What procedure is recommended prior to using radiation detection equipment?

Prior to using radiation detection equipment, conducting pre-use checks is crucial. This procedure typically involves assessing the functionality of the equipment to ensure it's operating correctly before any measurements are taken. It allows the operator to identify any potential issues that might affect the accuracy of the readings, such as battery levels, system integrity, and calibration status. By performing these checks, users can ensure that the equipment is reliable and ready for use in potentially hazardous environments, ultimately promoting safety and effectiveness in radiation detection tasks.

While calibration is also an important aspect of maintaining detection equipment, it usually occurs during scheduled maintenance rather than on a pre-use basis. This distinguishes pre-use checks as a vital immediate step before actual usage of the equipment.