ASNT Industrial Radiography Radiation Safety Practice Test

For how long must calibration records of survey instruments be maintained?

1. One year

2. Three years

3. Five years

4. As long as the equipment is in use

The correct answer is: Three years

Calibration records of survey instruments must be maintained for a duration of three years. This requirement is in place to ensure that there is a reliable history of the instrument's performance and calibration status. Keeping these records helps organizations comply with safety regulations and standards, as well as assists in tracking instrument reliability and any potential issues that may arise over time. The three-year maintenance period is typically aligned with regulatory guidelines to ensure that the data remains relevant for safety assessments and operational audits. Proper documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance during inspections and for maintaining safety protocols in industrial radiography. In contrast, the idea of maintaining records for only one year would not provide enough historical data to identify trends or issues with the instruments, while five years would exceed the typical requirement and may not be necessary for effective maintenance practices. Retaining records for as long as the equipment is in use might lead to administrative challenges and potential difficulties in managing vast amounts of data over prolonged periods. Hence, three years is the optimal timeframe that balances regulatory compliance and practical record-keeping.