i

State of CaliforniaThe Resources Agency

Department of Water ResourcesDivision of Planning and Local Assistance

Quality Assurance Guidelinesfor Analytical Laboratories

September 1997

Douglas P. WheelerSecretary for ResourcesThe Resources Agency

Pete WilsonGovernor

State of California

David N. KennedyDirector

Department of Water Resources

WATER RESOU

RC

ESD

EPA

RTM

ENT OF

STATE OF CALIFORNIA

iii

Organization .................................................. iv

Introduction ....................................................1

Policy ...............................................................3Department of Water Resources Laboratory ..............

Services Policy............................................................ 3

Guidelines .......................................................5Guidelines for Requesting Analytical Services ........ 5Selection of Contract Analytical Laboratory ............ 6

Contract Laboratory Certification .................... 6Invitation for Bid/Request for Proposals ........ 6

Ongoing Performance Evaluation .............................. 7System Audits ............................................................... 8Quality Assurance Practices Required of ....................

Analytical Laboratory ............................................... 8Analytical Laboratory Reporting Requirements ...... 8

Appendix ......................................................11Analytical Laboratory Quality Assurance

Evaluation ................................................................ 12

Table of Contents

iv

State of CaliforniaPete Wilson, Governor

The Resources AgencyDouglas P. Wheeler, Secretary for Resources

Department of Water ResourcesDavid N. Kennedy, Director

Stephen L. Kashiwada Robert G. Potter Raymond D. HartDeputy Director Chief Deputy Director Deputy Director

L. Lucinda Chipponeri Susan N. WeberAssistant Director for Legislation Chief Counsel

Barry Gump ........................................................ Consulting Chemist DWR Contract B80759Quality Assurance/Control Program

with the assistance of

Lynda Dale Herren.................................... ............................ Supervisor, Division PublicationsBrenda Main................................................... .................................................... Research WriterRose Luna ........................................................................................................Office Technician

Division of Planning and Local Assistance

William J. Bennett ................................................................................................................. Chief

Dennis Letl ............................................................................................................... Deputy Chief

This report was prepared under the supervision of

Phil Wendt....................................................................Chief, Water Quality Assessment Branch

Raymond Tom .......................................................... Acting Chief, Technical Services Section

by

Murage Ngatia ............................................................................... Environmental Specialist II

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Introduction

Each year the Department of Water Resources investsmillions of dollars in the collection and analysis ofenvironmental data. To ensure that the quality of thedata meets designated standards, DWR developed itsLaboratory Services Policy for analytical laboratorywork. This document presents that policy, along withthe procedures for selecting laboratories to performenvironmental analyses for DWR and continuingevaluation of the quality of those laboratory services.These procedures will be updated periodically asperformance requirements change.

This document will be useful to DWR ProgramManagers in planning for new projects. It will alsohelp other agencies that may want to use DWR labora-tory services or use the document as a model forprocuring and evaluating analytical services for theirown programs. ■

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Policy

Department of WaterResourcesLaboratory Services Policy

Historically, DWR’s analytical procedures wererelatively uncomplicated because of the type ofparameters that were monitored (e.g., electricalconductivity, minerals, dissolved solids, etc.). Thetask of contracting for analytical services was there-fore left to individual Program Managers. With thisdecentralized system, there were no consistent proce-dures in place to control the cost or the quality of datagenerated by these laboratories.

More recently, DWR’s environmental measurementactivities have shifted in emphasis toward collectionof data related to sensitive water quality issues in-volving toxic substances that affect human andenvironmental health. Concerns about the credibilityof the data generated within DWR environmentalmeasurement programs led to the realization thatcomprehensive quality assurance and quality controlevaluations must accompany all such analyticallaboratory data. A system of continuing assessmentof the quality of the data needed to be instituted andmaintained. The Laboratory Services Policy wasapproved by DWR to address these concerns.

Effective July 1, 1994, the Laboratory ServicesPolicy centralized authority to contract for andcontrol the quality of all analytical laboratory workperformed on behalf of DWR.

