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The MERC PC is responsible for determining specific training and certification needs, and for ensuring
that any required training is documented. The MERC PC and Senior Scientists are responsible to ensure
that all field and laboratory personnel receive orientation to applicable policies, procedures, requirements,
and their scope of application.
All field and laboratory staffs are to be trained, at a minimum, in the methods described in all applicable
SOPs. Initial training of field personnel in activities such as instrument calibration, safety, required
documentation, sampling methods, sample handling, and safety is generally performed by the MERC PC.
The PC also may conduct a field orientation or pre-deployment practice sessions. MERC Senior
Scientists are responsible for ensuring that technicians under their supervision possess and maintain
adequate proficiency, expertise, and knowledge in their respective work disciplines. Each laboratory
technician and analyst must complete an initial demonstration of capability before processing or
analyzing samples for MERC tests. Information on laboratory staff competence should be provided in
each lab’s Quality Management and/or Quality Assurance Plan. Current copies of the laboratory’s QA
Plan and attendant method specific SOPs should be on file with the MERC PC during the duration of
laboratory use.
Field and laboratory staffs are assessed on an ongoing basis by their direct supervisor and the MERC PC
to ensure all technical staff are performing activities in accordance with SOPs, the QAPP, and the Test
Plan. Experienced field and laboratory staff will continue to work with all new staff during sampling and
analytical activities until the new staff member exhibits proficiency in the field and/or laboratory, as
determined by the trainer’s observations.
At least annually, field and laboratory technicians and analysts must demonstrate continued proficiency
for the tasks that they are performing. The procedures used to ensure that staff training is current and
documented are defined in the QMP and SOPs.
Documentation of training related to technology testing, data analysis and reporting is maintained for all
MERC and MERC Partner technical staff in training files at their respective locations. The MERC QA
Manager may verify the presence of appropriate training records prior to the start of testing.
A.8.2.
Test-Specific Training
Manufacturers of BWT technologies will be required to train the MERC technical staff prior to the start
of testing. MERC will document this training with a consent form, signed by the vendor, which states
which MERC technical staff have been trained to use their technologies and can train other staff. In the
event that other staff members are required to use the technologies, they will be trained by the operators
that were trained by the vendors.