Verifications & Calibrations of Dosimeters and Measuring Devices

Since July 1, 2006, these types of measuring devices (radiation protection dosimeters other than fixed measurement systems, therapy dosimeters, diagnostic dosimeters except dosimeters for mammography, dosimeters for consistency testing except dosimeters for mammography) have been calibrated exclusively by accredited or authorized verification bodies; instead of BEV, we carry out calibrations in accordance with our scope of authorization and in accordance with the Measurement and Calibration Act in connection with the provisions of the Calibration Center Ordinance and the Accreditation Act by.

Every dosimeter that is used or kept available in traffic subject to verification must be calibrated every 2 years. The verification stamp shows the last three digits of the year in which the calibration was carried out. The expiration of the subsequent submission period is stated in the verification certificate. In addition, an information sticker with the year for the next calibration is affixed to the dosimeter.

It is recommended that you submit the application for calibration during the year but no later than October. We are required to make an appointment for the calibration within 2 months. If a declaration for verification is filed in December, but we are unable to fulfill this order by the end of the year, the measuring device should no longer be used in traffic subject to verification.

Each calibration body can freely set its prices based on commercial aspects. The Calibration Fees Ordinance only applies to the Verification Authority (BEV). The BEV prices for calibrations have remained unchanged since 1999.

In this case, the calibration cannot be carried out. The verification is clearly marked and rejected. The measuring device may be used until the current recalibration period has expired if the traffic error limits are met. There are also costs for an unsuccessful calibration, which can be found in our price list.

The dosimeter is obviously damaged or defective; type plate or approval designations are not available, illegible or incorrect; serial number, software version, device inscriptions, etc. do not meet the requirements for type approval; the operating instructions and necessary accessories were not included.

As an authorized verification agency, we issue a verification certificate for every successful calibration. This is, on the one hand, a confirmation of the calibration carried out and an internationally recognized test certificate for the metrological traceability of measuring devices within the framework of quality standards. For rejected dosimeters, we will issue one on request in accordance with the information sheet, which explains the reason for the rejection.

The following signs are affixed to the dosimeters: verification stamp, security stamp, possibly a protocol number and a sticker with an indication of the next calibration. Removing or manipulating the verification stamp, security stamp or protocol number expires the calibration for the device and it may no longer be used in traffic subject to verification. For this reason, the stamps are designed in such a way that they destroy themselves when removed.

• Calibration stamp: white with a black eagle and the number of the verification site (554) as well as the last three digits of the year in which the calibration was carried out (e.g. 006 for 2006). The device must be calibrated again no later than December 31 of the year after next (in this example in 2008).
  
• Security stamp: white with black eagle and verification number (554), but without the year. The safety stamp, which is attached to housing joints, screws or comparable locations, ensures that it is comprehensible whether the measuring device has been opened and/or manipulated. Some devices use seals instead or in addition, which also bear an eagle and the verification office number (554).
  
• Protocol number (only for multi-part devices): For multi-part devices, which are equipped with a probe, for example, the calibration only applies to the exact calibrated combination of display device and probe. However, a display device can be calibrated with several probes. In order to be able to identify which probe was calibrated with which display device, the calibration stamp is only attached to the display device and the accompanying probes are also marked with a sticker with a running number (the protocol number).
  
• “Next verification...”: This sticker is used to inform and remind you in which year the next calibration of the device is due. The color of the sticker changes every year so that it is easy to determine which dosimeters still need to be calibrated in the current year.

Please contact us (see “Contact” section), we will be happy to help you! The BEV (www.metrologie.at) is also still available as a point of contact.