ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

At how many points should an analog survey meter be calibrated?

1. One point

2. Two points

3. Three points

4. Four points

The correct answer is: Two points

Calibration of an analog survey meter is critical to ensure accurate readings and reliable performance in radiation safety practices. The correct answer indicates that the meter should be calibrated at two points. This two-point calibration helps accommodate the linearity of the meter and provides accuracy across a meaningful operational range. The first calibration point is typically set at a lower range to ensure the meter accurately detects low radiation levels, which is crucial for safety and compliance. The second calibration point is often set at a higher range to confirm that the meter can accurately measure higher radiation doses or exposure levels as needed. This procedure helps to verify that the instrument performs correctly under different operational conditions and enhances confidence in the measurements taken during industrial radiography tasks. In contrast, calibration at only one point would not sufficiently ensure accuracy across the instrument's entire range, which could lead to unsafe situations if the instrument inaccurately reports radiation levels. Additionally, calibrations at three or four points, while they could enhance precision, are often unnecessary and may lead to over-engineering for most standard applications in radiography.