some laboratories offering more routine analysis, and other laboratories specialising in the high-tech, non- routine, more expensive analyses.
The standard used for site investigations and soil sampling, BS 10175, is currently undergoing an extensive re-write and this will include an updated section on sampling and analysis. This will stress the importance of correct sampling and will lead to site engineers splitting samples into correct bottles and also filtering on site. This is more time consuming, but will be necessary to prevent non-conforming samples.
DEFRA is currently amending Section Part IIA of the Contaminated Land part of the Environmental Protection Act, in an effort to simplify the requirements because it is considered that some sites are currently over- remediated. They intend to implement a system of ‘red, amber/red, amber/green, and green’ for site classification, and that normal urban background levels (or some soil/rock types) for some compounds, will not be considered as contamination. This is likely to lead to reduced requirements for analytical site investigations and remediation, so may impact further on the numbers of soil samples sent for analysis.
Electronic Data Handling This area has probably seen the most significant changes over the last two or three years and is likely to continue to grow. All laboratories now offer some kind of electronic reporting, and the requirement for hard copy reports has dwindled. However, it is not sufficient to only offer standard Excel reports; consultants and contractors require a variety of formats and do not want to spend time manipulating data to fit in with their reports. Examples of these are AGS, EQuiS and National Grid format, plus a standard csv file, as well as client specific formats.
Certificates are usually supplied in pdf, but other formats are necessary if the data is needed for other reporting purposes. ALcontrol’s web-based ‘@mis’ system provides the freedom to extract such data or sub-sets such as time-series.
Currently, many consultants and contractors use AGS v.3.1, but v.4 was released in May 2009, which has much greater functionality. Laboratories should now be working to offer this format to their clients.
The demand for additional functionality has increased significantly. For example, @mis offers many useful features, including:
• Data available 24/7 in real time • Reporting individual or multiple batches • Archiving data for up to six years • Setting project specific acceptance values and automated flagging if these are exceeded.
• Advanced query search on sample, batch, project, |112| ENVIRONMENT INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
location, site, date window, etc.
• Numerous reporting formats, plus vertical/horizontal conversion
• Access through website – no specific software needed • Access to collection/container ordering – simple 3 step system
• Result notifications or alarm messages via SMS or email
A further important function offered by @mis is self- scheduling and this aspect should experience major expansion during 2011. Using @mis, site engineers can log sample data and schedule tests via a hand held PDA or laptop (as long as there is an internet connection). The container is scanned with a bar code reader, the information typed in and sent. This means the samples are registered at the laboratory before they arrive and can then be passed straight into the testing area, with no delays for logging in and scheduling. This can save 1 – 2 days (or longer) on the turnaround/holding times, and soggy, illegible Chain of Custody sheets will become a thing of the past. Currently, only 25% of sample batches are received with correctly completed Chain of Custody sheets and this causes significant delays in sample processing.
Summary Environmental laboratories have experienced severe pressures over the last two years, with a large drop in sample numbers due to the contraction of the construction industry. This has led to increased competition between laboratories, with contractors and consultants putting pressure on pricing. As a result, it is important for laboratories to distinguish themselves from their competitors by making improvements in areas such as accreditation, sample handling and analysis speed, accuracy, and the simplicity and flexibility with which results are made available.
The use of autosamplers on all instruments means that they can work unattended at night and improvements to sample handling/preparation are essential for a laboratory to run productively. Shorter turnaround times with improved data handling can also assist in providing a better service.
Laboratories that focus on customer needs, offering additional capability such as electronic reporting and technical support, will emerge from recession in the strongest position to prosper during economic recovery.
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