Laboratory Audits. Each laboratory working on the Xxxxx project is required to participate in an annual on-site laboratory audit carried out by the EPA through the QATS contract. These audits are performed by EPA personnel (and their contractors), that are external to and independent of, the Xxxxx laboratory team members. These audits ensure that each analytical laboratory meets the basic capability and quality standards associated with analytical methods for asbestos used at the Xxxxx site. They also provide information on the availability of sufficient laboratory capacity to meet potential testing needs associated with the Site. External Audits Audits consist of several days of technical and evidentiary review of each laboratory. The technical portion of the audit involves an evaluation of laboratory practices and procedures associated with the preparation and analysis of samples for the identification of asbestos. The evidentiary portion of the audit involves an evaluation of data packages, record keeping, SOPs, and the laboratory QA Management Plan. A checklist of method-specific requirements for the commonly used methods for asbestos analysis is prepared by the auditor prior to the audit, and used during the on-site laboratory evaluation. Evaluation of the capability for a laboratory to analyze a sample by a specific method is made by observing analysts performing actual sample analyses and interviewing each analyst responsible for the analyses. Observations and responses to questions concerning items on each method-specific checklist are noted. The determination as to whether the laboratory has the capability to analyze a sample by a specific method depends on how well the analysts follow the protocols detailed in the formal method, how well the analysts follow the laboratory- specific method SOPs, and how the analysts respond to method-specific questions. Evaluation of the laboratory to be sufficient in the evidentiary aspect of the audit is made by reviewing laboratory documentation and interviewing laboratory personnel responsible for maintaining laboratory documentation. This includes personnel responsible for sample check- in, data review, QA procedures, document control, and record archiving. Certain analysts responsible for method quality control, instrument calibration, and document control are also interviewed in this aspect of the audit. Determination as to the capability to be sufficient in this aspect is made based on staff responses to questions and a revi...
