Survey Meters: Calibration or Repair
Learn about calibration and repair options for radiation survey meters.
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. Label meters that are not in service: "Out of service. Do not use."
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Follow the steps below to keep your meters in good working order.
Calibration service
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. EH&S calibration service is typically less expensive 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) 534-6418.
- Drop the meter off at the EH&S Services Lab:
- Campus Services Complex Bldg E 119, La Jolla, CA 92093-0035 (On Greenhouse Lane, near the Environmental Management Facility) Phone: (858) 534-6418
- Provide an account code to be charged.
- Typical wait time is 3 days.
- Loaner meters are available on a first come, first served basis.
- 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) 534-6418.
- 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:
- Mail Code: 0035
- Fax: (858) 822-5524
Minor repairs
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 account code to be charged.
- Drop the meter off at the EH&S Services Lab:
- Campus Services Complex Bldg E 119, La Jolla, CA 92093-0035 (On Greenhouse Lane, near the Environmental Management Facility) Phone: (858) 534-6418
- 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:
- Mail Code: 0035
- Fax: (858) 822-5524
Major repairs
Send meters to the manufacturer for major repairs.
The EH&S Services Lab, located at Campus Services Complex Bldg E 119, 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 is shipped for repair. If you think your meter is contaminated, contact EH&S Radiation Safety, (858) 534-6418.
- Typical wait time is 3 days.
- Loaner meters are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- 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
- Mail or fax a copy of the certificate to the EH&S Services Lab at:
Notice: Refer to the Radiation Safety Manual (PDF) for a detailed description of the UC San Diego radiation safety program.