• With the policy in place, all DWR requests foranalytical services must be submitted to BryteLaboratory. To assist Bryte Laboratory manage-ment with their workload planning, samplingplans or other additional information may beprovided.

• DWR’s Quality Assurance Program, in conjunc-tion with the management and technical person-nel of Bryte Laboratory, was directed to develop

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master contracts with commercial laboratories toprovide services not available through BryteLaboratory.

• DWR’s QA Program, in conjunction with themanagement and technical personnel of BryteLaboratory, was directed to maintain continuingassessment and control of the quality of workperformed by contract laboratories.

• Bryte Laboratory maintains responsibility fordistributing the analytical workload to makeefficient use of DWR and contract laboratoryequipment and capabilities. Analytical charges aredetermined by Bryte Laboratory management and,to the extent feasible, will be uniform throughoutDWR.

• DWR is in the process of updating and simplifyingits paper flow by developing a modern laboratoryinformation management system. This system willbe capable of reporting all the quality assurance/quality control data generated by Bryte Laboratoryand contract laboratories. ■

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Pre-ContractPerformance Evaluation

Guidelines

Guidelines for RequestingAnalytical Services

Program Managers should consult with Bryte Labora-tory in the early stages of planning a new project orexpanding an existing one. Program Managers willsubmit their requests for analytical services to theBryte Laboratory Chief. Requests should include asampling plan, types of analyses to be performed,and a description of the data quality objectives forthe project.

Data quality is a measure or description of the typesand amounts of error associated with the data set.Therefore, data quality objectives are statements ofthe level of uncertainty the Project Manager is willingto accept in results derived from environmental data.Assistance in defining data quality objectives isavailable from the Bryte Laboratory Quality Assur-ance Officer and DWR’s QA Program.

A project’s data quality objectives will be utilized byBryte Laboratory and the DWR Quality AssuranceProgram in evaluating the performance of contractlaboratories. The following DWR technical docu-ments may also be consulted:

• Sampling Manual for Environmental Measure-ment Projects (Quality Assurance TechnicalDocument 2)

• Guidelines for Developing Quality AssuranceProject Plans (Quality Assurance TechnicalDocument 6)

Copies of these documents can be obtained fromDWR’s Bulletins and Reports, Post Office Box942836, Sacramento, California 94236-0001; phone(916) 653-1097.

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Selection of ContractAnalytical Laboratory

Contract Laboratory CertificationCommercial analytical laboratories that performanalyses for DWR must be certified by the Environ-mental Laboratory Accreditation Program adminis-tered by the State of California Department of HealthServices. Exceptions may be considered where ananalytical method is not certified by ELAP. Thecontract laboratory (contractor) shall not subcontractany analyses without prior approval by DWR. Allquality control, certification, and other requirementsof the contractor shall be applicable to subcontractors.

There are instances where no commercial analyticallaboratory is ELAP certified for a specific analysis,especially with new methods for new analytes. Somegovernment and university laboratories meet orexceed minimum standards established for certifiedlaboratories, even though they may not be ELAPcertified. Such a noncertified laboratory can be usedfor analytical purposes, provided the laboratory isevaluated properly, meets performance criteria de-scribed in this document, and has a record of goodQA/QC practices. To provide a complete line ofanalytical services, Bryte Laboratory regularly par-ticipates in interagency agreements with laboratoriesof municipalities, universities, and other agencies forspecialized analytical work.

Invitation for Bid/Request for ProposalsLaboratory analytical services will be contractedthrough the invitation for bids/request for proposalsprocess. The bid process will consist of a three-stageprocedure.

Stage 1: Compliance Documentation and Labora-tory QA Manuals

Candidate laboratories will be required to submitproof of compliance with Minority, Women, DisabledVeteran Business Enterprise requirements and a copy

of their laboratory QA Manual which should include,but not be limited to, the following:

• A reference to the standard operating proceduresfor all monitoring and analytical methods

• Written procedures of quality control practices forinstruments, equipment, reagents, supplies, andanalyses to assure that data generated is of accept-able precision and accuracy

• Qualifications of staff (number and types ofpositions, educational background, formal training,and experience)

• Adequacy of laboratory facilities (size; number ofhoods and sinks; adequacy of lighting, benchspace, and storage areas)

• Adequacy of laboratory instrumentation (majorequipment suitable for program needs)

• Preventive maintenance of instruments and equip-ment (e.g., frequency of maintenance, adequatedocumentation, etc.)

