ASTM D5612-94(2018)

Standard Guide for Quality Planning and Field Implementation of a Water Quality Measurement Program

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Environmental data are often required for making regulatory and programmatic decisions. These data must be of known quality commensurate with their intended use.  
5.2 Certain minimal criteria must be met by the field organizations in order to meet the objectives of the water monitoring activities.  
5.3 This guide defines the criteria for organizations taking water samples and generating environmental data and identifies other activities that may be required based on the DQOs.  
5.4 This guide emphasizes the importance of communication among those involved in establishing the DQOs, planning, and implementing the sampling and analysis aspects of environmental data generation activities, and assessing data quality.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide covers planning and implementation of the sampling aspects of environmental data generation activities. Environmental data generation efforts are comprised of four parts: (1) establishment of data quality objectives (DQOs); (2) design of field sampling and measurement strategies and specification of laboratory analyses and data acceptance criteria; (3) implementation of sampling and analysis strategies; and (4) data quality assessment.  
1.2 This guide defines the criteria that must be considered to ensure the quality of the field aspects of environmental data and sample generation activities.  
1.3 DQOs should be adopted prior to the application of this guide. The data generated in accordance with this guide are subject to a final assessment to determine whether the DQOs were met. For example, many screening activities do not require all of the quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) steps found in this guide to generate data adequate to meet the project needs. The extent to which all of the requirements must be met remains a matter of technical judgement as it relates to the established DQOs.  
1.4 This guide presents extensive management requirements designed to ensure high-quality samples and data. The words “must,” “shall,” “may,” and “should” have been selected carefully to reflect the importance placed on many of the statements made in this guide.  
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 14-Oct-2018
• ICS: 13.060.50 - Examination of water for chemical substances
• Technical Committee: D19 - Water
• Drafting Committee: D19.02 - Quality Systems, Specification, and Statistics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5612-94(2013) - Standard Guide for Quality Planning and Field Implementation of a Water Quality Measurement Program
• Effective Date: 15-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM D1129-13(2020)e2 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D4448-01(2019) - Standard Guide for Sampling Ground-Water Monitoring Wells
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4840-99(2018)e1 - Standard Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2018
• Refers: ASTM D5283-18 - Standard Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM E178-16 - Standard Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations
• Effective Date: 01-Jun-2016
• Refers: ASTM D5172-91(2015) - Standard Guide for Documenting the Standard Operating Procedures Used for the Analysis of Water (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4448-01(2013) - Standard Guide for Sampling Ground-Water Monitoring Wells
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4841-88(2013) - Standard Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM D4841-88(2013)e1 - Standard Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2013
• Refers: ASTM D2777-12 - Standard Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2012
• Refers: ASTM D3856-11 - Standard Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories Engaged in Analysis of Water
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2011
• Refers: ASTM D596-01(2011) - Standard Guide for Reporting Results of Analysis of Water
• Effective Date: 01-May-2011
• Refers: ASTM D3370-10 - Standard Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2010
• Refers: ASTM D1129-10 - Standard Terminology Relating to Water
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2010

Overview

ASTM D5612-94(2018) is the recognized standard guide for quality planning and field implementation of water quality measurement programs. Developed by ASTM International’s Committee D19 on Water, this standard establishes key criteria and best practices for organizations responsible for acquiring water samples and generating field environmental data. By setting robust frameworks for planning, sampling, analysis, and validation, it helps ensure that environmental data are reliable, defensible, and appropriate for regulatory, policy, and operational decision-making.

Environmental data plays a crucial role in regulatory compliance, resource management, and environmental protection. For these data to serve their intended purpose, quality must be verifiable and commensurate with project objectives. ASTM D5612 guides users through consistent methods for achieving data quality and demonstrates the importance of meticulous project plan development, communication among stakeholders, and procedural control from sample collection to data assessment.

