Measurements and Calibrations

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Laboratory Accreditation Program:
The Health Physics Society Program

The program developed by the HPS became operational in 1987. It is aimed at the private sector but is available to any laboratory that calibrates portable instruments used for radiation protection. Two HPS committees administer the program, assisted by a headquarters staff person and a technical director. The Policy Committee has responsibility to establish and maintain the policy and procedures for operation of the program, to provide independent oversight, and to develop and maintain the criteria used for assessment of laboratories. The Assessment Committee performs assessments of applicant laboratories and grants accreditations, subject to concurrence by the Policy Committee and the HPS Board.

Important characteristics of the program are as follows:

  • Scope: Calibration of portable radiation protection instruments using gamma rays, x rays, beta particles, neutrons, and alpha particles.

  • Levels of Accreditation: Secondary and Tertiary (i.e., one and two steps removed from NIST, which is the national primary level).

  • Period of Accreditation: Three years, renewable for additional three-year periods.

  • Proficiency Testing: Performed annually. Secondary laboratories are tested by NIST, and tertiary laboratories are tested by secondary laboratories.

  • Criteria: HPS document entitled "Criteria for Accreditation of Calibration Laboratories," which is consistent with ISO 17025.

  • On-Site Assessment: Conducted before initial accreditation and before renewal of accreditation. Monitoring visits may be conducted randomly or in response to perceived need. Assessors are technical peers.

  • Fees: At cost, based on the requested scope of accreditation.

Contacts

NIST:
Ronaldo Minniti (301) 975-5586
email: ronaldo.minniti@nist.gov

Health Physics Society Accreditation Program
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Online: October 20, 1997   -   Last update: June 2003   -   Reviewed: July 2006