• Sample logging and tracking of standard operatingprocedures

• Sample preparation (drying, grinding, homogeni-zation, digestion, and extraction)

• Analytical methods (identification of specificmethods, detection limits suitable for programneeds, availability of raw data; SOPs)

• Laboratory internal quality control (use of blanks,duplicates, matrix spikes, and reference materials;frequency of incorporation of quality controlsamples; acceptance criteria [i.e., precision, accu-racy, etc.] for quality control results; correctiveactions; use of control charts; SOPs)

• External quality assurance data (e.g.,interlaboratory check samples; participation in

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round robin studies such as those conducted bythe Environmental Protection Agency, U.S.Geological Survey, and others)

• Laboratory data reports (format, SOPs)

• Sample storage (security, SOPs)

• Turnaround time of analyses suitable for programneeds

• Laboratory forms (types, copies included inmanual)

• Laboratory safety (type of equipment, conditionof equipment, frequency of inspection, availabil-ity of a safety plan, SOPs)

Stage 2: Analyses of Performance EvaluationSamples

Candidate laboratories that pass Stage 1 will berequired to participate in the analyses of performanceevaluation samples and attain an acceptable scoredetermined by the DWR QA Officer. DWR willpurchase the samples, and the candidate laboratorieswill perform the analyses at their own expense. PEsamples will also be submitted to a referee laboratoryin case there is a dispute about analytical results.Candidate laboratories will be required to submittheir PE sample analyses in both hard copies and anelectronic format compatible with DWR’s database.

Stage 3: Cost Proposal Evaluation

Candidate laboratories that pass Stage 2 will qualifyto advance to the cost proposal evaluation. Thelowest responsible bidder will be considered foraward of the contract. An on-site visit will be con-ducted before a contract is awarded as part of thefinal evaluation process. The on-site visit will be toverify that the description of the laboratory facilitiesin the IFB/RFP is accurate and that the laboratoryfollows its own QA Manual procedures. The analyti-cal laboratory evaluation form (see Appendix) will beused for this purpose.

Ongoing PerformanceEvaluation

Contract analytical laboratories and their subcontrac-tors will be required to routinely participate in analysesof performance evaluation samples as part of thecontinuing performance audit process. The frequencyand extent of these audits will be determined byDWR’s QA Program in consultation with the BryteLaboratory QA Officer. DWR has contracted with anindependent contractor to provide certified perfor-mance evaluation samples to DWR. Other sources ofPE samples include agencies such as the DHS, EPA,USGS, National Institute of Standards and Technol-ogy, and the National Research Council of Canada.

The PE samples will be submitted to contract laborato-ries or their subcontractors blind, double blind, or inany other format determined by DWR’s Quality Assur-ance Program. The analytical results reported will bescored either on the basis of USGS “z” scores (withadditional penalties for missed analytes and falsepositives) or on the basis of another standard scoringprocedure. In all instances, the laboratory must obtainthe minimum score defined by the scoring method. If alaboratory scores below the passing score twice in arow, DWR may terminate the contract or requireanalytical work to be subcontracted to a laboratory thatcan meet satisfactory performance.

An example of a scoring system that has been used byDWR is the following:

Total possible points = 100Number of analytes = N per PE samplePoints per analyte = (100/N) = PPenalty for missed analyte (Or analyte on contract but not = 2P attempted)Penalty for analyte found but not present = PPenalty for analyte found but outside certified control limits = P

Final score = 100 - Penalty points

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This system uses 80 percent as the passing score. Alaboratory not meeting the 80 percent requirementwould be sent a second performance evaluationsample to analyze at its own expense.

