Elements and Performance Criteria
- Verify accuracy of data and technical records
- Inspect data records to check the integrity of data entry, alterations, transfers and calculations
- Confirm that technical records contain sufficient information to provide an audit trail for the tests involved
- Assess the quality of data/results
- Analyse data trends and results for blanks, duplicates and/or check samples to detect systematic uncertainties
- Use statistical tests and workplace procedures to check data acceptability
- Check that estimations of uncertainties are reasonable and consistent with test method, client or product specification requirements
- Identify results that cannot be reconciled with technical records and/or expected outcomes
- Identify potential causes for unacceptable results
- Check for obvious sources of interferences that may have occurred during measurements
- Review technical records to identify human or environmental factors that could affect reliability of results
- Review records of sample collection and preparation to confirm chain of custody requirements and adherence to sampling procedures
- Check that any documented deviations from sampling procedures and/or test methods were technically justified and authorised
- Check the condition of sampling equipment and/or stored samples if available/appropriate
- Report findings to relevant personnel
- Document potential sources or instances of non-conforming work and assess their significance
- Recommend appropriate preventative/corrective actions to improve sampling, testing and/or calibration activities
- Prepare reports in a format and style consistent with their intended use and workplace guidelines