Below is the uncorrected machine-read text of this chapter, intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text of each book. Because it is UNCORRECTED material, please consider the following text as a useful but insufficient proxy for the authoritative book pages.
45 5.1 Selecting the Manufacturer and Model for On-Site Monitoring The final step in selecting an instrument for on-site monitoring is determining a manufacturer and model. Providing recommendations of manufacturers and models is not within the scope of this guidebook. As a result, selection of a manufacturer and model is up to the discretion of the individual airport operator. The information obtained through the monitoring instrument selection process, including screening of monitoring parameters, determina- tion of on-site monitoring needs, determination of applicable monitor- ing types, and determination of appropriate monitoring methods for each parameter, will provide a short list of potential instruments for each application. Airport personnel can use a variety of readily available information sources to determine potential manufacturers and models for their needs. Potential information sources are: ⢠Manufacturer and manufacturerâs representative listings, often pro- vided by instrument type in catalogues, magazines, or websites; ⢠Manufacturer and manufacturerâs representative websites; ⢠Trade shows; ⢠Recommendations from other airports; and ⢠Internet searches. Airport operators should approach the selection of the instrument with caution because the manufacturerâs name for an instrument does not always accurately represent the monitoring method used. As an example, just because a monitor has TOC in the name does not guarantee that the monitor uses a TOC method. Also, some monitors use a method that is similar to but not exactly the same as an EPA-approved method. Therefore, when selecting a manufacturer and model, it is important to understand what method the instrument uses. 5.2 Selecting a Certified Laboratory for Off-Site Monitoring Cost should not be the only consideration in choosing a laboratory. Other important consid- erations include accreditation status, accredited methods, quality control, and holding times. Accreditation is the best indicator that the lab has the capability to provide reliable, defensible data. If any analysis is not performed in-house, all supporting or subcontracted labs should be Identify Applicable Instruments and Laboratories C h a p t e r 5
46 Guidebook for Selecting Methods to Monitor airport and aircraft Deicing Materials accredited as well. Accreditation indicates that the lab is capable of providing accurate, represen- tative, comparable, complete, and defensible data. For many constituents, there may be several different analytical methods available. If regula- tory or permit requirements mandate a specific analytical method, make certain that the lab is accredited for the specific method needed. Expect the lab to report the results of quality control tests, such as blank, standard, and dupli- cate samples, at no extra cost. Check both precision and bias estimates to judge whether the lab is likely to have done accurate work. Ask for results of quality control tests done with the batch in which your samples were analyzed. Labs must be able to meet holding-time requirements for samples. Samples should be main- tained under chain of custody from the time of sample collection through delivery to the labo- ratory. The chain-of-custody form should document when the samples were transferred from the sampling team to the laboratory by date, time, and signature. The laboratory data report should document when the sample was extracted, if an organic analysis was done, and when it was analyzed. This establishes that holding times were met and is essential in case the data are challenged legally.