System Audits

System audits (Appendix A) will be conducted at thediscretion of DWR’s QA Program and Bryte Labora-tory QA Officer, who will determine the compositionand format of the audits. On-site visits will help ensurethat contract laboratories and their subcontractorscontinue to meet DWR’s quality requirements duringthe term of the contract. See Appendix A for anexample of an analytical laboratory audit form. Defi-ciencies will be documented and discussed with thecontract laboratory staff. In addition, laboratoryweaknesses identified through DWR’s quality assur-ance performance evaluations will be discussed.Subsequent on-site visits will ensure that the contractlaboratory has implemented the recommended orrequired corrective actions identified in previous on-site visits. If the contract laboratory is unable toimplement recommendations to correct quality assur-ance problems, DWR reserves the right to terminatethe contract or to require that analytical work besubcontracted to a laboratory that can meet the qualityassurance requirements.

Quality Assurance PracticesRequired of AnalyticalLaboratory

The following is a general outline of expected qualityassurance practices from a contract laboratory:

• The analytical laboratory is expected to complywith its own internal QA Laboratory Manual.

• All calibration and quality control requirements fora given analytical method will be strictly followed.

• The laboratory will, at DWR discretion, participatein performance evaluation studies for parameters

covered by the contract. The laboratory willanalyze performance evaluation samples, splitsamples, and blind samples supplied to the con-tract laboratory over the term of the contract. Thelaboratory will follow the instructions providedwith these samples.

• The laboratory will operate its own internal qualitycontrol program for an overall measure of perfor-mance. QC problems will be resolved at thelaboratory's expense, including reanalysis of thesamples as necessary.

Analytical LaboratoryReporting Requirements

Contract laboratories will be required to provideinternal quality control data along with their routineanalytical results to ensure that their data are of ac-ceptable quality. These quality control results includeduplicate samples results, reference and control stan-dards, blanks, and any other control samples resultsavailable. Analytical results must be provided in anelectronic format compatible with the Bryte Labora-tory information database system. At present thisdatabase is in Microsoft Access V2.0 for Windows3.1. Contract laboratories will be expected to updatetheir databases when newer versions are implementedat Bryte Laboratory.

Analytical results must include the information belowas a minimum:

• Precision, as measured by analyses of duplicatesamples (for both the environmental samples andthe spiked analytes), reported as relative percentdifference or relative standard deviation

• Accuracy, as measured by analyses of controlsamples

• Presentation of the measurement data expressingthe limits of uncertainty for the laboratory analyti-cal method in the range of concentrations deter-mined

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• Documentation tracing the sample from the fieldto the final results (chain of custody records)

• Description of the analytical methods used,analyst who performed the analysis, detection andreporting limits

• Data reported only to the number of significantfigures consistent with their limits of uncertainty

• Any modification, as well as any new methodol-ogy, described in detail, including test results anddetails of its validation

• Documentation of sample handling, includingdate sampled, date prepared (if applicable) anddate analyzed, to ensure adherence to methodholding times

• Case narrative justifying out-of-control data whenresults are validated with apparent QC problemsor exceedances

The contract laboratory’s invoice shall be reduced foreach of the following that occur:

• Receipt of results of analyses exceeds the agreed-upon turnaround time

• Holding times are exceeded on any samples

• Laboratory does not notify DWR within 24 hoursof broken, defective, or missing samples

• Laboratory reports unacceptable batch QC results

In addition, if any of the above occur, the laboratorymust pay for resampling and reanalyze new or re-served samples at no charge to DWR. ■

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Appendix

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Analytical LaboratoryQuality Assurance Evaluation

Laboratory Name: Date:

Address:

Director:

Telephone Number:

Laboratory QA Officer:

Telephone Number:

Laboratory Certified By:

Review Team Members/Affiliation:

DWR QA Officer: Date : Signature

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1. Laboratory Organization

Number of staff professionals _________technicians _________clerical _________computer _________other _________

(Organization chart should be provided and attached)

2. Laboratory Facilities and Instrumentation

Approximate laboratory size _________ (ft2)

Adequate Inadequate

Temperature control __________ __________Ventilation __________ __________Sinks __________ __________Lighting __________ __________Bench space __________ __________Storage for glassware/reagents/ samples/containers __________ __________Hoods (100 LFM) __________ __________Sample containers labeled __________ __________Reagent containers labeled __________ __________Sufficient electrical outlets __________ __________Available gas/vacuum lines __________ __________

