La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § I-5105

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 11, November 20, 2024

Section I-5105 - Test Methods and Procedures

A. The testing laboratory shall have adequately documented instructions on the use and operation of all relevant equipment, on the handling and preparation of test items, where applicable, and on standard testing techniques, where the absence of such instructions could jeopardize the efficiency of the testing process. All instructions, standards, manuals, and reference data relevant to the work of the testing laboratory shall be maintained up-to-date and be readily available to the staff.

B. The testing laboratory shall use department-approved methodologies. These methodologies shall be available to the staff performing the tests.

1. Any variance from department-approved methodology is acceptable with prior written confirmation by the department. When an approved method or an appropriate modification is not available, the data may be accepted when submitted with the method validation package that must include, at a minimum, the requirements found in Paragraph B.2 of this Section.

2. Where it is necessary to deviate from department-approved methods, a method validation package shall be submitted. This validation package must include, at a minimum, the following:

a. origin of method;

b. deviations from standard;

c. reason for deviations;

d. effects of deviations; and

e. comparison with the department-approved methods replaced, with documentation indicating results achieved from the modified method are equal to or better than the original method.

C. Any federal and/or state regulations applicable to the request for alternate methodology shall have priority over these regulations, and shall be utilized in the assessment of the request.

D. The testing laboratory shall have implemented the written standard operating procedures (SOPs), which shall be available to the staff and the inspector.

E. The testing laboratory shall have an acceptable and written quality assurance program plan that is implemented by the staff and readily available to the inspector.

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § I-5105

Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Secretary, LR 24:924 (May 1998).

AUTHORITY NOTE: Promulgated in accordance with R.S. 30:2011.