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. 

instrument calibration

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. 
Current Instrument calibration charges
Instrument Type Unit Price (€) Unit Price Inc VAT 23% (€)
Gamma & X-Ray Survey Meters, 1 scale  €124 €152.52
Gamma & X-Ray Survey Meters, 2 scales  €156 €191.88
Gamma & X-Ray Survey Meters, 3 scales or more  €173 €212.79
Contamination Meters  €124 €152.52
Electronic Personal Dosimeters (EPDs)  €54 €66.42
Personal Alarms  €43 €52.89

 

How to apply for our calibration services

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

Book your instrument for calibration here

How to use the Calibration booking system

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.

 

Booking your instrument
Open the booking Calendar
Select your instrument type and date of calibration
Input your information (i.e. Name)
Make note of the date you have booked, as you will need to include it in your online application form
Submit your booking and proceed to complete the online application form

 

Completing the online application form
Open the online application form
Complete all fields
An electronic copy of your application form will be sent to you by email
If there are any changes to your booking, please contact us at EPACalibration@epa.ie

 

Sending your instrument

Send to :

Environmental Protection Agency
Calibration Laboratory
McCumiskey House
Richview
Clonskeagh
Dublin 14
D14 YR62

Instruments should always be suitably packaged with the words FRAGILE ELECTRONIC INSTRUMENT, or similar, prominently displayed on the packaging
Instruments should be switched off during transportation
Charged batteries and/or power supplies should be provided by the customer.
Faulty instruments should not be sent to the EPA for calibration
Your instrument will be calibrated according to the information in your application form
You will be notified by email when your instrument is ready for collection

 

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

Address

EPA Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring  

EPA Calibration Service 

McCumiskey House  

Richview  

Clonskeagh Road  

Dublin 14  

D14 YR62  

Telephone (01) 268 0100  
Email epacalibration@epa.ie
Opening Hours 9.00am to 5.00pm