Distilled/deionized water:Conductivity monitored regularly __________ __________pH/other parameters monitored __________ __________Log maintained __________ __________

Comments:

Basic Laboratory Instrumentation/Equipment:a. pH Meter:

0.05 unit sensitivity __________ __________Calibrated daily with 2 buffers __________ __________Buffers used only once __________ __________

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Expiration date posted __________ __________Calibrations documented __________ __________Electrode properly maintained/ stored __________ __________

Comments:

b. Analytical Reagents:Reagent grade or better __________ __________Dated when opened __________ __________Stored properly __________ __________Expiration date posted __________ __________

Comments:

c. Conductivity Meter:Calibrated before each use __________ __________Calibrated with___________________Calibrations documented __________ __________

Comments:

d. Analytical Balance:Sensitivity of 0.1 mg __________ __________Positioned on stable base __________ __________Annual service contract __________ __________Class “S” or “S1” weights for periodic calibration checks __________ __________Calibration checks documented __________ __________

Comments:

e. Drying Ovens:Temperatures monitored __________ __________Documentation of temperature when in use __________ __________

Comments:

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f. Refrigerators/Freezers:Monitored daily __________ __________Refrigerators at 4 +/- 2 oC

Records of monitoring with date __________ __________-- temperature __________ __________-- initials of responsible person __________ __________-- acceptable range listed __________ __________

Comments:

g. Water baths:Maintained at 95o to 100oC __________ __________Documentation when bath in use __________ __________

Comments:

h. Thermometers:Certified thermometer (and certificate) __________ __________Lab thermometers routinely calibrated __________ __________Calibration checks documented __________ __________

Comments:

i. Glassware:Class “A” type used __________ __________Method SOPs used for cleaning __________ __________

Comments:

j. Desiccator:Desiccant monitored __________ __________Desiccant replaced/regenerated regularly __________ __________

Comments:

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k. Turbidimeter:Calibrated with primary/secondary standards __________ __________Secondary standards checked quarterly __________ __________Calibrations/standards checks documented __________ __________

Comments:

l. Sample containers:Stored in designated storage area __________ __________Area free from contamination __________ __________Routinely checked for contamination __________ __________

Comments:

m. Other Equipment:

Major laboratory equipment suitable for program needs Yes No____ ____

Item Model Number Age Maintenance Frequency

Comments:

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n. Test Method References on hand and available to all personnel: Yes No

Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater (current version) ____ ____EPA - Methods for Chemical Analysis of Water and Wastes ____ ____EPA - Handbook for Analytical Quality Control in Water and Wastewater Laboratories ____ ____EPA - Methods for the Determination of Organic Compounds in Drinking Water (500’s series) ____ ____EPA - SW 846 3rd Ed. and Updates I, II, IIA, and IIB ____ ____PAM Manuals, Volume I & II ____ ____

Comments:

3. Preventive MaintenanceYes No

Equipment manual available near each instrument ____ ____Fume hoods quarterly inspections (up-to-date) ____ ____Log books documenting equipment maintenance available ____ ____Includes:date, description of routine maintenance ____ ____all corrective actions documented ____ ____entry signed by technician ____ ____

Troubleshooting standard operating procedures available ____ ____

Service contracts available for:

Most ___________________ Some ___________________ Few _________________

Comments:

4. Sample Receiving/StorageYes No

a. Sample Security:Storage facilities secured ____ ____Locked storage area for litigation samples ____ ____

Comments:

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b. Sample Receiving: Yes NoDesignated area for receiving samples ____ ____Size of area adequate ____ ____Area includes facilities for preserving samples ____ ____Location minimizes potential contamination ____ ____Location provides easy access to sample storage area(s) ____ ____Area organized for efficient processing/preserving ____ ____Sample integrity and/or identity maintained ____ ____Designated individual for sample receiving ____ ____Written SOP available for sample receiving ____ ____Written SOP available for chain-of-custody ____ ____

