La. Admin. Code tit. 33 § I-5315

Current through Register Vol. 50, No. 9, September 20, 2024

Section I-5315 - Records

A. The laboratory shall maintain a record system that shall produce accurate, readily available records that document all laboratory activities. The testing laboratory shall retain on record all original raw data and observations, calculations and derived data, calibration records, and the final test report in a manner in which the continuity and integrity of the analytical process is preserved. All records shall be maintained for a minimum of 10 years or as required by regulatory or legal requirement. Where computers or automated equipment are used for the capture, processing, manipulation, recording, reporting, storage, or retrieval of test data, the laboratory shall ensure that:

1. computer software is documented and adequate for use;

2. procedures are established and implemented to protect the integrity of data. Such procedures shall include, at a minimum, integrity of data entry or capture, data storage, data transmission, and data processing;

3. computers and automated equipment are maintained to ensure proper functioning and retrieval of data; and

4. procedures are developed and implemented to maintain security of data, including prevention of unauthorized access to, or unauthorized amendment of, computer records.

B. All records and test reports shall be held securely and in confidence to the client, unless otherwise required by law.

C. The testing laboratory shall maintain a system that provides for retrievability of the chain of custody of the sample source, the analytical method, results (including calibration and instrument checks), the analyst performing the analysis, and the date. If laboratory records indicate that incorrect or questionable data has been generated by defective or improperly operated equipment, erroneous data entry, or other such anomalies, and a report has been issued, then the laboratory shall immediately notify the client. A written, corrected or amended report must be forwarded to the client.

D. Current reference documents (e.g., EPA manuals, CFRs, Standard Methods) shall be maintained and available to the staff.

E. Entries to all laboratory analytical records shall be made in a legible, permanent fashion and corrections made without obliterating original entries. All corrections shall be initialed and dated.

F. A permanent record of employees' signatures and initials shall be maintained.

G. The laboratory shall maintain administrative records (e.g., training records) in a manner in which the continuity, integrity, and retrievability processes are preserved.

La. Admin. Code tit. 33, § I-5315

Promulgated by the Department of Environmental Quality, Office of the Secretary, LR 24:931 (May 1998), amended by the Office of Environmental Assessment, Environmental Planning Division, LR 26:1438 (July 2000).

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