(i) The specific requirements for the
proficiency testing program are set forth below in this subsection.
1. For a laboratory seeking certification in any
Category other than radiochemical testing, radon in water, or radon/radon
progeny-in-air:
i. A laboratory that has
participated in a PT study conducted by a Department-approved PT sample provider for
the Drinking Water, Non-Potable Water, Air and Emissions, and/or Solid and Chemical
Materials Proficiency Testing Program during the immediate preceding 12 months may
submit, for the Department's evaluation, the results for the parameters for which it
is applying in the Department's Drinking Water, Non-Potable Water, Air and
Emissions, and/or Solid and Chemical Materials Programs. Otherwise, the conditions
of (i)1ii below apply; and
ii. A
laboratory seeking certification in a specific parameter or group thereof under a
particular Category shall acceptably analyze a PT sample obtained from a
Department-approved PT sample provider. The laboratory shall have two separate
opportunities to acceptably analyze PT samples for each parameter. If the laboratory
fails in both opportunities to acceptably analyze PT samples for a parameter, the
Department shall deny the application for certification. The laboratory may reapply
for certification in that parameter.
2. For a laboratory seeking certification in
radiochemistry, radioactivity and radionuclide testing, or radon/radon
progeny-in-air:
i. For analysis of radiochemical
parameters in water, the laboratory shall have acceptably analyzed a PT study
conducted by a Department-approved PT sample provider within the preceding 12
months. If PT samples are unavailable for the required parameters, then results for
two cross-check samples that are within the control limits established for each
parameter in which certification is sought shall be submitted to the Department for
evaluation;
ii. For analysis of radon in
drinking water and non-potable water samples, the laboratory shall have a
Department-approved PT sample provider submit final PT reports indicating that
during the applicant's participation in the most recent Radon Intercomparison Study,
at least one PT sample or two cross-check samples were within the established
control limits within the preceding 12 months; and
iii. For analysis of radon/radon progeny-in-air,
the laboratory shall have a Department-approved PT sample provider submit final PT
reports showing passage of a Department-approved PT study. The PT study administered
shall have been performed within the past 12 months and obtained from a
Department-approved PT sample provider. The laboratory shall pass a test for each
measurement device/technique for which certification is desired, prior to applying
for certification.
3. For
certified environmental laboratories:
i. For all
Categories, except radiochemical testing, radon in water, and radon/radon
progeny-in-air, the Department shall notify the laboratory, in writing by certified
mail or other means that provides proof of delivery, of the specific timeframe
within which laboratories are required to analyze the PT samples, the due date by
which the final PT study results are to be submitted to the Department by the PT
sample provider, a list of Department-approved PT sample providers, and the list of
parameters required for analysis within the applicable matrix.
ii. In connection with a proficiency test
announced under (i)3i above, if a laboratory does not meet the deadlines or comply
with any requirement set forth in the announcement notice, the laboratory's PT study
results shall be considered unacceptable and an additional PT sample shall be
analyzed as directed by the Department;
iii. For the Radiochemical Categories not included
in the Department's pre-determined schedule, the scheduling and requirements for the
proficiency test are as established by the Department-approved PT sample provider.
For the Radon/Radon Progeny-in-Air Categories, the laboratory shall contact the OQA
to obtain a list of exposure facilities approved for the Department's authorized
radon/radon progeny-in-air proficiency testing program. The laboratory shall arrange
with the exposure facility to schedule an exposure period for the laboratory's test
devices;
iv. During a proficiency test,
if a laboratory decides to drop any parameter pursuant to
7:18-2.15(a), it shall
notify the Department before the final date for submission of results. Otherwise,
the laboratory shall report results for all analyses for which it was certified at
the time of the proficiency test announcement;
v. The Department shall consider the results of
each proficiency test in determining whether the certification of a laboratory
should be maintained or suspended;
vi.
The Department may require a laboratory to analyze additional PT samples beyond what
is required under (i)3i above, if information available to the Department indicates
that the laboratory is failing to acceptably analyze samples;
vii. Upon request of any person using or
requesting the services of a certified environmental laboratory, the laboratory
shall make available all results of the past 12 months' proficiency testing;
and
viii. Upon a laboratory's receipt of
unacceptable results for a PT study, the laboratory shall investigate the cause for
the failure and implement any necessary corrective action. This corrective action
shall be documented immediately. Documentation shall be maintained and made
available to the Department upon request.