Key Topics

• Data Quality Objectives (DQOs): Establishing well-defined DQOs is foundational, ensuring data uncertainty levels align with decision-makers' needs.
• Project Planning and Documentation: Requires the creation of comprehensive project plans, including quality assurance project plans (QAPjPs), sampling and analysis plans, and health and safety procedures.
• Field Implementation: Emphasizes systematic procedures for sample collection, equipment calibration, field measurements, and chain-of-custody controls.
• Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC): Specifies the need for both field and laboratory QA/QC measures, including control samples, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and corrective action processes.
• Training and Personnel: Mandates documentation of qualifications and ongoing training for personnel, ensuring competent execution of field and laboratory tasks.
• Communication: Highlights regular coordination among project management, field, and laboratory teams to address updates or deviations promptly.
• Data Assessment and Reporting: Outlines field and analytical data review processes, identification of anomalies, and steps for assessing whether DQOs have been met.

Applications

ASTM D5612 is applicable in various contexts that require accurate environmental water data, including:

• Regulatory Compliance: Supports governmental and private organizations in meeting requirements for water quality monitoring under environmental protection regulations.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: Ensures data from baseline studies or ongoing monitoring is of known and appropriate quality.
• Research and Academic Studies: Provides a reproducible structure for field data collection and documentation.
• Water Resource Management: Informs resource allocation, risk assessment, and remediation programs where precise field data are essential.
• Corporate Environmental Programs: Assists industries in self-monitoring and reporting efforts, supporting sustainability and stewardship goals.

By applying this standard, organizations can demonstrate the quality and integrity of their sampling programs, facilitate stakeholder trust, and support consistent, reliable decision-making.

Related Standards

ASTM D5612 cross-references several other key ASTM standards and relevant EPA guidelines that further support water quality measurement programs and field implementation:

• ASTM D596: Guide for Reporting Results of Analysis of Water
• ASTM D1129: Terminology Relating to Water
• ASTM D2777: Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of Applicable Test Methods
• ASTM D3370: Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
• ASTM D3856: Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories Engaged in Analysis of Water
• ASTM D4840: Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
• EPA QAMS-004/80 & QAMS-005/80: Guidelines and Specifications for Preparing Quality Assurance Program and Project Plans

Utilizing these referenced standards in conjunction with ASTM D5612 enhances the reliability, validity, and defensibility of water quality data in field measurement programs.

