What must be conducted to ensure that a radiation meter is functioning correctly?

To ensure that a radiation meter is functioning correctly, conducting pre-use checks is essential. Pre-use checks involve inspecting the instrument before use to confirm it is in proper working condition, which includes looking for visible damage, ensuring the battery is charged, and verifying that the display and controls are operational. This process helps ensure that the meter will provide accurate readings during use, contributing to safety and effective radiation monitoring.

While calibration is also crucial for ensuring accuracy over time as it compares the instrument's response to known radiation standards, it typically occurs less frequently than pre-use checks and is often done at specific intervals rather than daily before each use. Routine maintenance helps prolong the lifespan of the equipment and can include replacing worn parts or recalibrating the meter, but it doesn’t specifically address immediate operational readiness. End-of-life testing is done when a meter reaches the end of its useful operational life to assess whether it can still function reliably. Each of these processes serves important roles in ensuring the reliability and accuracy of radiation meters, but pre-use checks are specifically designated for immediate inspection before a meter is put into action.