Calibration 

What is calibration?

Calibration services offered by the EPA

How to apply for our calibration services

Contact us

The accurate measurement of ionising radiation is important for ensuring its safe and effective use and therefore the instruments used to measure radiation need to be regularly calibrated. 

The EPA provides a calibration measurement service which is accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Board  to ISO 17025 

See our Calibration Terms & Conditions  document for further information.

What is calibration? 

Calibration is the process of checking an instrument to ensure that it complies with the manufacturer's specification. This involves exposing the instrument to varying types and doses of radiation. 

Who is responsible for calibration? 

All businesses and practices that are authorised to use sources of ionising radiation are obliged by law to ensure measuring instruments are accurately calibrated. They must also be regularly checked to ensure that they are serviceable, and that they are being correctly used.

How frequently does my instrument need calibration? 

Under Irish legislation, radiation measuring instruments must be calibrated before first use and annually using sources or equipment traceable to appropriate national standards.

Calibration services offered by the EPA 

• Dose rate meters - Dose rate meters are used to measure radiation levels in a specific environment. They can measure both natural background radiation and human-made radiation. 
• Surface contamination monitors - Surface contamination monitors are typically used to detect radioactive spillage on work benches. 
• Personal monitors and alarms - Personal monitors and alarms are used to measure the radiation dose received by an individual. 

How to apply for our calibration services

All instruments must be booked through our online booking system below. 

Book your instrument for calibration here

Customers should note the following: 

• Bookings are organised on a weekly basis . This is the week in which the instruments can be accepted by the service for calibration. However, the instrument may not be calibrated during this week. 
• The turnaround time for instrument calibration depends on the level of demand for the service. We endeavour to have instruments calibrated within 15 – 20 working days.
• A new booking and online application form must be submitted for each instrument.
• Transportation of instruments to and from the EPA is the responsibility of the customer. 
• If your instrument is not received by the EPA within 5 working days of your booking date, your calibration will be automatically cancelled. Another booking cannot be guaranteed.

Contact us

If you have any general or technical queries about calibration-related matters that are not answered on our website, please do not hesitate to contact us