La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § I-5303

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section I-5303 - Equipment and Supplies

A. The laboratory shall be furnished with or have access to all items of equipment required for correct performance of the analytical procedures for which it is accredited.

B. All equipment shall be properly maintained. Maintenance shall be documented.

C. Defective equipment shall be removed from service and labeled until it has been repaired and shown to function satisfactorily.

D. Records shall be maintained for each item of equipment and all reference materials significant to the tests performed. Maintenance logbook(s) and/or an electronic maintenance database with scheduled backups shall be maintained for all major equipment. Each log shall include:

1. the name of the item of equipment;

2. the manufacturer's name, type identification, and serial number;

3. the date received and the date placed in service;

4. the condition of equipment when placed in service (new, used, or reconditioned);

5. the current location;

6. the location of manufacturer's instruction manual (if available); and

7. the details of maintenance, including history of any damage, malfunction, modification, or repair.

E. In the case of measuring equipment, calibration records shall be maintained.

F. Records shall be maintained for acquisition of all equipment, reagents, and support services utilized by the laboratory in the generation of analytical data.

G. Supplies used for environmental testing shall meet the following minimums:

1. analytical reagents:

a. analytical reagent grade (AR) chemicals or equivalent are acceptable, unless individual procedures specify other reagent requirements;

b. stock and working standard solutions shall be checked regularly for signs of decomposition and expiration;

c. all solutions shall be labeled with identification of the compound, concentration, date prepared, analyst who prepared solution, and expiration date;

d. all purchased chemicals, solutions, and standards shall be labeled with dates of receipt, the dates of expiration on the container, and the date when the container is opened;

e. when reagents are removed from a container, they shall be used entirely or the unused portion discarded. Unused portions of a reagent may not be returned to the original container; and

f. compressed gases shall be of commercial grade, unless individual procedures specify other requirements;

2. glassware shall be cleaned and maintained properly as required by the test methodology; and

3. thermometers:

a. the laboratory shall have access to a NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) traceable thermometer where applicable;

b. the calibration of working thermometers, with the exception of dial thermometers, shall be checked at least annually against a NIST traceable certified thermometer and results recorded and documented per thermometer;

c. the calibration of dial-type thermometers shall be checked at least quarterly against a NIST traceable thermometer and results recorded per thermometer; and

d. thermometers shall be labeled when calibrated and the correction factor recorded.

H. Equipment used for environmental testing shall meet the following minimums:

1. analytical balances/pan balances:

a. records of balance calibration shall be kept for at least two ranges with a minimum class S or S-1 reference weights or equivalent (weights should be recertified every two years). Records showing daily (or before each use) functional/calibration checks for analytical balances and monthly functional/calibration checks for pan balances shall be maintained;

b. balances shall be calibrated and serviced at a minimum of once per year and service date recorded on the balance; and

c. balances may only be used with suitable support;

2. pH meters:

a. the laboratory shall use a pH meter with appropriate electrode with scale graduations at least 0.1 pH units (calibrated to +- 0.1 pH units for each use period) with temperature correction;

b. either a thermometer or a temperature sensor for automatic compensation shall be in use;

c. records shall be maintained indicating calibration daily or before each use, whichever is less frequent; and

d. aliquots of standard pH 4 and pH 7 or pH 7 and pH 10 shall be used only once;

3. conductivity meter:

a. a conductivity meter and probe of sufficient sensitivity shall be in use;

b. records shall be kept to show a daily or before each use calibration check, whichever is less frequent. Calibration shall be within the range of interest using standard solutions; and

c. records shall be kept showing that the cell constant is determined annually;

4. refrigeration equipment:

a. thermometer(s) in each refrigerator shall be immersed in liquid to the appropriate immersion line;

b. thermometers shall be graduated in increments no larger than 1^o C;

c. temperatures for each refrigerator shall be recorded for each day in use for laboratory activities;

d. samples shall be stored in separate refrigerators from all standards where a potential for cross-contamination exists; and

e. refrigerator temperature should be maintained between 1^o C and 6^o C (inclusive), and freezer temperature shall be less than 0^o C;

5. visual comparison devices:

a. visual devices shall be calibrated according to manufacturer's specifications and/or test methodologies; and

b. results shall be recorded and maintained; and

6. ovens/incubators/baths:

a. temperature shall be adequately controlled; and

b. records shall be kept to show that temperature is maintained (e.g., beginning and end of each use cycle or daily for extended drying periods).

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § I-5303

Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Secretary, LR 24:926 (May 1998), repromulgated LR 24:1093 (June 1998), amended by the Office of Environmental Assessment, Environmental Planning Division, LR 26:1438 (July 2000).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2011.