Comments:

c. Sample Identification/Record Keeping:Sample receiving log maintained ____ ____Receiving log includes:

--Time and date sampled ____ ____--Time and date received at laboratory ____ ____--Sample collector ____ ____--Nature of sample (matrix identified) ____ ____--Analyses to be performed ____ ____--Preservatives in/added to sample ____ ____--Condition of samples recorded ____ ____--Sample transport methods documented ____ ____--Information on container documented ____ ____--Sample recipient ____ ____

Lab ID assigned and recorded ____ ____Computer log-in system in place ____ ____

--Backup system available ____ ____Hard copies of all files available ____ ____Chain-of-Custody Forms Include:Project name/manager ____ ____Laboratory name ____ ____Field/Lab ID ____ ____Matrix type ____ ____Number of containers ____ ____Analyses requested ____ ____Adequate signature space ____ ____

Comments:

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d. Posted Instructions: Yes NoIn sample receiving area for

--Sample preservation ____ ____--Proper containers ____ ____--Holding time requirements ____ ____

Comments:

e. Preservatives, Containers, Storage and Holding Times:Samples collected in proper containers ____ ____Samples preserved with appropriate preservatives ____ ____

--Preservatives indicated on sample container ____ ____Samples stored properly ____ ____Samples analyzed within the required holding time limit ____ ____

Comments:

f. Sample Tracking System:Follow a sample (or samples) progress through the laboratory from receipt to reportingof final data.

Sample(s) traced (ID) __________________________________________________________

Tracking system in place ____ ____System monitors holding times ____ ____Sample tags attached ____ ____

Comments:

g. Storage Facilities:Adequate facilities to store all samples properly ____ ____Samples stored to minimize cross contamination ____ ____Drinking water VOA samples in separate refrigerator ____ ____Hazardous waste samples stored separately ____ ____Refrigerators maintained at 4 +/- 2 oC ____ ____Storage temperatures monitored and documented ____ ____

Comments:

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5. Sample Preparation (digestion/extraction)Yes No

Written SOPs available ____ ____

Comments:

6. Calibration ProceduresYes No

Reagents ____ ____Date of receipt or preparation shown ____ ____Analyst preparing reagents identified ____ ____Proper storage ____ ____Vendor source identified ____ ____Written SOPs for calibration documented ____ ____Blanks and standards prepared using same reagents ____ ____ as for production samples ____ ____Analytical range _______________________________________Frequency of blank/ calibration standard analysis ___________________________

Acceptance criteria documented for analyst ____ ____Corrective action documented ____ ____Initial and final calibration of standards within 15% ____ ____Blanks less than the detection limit ____ ____Control charts used ____ ____Calibration problems documented in analyst notebook ____ ____Storage __________________________________________________________Range of standards appropriate _______________________________________

Comments:

7. Analytical Method (for Each Field of Testing)

Field of Testing:_______________________________ Yes No

Instrument appropriate for analytes/matrix ____ ____Instrument in good operating condition ____ ____Written SOPs of methodology available at each analyst's station ____ ____Have methods been modified? ____ ____Validation information on file ____ ____

Method Detection limits (matrix)________________________ Last updated_________Method Detection limits (matrix)________________________ Last updated_________Method Detection limits (matrix)________________________ Last updated_________

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Average sample backlog____________________Analysis conducted within_______days of receiptAnalysts' notebooks available: ____ ____entries made in ink ____ ____corrections crossed through ____ ____analysts identified ____ ____date documented ____ ____Raw data on file ____ ____Weights, volumes recorded

Date, time, procedure entered ____ ____Instrument parameters recorded ____ ____Analyst’s initial or signature ____ ____Calibration run referenced ____ ____Notes on SOP modifications recorded ____ ____

Comments:

8. Quality Control (Internal)Yes No

Written SOPs available ____ ____Control charts available for:

--blanks ____ ____--duplicates ____ ____--spikes ____ ____--standard reference material ____ ____--calibration standards ____ ____--other___________________________ ____ ____

Blanks/Duplicates/Spikes--Frequency of each ________________

Acceptance criteria available to analyst ____ ____Corrective action known by laboratory personnel obtained ____ ____

