Field Monitoring Procedures—Air Sample

Collection of 10% duplicates as provided by specifications are not to be confused with the 10% duplication used for QAin the NIOSH 7400 method. The 10% duplicates provided by specifications are for QC interlaboratory determination of reliability. These duplicates are collected in the field using simultaneous collection devices or analysis preparatory techniques. Running two pumps on one individual is feasible for personal air sampling.

Running a Y shunt to two separate collection cassettes may be the technique used for area monitoring simultaneous collection. This method may also be feasible for personnel monitoring.

When neither type of collection alternative is feasible, duplication of prepared slides through duplicate filter media mounting is acceptable. The rationale and techniques for all prospective alternatives must be provided in the QA/QC document.

Caution: Field blanks must indeed be field blanks, not randomly prepared laboratory blanks. The purpose of field blanks is to access ambient air particulates hypothetically unassociated with abatement activities, but existing in the same general geographic loca­tion. Thus, field blanks must be filter-loaded cassettes that are open faced and stored out­side the asbestos control area in an associated support zone. Occasionally, hygienists carry the field blanks in their pockets. This practice, if employed, must be documented, with associated persuasive rationale.

Calibration

All calibration techniques and schedules must be provided. Calibration of air-sampling devices may be accomplished using a primary standard (such as a bubble burette) or using a precision rotameter calibrated against a primary standard. The bubble gauge installed on the front vertical face of personal air-sampling pumps is not a reliable or precise calibration tool. Calibration must be done using dial settings versus primary standard timings. Rotameters offer an advantage in that their portability makes it possible to calibrate cas­settes with the associated vacuum pump-generated airstream (or train) at the worksite.

Precision rotameters, while preferred, can be supplemented with standard rotameters. Techniques for rotameter use and calibration must be sequentially and clearly defined. The use of long-gauge range, 0-20 1/min, rotameters in the measure of personal air-sampling pumps with expected 2.5 1/min is prohibited due to lack of precision. Short-gauge range, 0-5 1/min rotameters, are allowed for use in the calibration of personal air sampling pumps. Example calibration curves and associated calculations must be provided.

Calibration of Phase Contrast Microscopy (PCM) microscopes used on-site must be completely defined. All NVLAP and American Conference Governmental Industry Hygienists (ACGIH) calibration procedures are enforceable for on-site activities. While not generally defined as a calibration technique, cleanliness and relative stability of the PCM microscopic location must be addressed. Sample calibration checklists used daily and weekly must be provided.

4.3.6 Negative Air Pressure

When negative air pressure is used in gross containment areas, monitoring criteria must be provided. Specifications should require continued real-time instrument monitor­ing independent of the HEPA vacuum system monitors. Monitors must be located outside the containment area and removed from the effluent HEPA vacuum airstream. Appropriate monitoring checklists and sample direct readout tapes must be provided. The readout tapes and associated calculations, if needed, can either be generically presented or be sam­ples from previous monitoring efforts.

4.3.7 Compressor

In the event that compressed air is used on-site, certification of Grade D breathing air must be provided. If a filter bank is used in conjunction with an oil-lubricated compressor, monitoring of the filter bank is required. This monitoring includes carbon monoxide, tem­perature, oil breakthrough, and air pressure criteria. In addition to audible alarms and escape air, visual monitoring of the compressor filter bank status is necessary. Provide sam­ple monitoring check sheets. Certain specifications call for the use of colorimetric tubes to certify continued Grade D breathing air supply. Provide sample monitoring check sheets that clearly indicate sampling intervals.

4.3.8 Recordkeeping and Sample Storage

Recordkeeping priorities and samples of format used must be provided. Records include documentation of air sampling and air sample analysis, bulk sampling and bulk sample analysis, and negative air pressure maintenance. Personnel records include resumes, certifications, medical surveillance, and training. Environmental records detail work sequencing and ambient conditions. All specified documents must be accessible and maintained as per specifications. Sample storage and accessibility must be discussed.

The following equipment and documentation lists are examples of those that should be appraised for asbestos bulk sampling. Other laboratory protocols will require similar lists.

Laboratory Procedures

• Logbook

• Calibration of refractive index oils

• Daily microscope alignment

• Daily microscope calibration check

• Daily microscope contamination check

• Equipment maintenance

• Equipment calibration

• Personnel records, including hierarchy, training, certification, and job descriptions

• Monthly records of each analyst

• QA and QC results for their work

• Proficiency results (PAT)

• Precision and accuracy ratings, including explanation of rating protocols

QA Logbook

Samples

Results

Discrepancies

Analysis repeats (minimum 10%)

Intralaboratory analysis of proficiency samples

Intralaboratory analysis of duplicates and replicates

Blank analysis

Summary of results from each analyst

Summary of results for the laboratory

QC Logbook

Deficiency corrections

Samples

Results

Discrepancies

Frequency of duplicate/replicate analysis per total samples

Interlaboratory analysis of proficiency samples

Timing of QC analysis

Same day, next shift, next day

Monthly proficiency samples, WULAP samples in-house or past EPA asbestos

bulk sample analysis, QA program samples, blanks, and contamination samples

Interlaboratory Analyses (summary of results for the laboratory)

Outliers

Interlaboratory analysis schedules

Time, including expected turnaround time

Labs participating

Contamination testing and control logbook

Lab data sheet/notebook

Analysis report sheet

QA manual revision documentation

Training procedures for staff

Analysis error correction correspondence

Дата добавления: 2015-11-16