Keywords: ASTM D5612, water quality measurement, field implementation, quality assurance, environmental data, sampling programs, data quality objectives, QA/QC.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5612 − 94 (Reapproved 2018)
Standard Guide for
Quality Planning and Field Implementation of a Water
Quality Measurement Program
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5612; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.1 This guide covers planning and implementation of the
sampling aspects of environmental data generation activities.
2. Referenced Documents
Environmental data generation efforts are comprised of four
2.1 ASTM Standards:
parts: (1) establishment of data quality objectives (DQOs); (2)
D596 Guide for Reporting Results of Analysis of Water
design of field sampling and measurement strategies and
D1129 Terminology Relating to Water
specification of laboratory analyses and data acceptance crite-
D2777 Practice for Determination of Precision and Bias of
ria;(3)implementationofsamplingandanalysisstrategies;and
Applicable Test Methods of Committee D19 on Water
(4) data quality assessment.
D3370 Practices for Sampling Water from Closed Conduits
1.2 This guide defines the criteria that must be considered to
D3856 Guide for Management Systems in Laboratories
ensure the quality of the field aspects of environmental data
Engaged in Analysis of Water
and sample generation activities.
D4210 Practice for Intralaboratory Quality Control Proce-
1.3 DQOs should be adopted prior to the application of this
dures and a Discussion on Reporting Low-Level Data
guide. The data generated in accordance with this guide are
(Withdrawn 2002)
subject to a final assessment to determine whether the DQOs
D4447 Guide for Disposal of Laboratory Chemicals and
were met. For example, many screening activities do not
Samples
require all of the quality assurance (QA) and quality control
D4448 Guide for Sampling Ground-Water Monitoring Wells
(QC) steps found in this guide to generate data adequate to
D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures
meet the project needs. The extent to which all of the
D4841 Practice for Estimation of Holding Time for Water
requirements must be met remains a matter of technical
Samples Containing Organic and Inorganic Constituents
judgement as it relates to the established DQOs.
D5172 Guide for Documenting the Standard Operating Pro-
cedures Used for the Analysis of Water
1.4 Thisguidepresentsextensivemanagementrequirements
D5283 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Re-
designed to ensure high-quality samples and data. The words
lated to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance
“must,” “shall,” “may,” and “should” have been selected
and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
carefully to reflect the importance placed on many of the
E29 Practice for Using Significant Digits in Test Data to
statements made in this guide.
Determine Conformance with Specifications
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
E178 Practice for Dealing With Outlying Observations
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
E1187 Terminology Relating to Conformity Assessment
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
(Withdrawn 2006)
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
2.2 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Documents:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
QAMS-004/80 Guidelines and Specifications for Preparing
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
Quality Assurance Program Plans, Office of Monitoring
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D19 on Water and is Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
thedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeD19.02onQualitySystems,Specification, the ASTM website.
and Statistics. Technical Resources, and Statistical Methods. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on
Current edition approved Oct. 15, 2018. Published November 2018. Originally www.astm.org.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as D5612 – 94 (2013). Available from DLA Document Services, Building 4/D, 700 Robbins Ave.,
DOI: 10.1520/D5612-94R18. Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, http://quicksearch.dla.mil.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5612 − 94 (2018)
SystemsandQualityAssurance,Sept.20,1980(NTISNo. 5.3 This guide defines the criteria for organizations taking
PB83219667/LL) watersamplesandgeneratingenvironmentaldataandidentifies
QAMS-005/80 IntermGuidelinesandSpecificationsforPre- other activities that may be required based on the DQOs.
paring Quality Assurance Project Plans, Office of Moni-
5.4 This guide emphasizes the importance of communica-
toring Systems and Quality Assurance, Dec. 29, 1980
tion among those involved in establishing the DQOs, planning,
(NTIS No. PB83170514/LL)
and implementing the sampling and analysis aspects of envi-
QAMS-500/80 Development of Data Quality Objectives,
ronmentaldatagenerationactivities,andassessingdataquality.
Description of Stages I and II, July 16, 1986
6. Project Specification
3. Terminology
6.1 Overall Project Objectives—The overall objectives of
3.1 Definitions:
