Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288:reg:1850:p9
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2013C00288
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 1850 (pt 9/117)
Character Range: 370100–373148

analysis, duplicate sampling and inclusion of 'field blanks' and 'field spikes'.

Adequate QA is achieved when QC results demonstrate that agreed objectives such as freedom from contamination, method accuracy and precision can be reliably achieved. Selecting an appropriate level of QC is imperative to ensure that DQOs are met.

Standard AS 4482.1-2005 recommends the use of a variety of QC samples including blind replicate samples and rinsate blanks collected in the field which are sent to the primary laboratory to determine the precision of the field sampling and laboratory analytical program, and split samples (collected in the field) which should be submitted to the laboratory as two individual samples without any indication to the laboratory of their common source.

As a general rule, the level of QC required is that which adequately measures the effects of all possible influences upon sample integrity, accuracy and precision, and which is capable of predicting their variation with a high degree of confidence.

    5.4.4          Sample handling, storage and transport
The integrity of all samples must be considered, particularly when dealing with VOCs and SVOCs. Reference should be made to Standards AS 4482.1-2005, and AS 4482.2-1999.

Weathering and biodegradation by soil microorganisms will result in a loss of volatile hydrocarbon components from the surface and near-surface of affected sites. An example situation would be an underground fuel storage site where the tanks have been removed and the excavation has been left exposed for several months. In these circumstances, collecting samples from sub-surface layers (at least 500 mm below the surface of the excavation) may provide a more accurate representation of contamination.

Samples should be placed in appropriate sample containers, preferably prepared by a laboratory, with gas-tight, non-absorptive seals, allowing no headspace, and kept cool, preferably with ice bricks or a refrigerated cooler, until arrival at the laboratory. Arrangements should be made to ensure delivery of chilled samples to the laboratory within the holding time of the specified analysis. Samples must remain preserved and be analysed within the time limitations that apply for the analyte and laboratory method. Additional information on sample integrity and appropriate procedures is available in Standard AS 4482.1-2005.

    5.4.5          Chain of custody
Site investigators must complete chain-of-custody documentation which details the following information:
    * site identification
    * the sampler
    * nature of the sample
    * collection time and date
    * analyses to be performed
    * sample preservation method
    * departure time from site
    * dispatch courier(s).
All parties in the chain (sampler, dispatcher, courier and laboratory) should complete the chain-of-custody documentation so that it gains the status of a valid record of sample transfer to the laboratory. An example of a chain-of-custody form can be found in NSW EPA (1994).

The assessment