Session M. Architectural Acoustics I: Symposium on Traceable Calibration of Acoustical Test Instruments

Recently Committee E-33 of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) proposed a new standard, Guidelines for the Preparation of the Accreditation Section of Acoustical Test Standards. The Guidelines recommend that a section on laboratory accreditation be included in every acoustical test standard to inform accrediting authorities what requirements should be satisfied by the facilities, instruments, procedures, and quality assurance program of an accredited laboratory. The accuracy required for test instrument should be specified, and accredited laboratorie should be required to demonstrate that test instruments satisfy the specifications. Both the accreditor and the accredited laboratory—in fact anyone who uses acoustical instruments—should understand what constitutes traceable calibration of test instruments. A panel will discuss the problems and requirements of traceable calibration. The panel will include representatives of: • the National Bureau of Standards, • the National Research Council of Canada, • instrument manufacturers, • laboratory managers, • acoustical consultants. The audience will be invited to participate in the discussion.