the project must be defined prior to the start of any field and
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this standard, refer to
laboratory activities.
Terminologies D1129 and E1187.
6.2 Data Quality Objectives—DQOs for the data generation
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
activity should be defined prior to the initiation of field and
3.2.1 background sample, n—a sample taken from a loca- laboratory work, and they must be compatible with project
tion on or proximate to the site of interest.This sample is taken
objectives. It is desirable that the field and laboratory organi-
to document baseline or historical information.
zations be aware of the DQOs so that the personnel conducting
theworkareabletomakeinformeddecisionsduringthecourse
3.2.2 collocated samples, n—independent samples collected
of the project.
as close as possible to the same point in space and time and
intended to be identical.
6.3 Project Plan—The project plan should be designed to
meet the project objectives and DQOs.The project plan should
3.2.3 data quality objectives (DQOs), n—statements on the
define the following:
level of uncertainty that a decision maker is willing to accept
6.3.1 Specific Project Objectives—The objectives of the
in the results derived from environmental data (see QAMS-
field and laboratory work must be defined clearly, define
500/80).
specific objectives for the sampling location, and describe the
3.2.4 material blank, n—asamplecomposedofconstruction
intendedusesforthedata.Theprojectobjectivemayneedtobe
materials such as those used in well installation. Well
reviewed as information is gathered. Any changes in the
development, pump and flow testing, and slurry wall construc-
project objective affecting field and laboratory activities should
tion. Examples of these materials are bentonite, sand, drilling
be communicated to the field and laboratory personnel.
fluids, and source and purge water. This blank documents the
6.3.2 Background Information—Any background informa-
contamination resulting from usage of the construction mate-
tion that could affect meeting the project objective or DQOs
rials.
should be provided. For example, the identification of any
3.2.5 quality assurance program plan (QAPP), n—an or-
regulatoryprogramsgoverningdatacollectionandanalysisand
derly assemblage of management policies, objectives,
thereasonforconductingthesamplecollectionworkshouldbe
principles, and general procedures by which an organization
included in the background information.
involved in environmental data generation activities outlines
6.3.3 Project management shall have individuals designated
how it intends to produce data of known quality.
as having responsibility and authority for the following: (1)
developing project documents that implement the DQOs; (2)
3.2.6 qualityassuranceprojectplan(QAPjP),n—anorderly
selecting field and laboratory organizations to conduct the
assemblage of detailed procedures designed to produce data of
work; (3) coordinating communication among the field and
sufficient quality to meet the DQOs for a specific data
laboratoryorganizationsandgovernmentagencies,asrequired;
collection activity.
and (4) reviewing and assessing the final data.
6.3.4 Sampling requirements shall be specified, including
4. Summary of Guide
sampling locations, equipment and procedures, and sample
4.1 This guide describes the criteria and activities for
preservation and handling.
organizations involved in obtaining water samples and gener-
6.3.5 Analytical requirements shall be specified, including
ating field data in terms of human and physical resources and
theanalyticalprocedures,analytelist,requireddetectionlimits,
QC procedures and documentation requirements depending on
and required precision and bias values. Regulatory require-
the DQOs or agreed upon project plan.
ments and DQOs shall be considered when developing the
specifications.
5. Significance and Use
NOTE 1—The above does not imply that the specified analytical
5.1 Environmental data are often required for making regu-
requirements can be met.
latory and programmatic decisions. These data must be of
6.3.6 The QAand QC requirements shall address both field
known quality commensurate with their intended use.
and laboratory activities. The means for controlling false
5.2 Certain minimal criteria must be met by the field positives and false negatives shall be specified.
organizations in order to meet the objectives of the water 6.3.6.1 The types and frequency of field QC samples to be
monitoring activities. collected, including field blanks, duplicates, and spikes, trip
D5612 − 94 (2018)
blanks, equipment rinsates, background samples, reference rate from and independent of personnel engaged in the work
materials, material blanks, and split samples, should be speci- being monitored. The QAfunction shall be responsible for the
fied. Control parameters for field activities shall be described QA review in accordance with 7.7.
(see 7.6.3). 7.2.3 Personnel—It is the responsibility of the organization
6.3.6.2 The types and frequency of laboratory QC samples,
to establish personnel qualifications and training requirements
such as laboratory control samples, laboratory blanks, matrix for all positions. Each member of the organization shall
