What necessary action should be taken regarding equipment before conducting NDT?

Calibration of equipment is an essential step before conducting non-destructive testing (NDT) because it ensures that the equipment operates accurately and produces reliable results. Calibration involves comparing the measurements obtained from the NDT equipment against known standards or references and making any necessary adjustments. This process helps to verify that the equipment is functioning within specified limits and can accurately detect and measure physical properties of the materials being tested.

Without proper calibration, the results of the NDT could be flawed, leading to incorrect assessments of the integrity of materials or structures. Calibration should follow established standards to maintain consistency and reliability in testing procedures across various applications. This is particularly important in industries where safety is paramount, as erroneous NDT readings could have serious consequences.

While cleaning the equipment, ensuring a controlled environment, and having certified personnel are important aspects of the overall NDT process, they do not directly impact the fundamental need for accurate results as calibration does. Therefore, ensuring equipment is calibrated according to established standards is critical for effective NDT operations.