Estimated percent passed on first run _________________

Percent of sample loads:--standards _______--blanks _________ duplicates _________--spikes_______blind reference samples_____

Completeness: ____ ____Acceptance criteria available ____ ____Corrective action available ____ ____

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QA reports prepared and problems documented in writing ____ ____QA reports reviewed by Lab Director prior to submittal of report ____ ____

Comments:

9. Safety Yes No

a. Safety Equipment:--Fire extinguishers/fire blankets ____ ____--Safety shower ____ ____--Spill kits ____ ____--Eye wash ____ ____--First aid kit(s) ____ ____--Safety glasses ____ ____

Comments:

b. Safety Habits:Lab coats worn ____ ____Safety glasses worn ____ ____Walkways clear ____ ____Work areas clean ____ ____Safety data sheets filed ____ ____

Comments:

c. Distillation, Solvent Extraction, and Acid Digestion Procedures:Performed under hoods ____ ____Hoods have proper flow (100 LFM) ____ ____Hoods monitored on regular basis ____ ____Monitoring documented ____ ____

Comments:

d. Chemical Storage Shelving and Gas Cylinders:Shelves have earthquake railings ____ ____Gas cylinders secured ____ ____Explosive gas cylinders grounded ____ ____

Comments:

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e. Solvents and Acids Storage:Solvents stored in flammable storage cabinets ____ ____Acids stored in acid resistant cabinets ____ ____Acid neutralizers available nearby ____ ____Organic extracts stored in explosion-proof refrigerators ____ ____

Comments:

f. Hazardous Wastes Handling:Hazardous wastes stored properly ____ ____

--Reactive wastes isolated ____ ____--Acid waste neutralized ____ ____

Hazardous wastes disposed of properly ____ ____Waste disposal contract in place ____ ____

Comments:

10. External Quality AssuranceYes No

Interlaboratory duplicates ____ ____Percent of external QA samples per batch ____ ____Acceptance criteria (obtained) ____ ____Corrective action (obtained) ____ ____

Interlaboratory Participation:Sponsoring Agency Sample Types Performance Results________________________ _____________________ ____________________________________________ _____________________ ____________________________________________ _____________________ ____________________

Yes NoReports Available ____ ____

Comments:

11. Records/Data RetentionYes No

a. Data Retention Requirements:Complete records of regulatory analyses maintained ____ ____Records retained per client requirements ____ ____Instrument printouts, chart recordings, and chromatograms retained ____ ____

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Comments:

b. Raw Data:Maintained on worksheets and/or permanently bound lab books ____ ____Entries made in indelible ink ____ ____Corrections made by crossing out entries ____ ____Corrections initialed by analyst ____ ____

Comments:

c. Data Review:Data checked by second analyst ____ ____Documentation of second analyst data check ____ ____

Comments:

d. Corrective Action:Documentation of corrective actions in out-of-control situations ____ ____Documentation includes

--date ____ ____--analyst ____ ____--samples affected ____ ____--problem ____ ____--resolution ____ ____

Comments:

e. Data Reduction:Dilution factors taken into account ____ ____Interferences noted ____ ____Bias corrections made on data ____ ____

--If so, uncorrected values are included ____ ____Appropriate use of significant figures ____ ____

Comments:

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f. Notification and Reporting Procedures:Do data reports include the following

--Identification of the laboratory ____ ____--Identification of the client/program ____ ____--Complete sample identification ____ ____--Date of sample collection ____ ____--Date sample received by laboratory ____ ____--Date of sample analysis ____ ____--Name of analytical method ____ ____--Analytical values including units of measure ____ ____--Limits of detection ____ ____--Date of report ____ ____--Original signature by a signatory person ____ ____

Samples stored for how long following submittalof reports ______________________

Comments:

12. Quality Assurance Plan Yes NoQuality Assurance Plan in place ____ ____Date of most recent update ____________________Plan accessible to all analysts ____ ____Laboratory personnel familiar with plan ____ ____Plan describes actual laboratory practices ____ ____

Comments: