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MERC+GSI – DRAFT Test Plan
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checked for compliance. Problems identified by spot-checks are documented and included in a
training/response file.
Specific forms (i.e., one for the GSI RDTE facility and one for bench-scale research
activities) are also used to record sample custody, handling and storage information. Relevant
GSI Senior Personnel are responsible for ensuring that the forms are correctly filled out at the
time of changes to sample custody, and sample handling and storage. They are also responsible
for maintaining the forms on file, creating electronic copies, and posting to the GSI Sharepoint
website for storage. QAQC spot-checks of these forms and the processes used to complete and
maintain them are undertaken periodically by GSI QAQC officers. Problems identified by
spotchecks are documented and included in a training/response file.
Data Processing and Storage:
A database designed using the Microsoft Access software suite is used to store, manage
and process data produced by the GSI. Microsoft Excel is used in conjunction with the database
to create various dataset formats for subsequent analysis. Database entry and maintenance is the
responsibility of the GSI database management staff. Regular checks for data entry errors are
conducted by comparing database records with the original paper data sheets. This is a manual
inspection process and though rather time consuming, it is an essential procedure for discovering
errors. After examination and QA analysis, the data distribution files from the Access database
are posted to the Lake Superior Research Institute’s (LSRI’s) Local Area Network (LAN) in an
organized hierarchical folder system such that those relevant GSI personnel are able to access the
data. A backup of the database is also made regularly to avoid any loss of data following
computer/electronic glitches. Files are also posted to the GSI’s sharepoint website such that those
GSI personnel outside of the LSRI network can access the data. Posting to sharepoint also acts as
a secondary data backup/storage mechanism.
9. Quality Assurance/Quality Control
MERC -
Treatment performance evaluations are implemented according to the Test/QA plans and
technical documents (e.g., Standard Operating Procedures) prepared during planning of the
evaluation. Prescribed procedures and a sequence for the work are defined during the planning
stages, and work performed shall follow those procedures and sequence. Technical procedures
shall include methods to assure proper handling and care of test instruments. All implementation
activities are documented and are traceable to the Test/QA plan and SOPs and to test personnel.
Analytical Laboratory Quality Control:
The analyses for Chlorophyll, TSS and POC shall have the following Quality Controls:
a.
Blanks
Three times during the evaluation, analysis of blanks. These blanks will be collected
weekly during sampling and should include Field Blanks (see Section 7.4.2).
b.
Control Charts. Two types of control charts are used in laboratories: a mean chart
for blanks and a range chart for replicate analyses.