(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
N.J.A.C.
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.