spikes, matrix duplicates, and matrix spike duplicates, shall be
possess the education, training, technical knowledge, and
specified. Any specific performance criteria shall be specified. experience, or a combination thereof, to enable that individual
Data validation criteria shall be defined.
to perform his or her assigned functions. Personnel qualifica-
tions shall be documented in terms of education, experience,
6.4 Project Documentation—All documents required for
and training. Training shall be provided for all staff members,
planning, implementing, and evaluating the data collection
as necessary, so that they can perform their functions properly.
effort shall be specified. These may include, although are not
7.2.4 Subcontractors—The use of subcontractors shall not
limited to, a statement of work, technical and cost proposals,
jeopardize data quality. The field organization is therefore
work plan, sampling and analysis plan, QAPjP, health and
responsible for ensuring that its subcontractors are in compli-
safety plan, community relations plan, documents required by
ance with the requirements of this section as is appropriate to
regulatory agencies, requirements for raw field and analytical
the specific task(s) they are performing.
records,technicalreportsassessingtheenvironmentaldata,and
records retention policy. Planning documents shall specify the
7.3 Field Logistics:
required level of document control and identify the personnel
7.3.1 General—Sampling site facilities shall be examined
having access. Document formats that may be required to
prior to the start of work in order to ensure that all required
ensure that all data needs are satisfied shall be specified. In
itemsareavailable.Theactualsamplingareashallbeexamined
addition, a project schedule that identifies critical milestones
to ensure that trucks, drilling equipment, and personnel have
and completion dates should be available.
access to the site. Security, health and safety, and protection of
theenvironmentshallbecontrolledatthesitesupportareasand
7. Standard Guide for Environmental Field Operations
sampling site.
7.1 Purposes—The field organization must conduct its op-
7.3.2 Field Measurements—Project planning documents
erations in such a manner as to provide reliable information
shall both address the type of field measurements to be
that meets the DQOs. To achieve this goal, certain minimum
performed and plan for the appropriate area to perform the
policies and procedures must be implemented in order to meet
work. Planning documents shall address ventilation, protection
the DQOs.
from extreme weather and temperatures, access to stable
power, and provisions for water and gases of required purity.
7.2 Organization—Thefieldorganizationshallbestructured
Plans shall be made to identify and supply applicable safety
such that each member of the organization has a clear under-
equipment, as specified in the project health and safety plan.
standing of his or her duties and responsibilities and the
7.3.3 Sample Handling, Shipping, and Storage Area—The
relationship of those responsibilities to the total effort. The
determination of whether sample shipping is necessary shall be
organizational structure, functional responsibilities, levels of
made during project planning. This need is established by
authority, job descriptions, and lines of communication for
evaluating the analyses required, holding times (see Practice
activities shall be established and documented. One person
D4841), and location of the site and laboratory. Shipping or
may cover more than one organizational function.
transporting of the samples to a laboratory shall be completed
7.2.1 Management—The management personnel of the field
in a timely manner, ensuring that the laboratory is allowed
organization is responsible for establishing organizational,
sufficient time to perform its analysis within any required
operational, health and safety, and QA policies. Management
holding times.
shall ensure that the following requirements are met: (1) the
7.3.3.1 Samples shall be packaged, labeled, and docu-
appropriate methodologies are followed, as documented in the
mented in an area that minimizes sample contamination and
standard operating procedures (SOPs); (2) personnel under-
provides for safe storage. The level of custody and whether
stand clearly their duties and responsibilities; (3) each staff
sample storage is required shall be outlined in the planning
member has access to appropriate project documents; (4) any
documents.
deviations from the project plan are communicated to project
management; and (5) communication occurs between the field, 7.3.4 Chemical Storage—Safe storage areas for solvents,
reagents, standards, and reference materials shall be adequate
laboratory,andprojectmanagements,asspecifiedintheproject
plan. Management shall foster an attitude within the organiza- to preserve their identity, concentration, purity, and stability
prior to use.
tion that emphasizes the importance of quality and supports
implementation of the QAPjP. 7.3.5 Decontamination—Decontamination of sampling
7.2.2 Quality Assurance Function—The organization shall equipment may be performed at the location at which sampling
appoint an individual(s) to be responsible for monitoring field occurs, prior to transfer to the sampling site, or in designated
