This part of ISO 6508 specifies a method for the calibration of reference blocks to be used for the indirect and daily verification of Rockwell hardness testing machines and indenters, as specified in ISO 6508-2. This part also specifies requirements for Rockwell machines and indenters used for calibrating reference blocks and specifies methods for their calibration and verification. Attention is drawn to the fact that the use of hard metal for ball indenters is considered to be the standard type of Rockwell indenter ball. Steel indenter balls can be used only when complying with the Annex of ISO 6508-1 that specifies the Special HR30TSm and HR15TSm test for thin products.