Analyze Immediately

Temperature

Hold Times

• IMMEDIATELY!• Between 0 -15

minutes, as close to sample collection time as possible - note both time of collection AND time of analysis!

Important Specifics

• Other parameters are temperature-dependent

• EPA Method 170.1• SM 2550B • Follow NJAC 7:18-

3.3(a)5.• Thermometric (“grab”)• Continuous

New Jersey Regulations

• Graduated in 0.5 degree Celsius increments

• Bears repeating: CELSIUS, not Fahrenheit!!!

• For Fecal Coliform, at least 0.2 degree C increments

More Specifics

• Continuous monitors: 0.5 degree C increments

• Must verify & calibrate!(more on that next….)

Before we go any further...

Important Definition!

“NIST” = National Institute of Standards & Technology

Per NJAC Regulations:

• Must be calibrated against a NIST thermometer.

• Graduated in 0.2 degree C increments.

• The NIST must cover the range of all analyses for which the lab is certified.

• NIST must have a certificate with an ID number that matches the ID number on the NIST thermometer……..

But, do you know your options??

• You perform calibration with your very own NIST thermometer;

• You ship out your thermometers & have a facility with a NIST perform the calibration & verification.

Option 1: Do It Yourself….

• Advantages: Your very own NIST thermometer in-house.

• No need to ship out.• No need to worry

about paperwork from the other facility - you keep all the records.

• May be a cost savings.

Option 2: sending out your thermometers

• Advantages: No need to buy expensive NIST thermometer(s).

• Good if you have 1 or 2 thermometers.

• Disadvantages: Must keep associated certification forms.

• Breakage or lost in transit.

More Requirements

• Keep extensive records: serial #, correction factors, dates, initials, ID #s.

• must calibrate over the range of all thermometers in use at the facility.

• Glass: calibrate yearly.

• Metal: calibrate quarterly (includes thermocouples or infra-red devices).

• NJAC 7:18-8.5 - This section pertains specifically to Analyze-Immediately parameters…

• GENERAL: retain raw data records, quality control data records, chain-of-custody forms, laboratory reports…

• Storage of data - data must be filed & maintained in an accessible location on lab premises for 1 year after analysis date…

• Long-term storage: records of analysis must be stored for 5 years after analysis date.

Records

Retain as Records of Analysis

• Assigned lab ID # or other form of ID

• date & time of analysis

• name & signature of person(s) who collected sample

• name & signature of person(s) who analyzed sample

• type of analysis performed & DSAM* used

(*DSAM=Dept. Sanctioned Analytical Method)

• results of analysis & raw data generated from analysis

Reporting Results

• Certified environmental lab name & NJ lab ID number

• date, time & location of sample collection and sample analysis

• type of analysis performed and analytical method employed

• results from analysis

• name & signature of environmental lab manager or designee per NJ regulations (NJAC 7:18-2.11(a)1iii)

In Closing…..

• Temperature is a simple test but,….

• Calibration / verification a must….

• Correction factors…

• Document, document, document!!!

• Temperature readings affect other analyses & instruments.