operations in order to ensure that the site facilities, equipment, areas near the sampling site. Project documentation shall
personnel, procedures, practices, and documentation are in specify where this work will be performed and how it will be
conformance with the organization’s QAPPand any applicable accomplished.Waterandsolventsofappropriatepurityshallbe
QAPjP. The QA monitoring function should be entirely sepa- available if decontamination is to be conducted at the site.This
D5612 − 94 (2018)
method of accomplishing decontamination of materials, 7.5.4 Sample Collection Procedures—SOPs for sample col-
solvents, and water purity shall be specified in the planning lection procedures shall describe how the procedures are
documents or SOPs. actually performed in the field and shall not be a simple
reference to a standard sampling method, unless the procedure
7.3.6 Waste Storage Area—Waste materials may be gener-
is performed exactly as described in the published sampling
ated during both the sampling process and on site or in situ
method. If possible, industry-recognized sample collection
analysis. Planning documents and SOPs shall outline the
methods from source documents published by the U.S. Envi-
method for storage and disposal of these waste materials.
ronmental Protection Agency, ASTM, U.S. Department of the
Adequate facilities shall be provided for the collection and
Interior, NationalWaterWellAssociation,American Petroleum
storage of all wastes. These facilities shall be operated so as to
Institute,orotherrecognizedorganizationsshouldbeused.The
minimize environmental contamination. Waste storage and
SOP for sample collection procedures should include the
disposal facilities shall comply with applicable federal, state,
following information:
and local regulations.
7.5.4.1 Applicability of the procedure.
7.4 Equipment and Instrumentation:
7.5.4.2 Equipment and reagents required.
7.4.1 Equipment and Instrumentation—The equipment,
7.5.4.3 Detailed description of the procedures to be fol-
instrumentation, and supplies required at the sampling site
lowed when collecting the samples (see Guide D4448 and
shall be appropriate to accomplish the activities planned. The
Practices D3370 for sampling guidance and common prac-
equipment and instrumentation shall meet the requirements of
tices).
pertinent specifications, methods, and SOPs. Before the field
7.5.4.4 Common problems encountered.
staff arrives at the site, a list of required items shall be prepared
7.5.4.5 Precautions to be taken.
and checked to ensure availability at the site.
7.5.4.6 Health and safety considerations.
7.4.2 Maintenance and Calibration of Equipment and
7.5.5 Equipment Calibration and Maintenance—These
Instrumentation—An SOP or operation and maintenance
SOPs describe the procedures used to ensure that field equip-
manual shall set forth the methods, materials, and schedules to
ment and instrumentation are in working order. The SOPs
be used in the routine inspection, cleaning, maintenance
describe calibration and maintenance procedures and
testing, and calibration of the equipment and instrumentation
schedules, maintenance logs, service contracts or service
used in performing geophysical, analytical, or in situ measure-
arrangements for equipment, and spare parts available in-
ments.Proceduresormanualsmayoutlinetypicalproblemsfor
house. The calibration and maintenance of field equipment and
common malfunctions. Procedures shall designate a person(s)
instrumentation should be in accordance with the manufactur-
or organizations responsible for maintenance and calibration.
er’s specifications and shall be documented.
Records of all inspections, maintenance, repairs, testing, and
7.5.6 Field Measurements—These SOPs describe all meth-
calibration shall be maintained.
ods used in the field to determine a chemical or physical
7.5 StandardOperatingProcedures—Theorganizationshall
parameter.
have written SOPs for all procedures performed routinely that
7.5.7 Corrective Action—These SOPs describe procedures
affect data quality. Guide D5172 contains information for
used to identify and correct deficiencies in the sample collec-
documenting standard operating procedures. SOPs shall be
tion process. These should include specific steps to take when
available for the following areas and shall contain the infor-
correcting deficiencies such as performing additional decon-
mation described:
tamination of equipment, resampling, or additional training or
7.5.1 Sample Management—The SOPs describe the num-
field personnel in methods procedures. The SOP shall specify
bering and labeling systems, chain-of-custody procedures, and
that each corrective action must be documented with a descrip-
tracking of samples from collection to shipment or relinquish- tion of the deficiency, corrective action taken, and person(s)
ment to the laboratory. Sample management includes the
responsible for implementing the corrective action.
specification of holding times, volume of sample required by
7.5.8 Data Reduction and Validation—These SOPs describe
the laboratory, preservatives, and shipping requirements.
procedures used to compute the results fro
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