technical references and program rationale.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive calibration program for instruments measuring radioactive material dose rates and contamination/uptake.
• Clear definition of the scope of calibration services, excluding specific detector types.

Conclusions:

• SDSU's Environmental Health & Safety department offers a robust calibration service for essential radiation detection instruments.
• The program ensures reliable measurements for the university's research community, adhering to established standards.