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A New Training Paradigm for Successful Implementation of the TNI Standard. Nan Thomey Environmental Chemistry, Inc. Training. Used to be able to train a degreed chemist and have them reasonably productive within 2-4 weeks “Recipe” is the easy part
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A New Training Paradigm for Successful Implementation of the TNI Standard Nan Thomey Environmental Chemistry, Inc.
Training • Used to be able to train a degreed chemist and have them reasonably productive within 2-4 weeks • “Recipe” is the easy part • Basic lab skills absent with recent graduates • More time is spent on defensibility of data than on the science
Training - 20 Years Ago • Basic Safety • Watch One, Do One, Teach One • QA – Standards, Duplicates, and Spikes • How to Schedule Work
Training Now • Safety • Ethics • Quality Systems • Basic Lab Techniques and Responsibilities (Lab 101) • LIMS Training • Data Reporting • Regulatory Overview
Safety • Much more intensive program based on increased OSHA requirements and better understanding of risks and liabilities • More detail on Spill Prevention and Control, Hazardous Material Handling and Storage, Emergency Response and Contigency Plans
Ethics Training • Policy • Definitions and Expectations • Examples of ethical and unethical behavior • Manual Integration
Quality Systems • Master List of Controlled Documents • Overview of Quality System and QA Plan • Good Documentation Practices • Traceability Requirements
Quality Systems, continued • Non-Conforming Data • Data Review • Quality Control Sample Definitions and Purpose (Blanks, Duplicates, LCS, Spikes, MS/MSD) • Different QC sample names such as LFB, etc. among different methods
Analyst QC Responsibilities • Demonstration of Capability • Detection, Quantitation, and Reporting Limits • Different Nomenclature MDL, LOD, MQL, LOQ, etc. • SOPs for tests and supporting activities
Lab 101, Supplies • Locations and Segregation • How to order • Acid, Chemical and Solvent Storage • Compressed Gases
Lab 101, Glassware • Labeling requirements • Cleaning process • Segregation between departments • “Rinse immediately after use”
Lab 101,Balances • Types of balances • How to determine which type to use • Proper Use/Maintenance/Calibration of Analytical Balances • Proper Use/Maintenance/Calibration of Top-Loading Balances
Lab 101,Balances, cont. • Effects of Temp, Humidity, Vibration, and Air Flow on measurements • Dessicants and Dessicators • Keeping Balance and area clean
Lab 101, Pipettes • Types – Transfer, Volumetric, Graduated, Digital, Wide-bore, Narrow-bore, Syringes • How to Select • Proper Use of Volumetric Pipettes • Proper Use/Maintenance of Digital Pipettes and Syringes
Lab 101, Reagent and Standard Preparation • Types of Measuring Containers – Graduated Cylinders, Mixing Cylinders, Volumetric Flasks • Selection of Proper Container • Difference in TC or TD • Quantitative transfer technique • Documentation of Standard and Reagent Preparation
Lab 101, Calculations • How to Prepare Dilutions • How to convert from mg/L to mg/KG • Unit analysis technique • Significant Figures
LIMS Overview • Sample check-in procedure • Overview of Jobs, tests, history, sorting • Printing Paperwork • Data Input
Work Scheduling • Responsibilities • Types of Pending reports • Rush Work • Holding Times • Type of Due Dates • Deadlines to Meet On-time Performance
Data Reporting • Documentation • Final Report Generation and Review • Examples of Final Reports • Purpose is to make sure they recognize final output and “see” the entire picture
Regulatory Overview • Waste Classification • Regulatory Limits • NPDES Monitoring • TRPP Projects • Client Limits
Conclusion • Trying to convey all of this information while training at tests was not as effective as desired • Arrived at a combination of “classroom” and instruction back in lab • Alternated classroom with hands on in lab
Conclusion • Combining the classroom approach with hands on instruction in the laboratory has improved training and understanding of new analysis • Better compliance with TNI requirements