The ministry has completed a review of its current requirements and guidance for nuclear gauge calibrations, including the requirement for consultants to complete an annual validation of their nuclear gauges against the ministry’s calibration blocks. Based on the review, which included assessing industry feedback and a scan of current/best practices in other jurisdictions, the following changes will be made to the ministry’s requirements related to nuclear gauges:
- The ministry will no longer require consultants to complete the annual validation of their nuclear gauges to the ministry’s calibration blocks.
- Nuclear gauges planned for use on ministry projects must be calibrated annually by a manufacturer or other qualified third-party provider on a set of certified moisture and density calibration blocks.
- No additional validation of the nuclear gauges will be required however proof of calibration for the gauge must be provided to the designated ministry contact prior to the preconstruction meeting for each nuclear gauge planned for use on a project.
These changes will take effect immediately for the 2026 construction season and will apply for existing consultant commissions.
The ministry will issue a Standard Practice Bulletin that will remain in effect until such time as any needed changes to ministry publications are complete and available on the Publications site (including STP 204-06 and STP 205-07, and the Schedule A for Construction Administration template). The bulletin will include:
- An overview of the revised nuclear gauge calibration process and requirements
- Clarification for how/when the updated requirements will take effect
- Guidance for how the new requirements will supplement/supersede the current versions of STP 204-06 and STP 205-07 included in contracts.
The ministry appreciates the concerns that were brought forward regarding its current requirement and looks to continue working with its industry partners to make improvements where it can.