ACT pH Sensor Verification Protocols, PV12-01
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processing steps and duplicating intermediate calculations. A representative set of the data (10%)
is traced in detail from raw data and instrument readouts through data transcription or
transference through data manipulation through data reduction to summary data, data
calculations, and final reported data. The focus is on identifying a clear, logical connection
between the steps. Particular attention is paid to the use of QC data in evaluating and reporting
the data set.
Problems that could impact data quality are immediately communicated to the ACT Chief
Scientist. The results of the ADQ will be documented in a formal audit report with conclusions
about the quality of the data from the Verification and their fitness for their intended use:
•
The draft ADQ report will be submitted to the ACT Chief Scientist within 10 days of the
ADQ.
•
The ACT Chief Scientist audit response is due 10 working days from delivery of the
ADQ report.
•
The final ADQ, with audit responses, is due to ACT Director within 10 days of receiving
the response.
Data Quality Assessment
Data quality assessments (DQAs) are scientific and statistical evaluations of validated
data to determine if the data are of the right type, quality, and quantity to support their intended
use to verify sensor performance. Once data have been examined and assessed, and they are
found to be of known and acceptable quality, then the results can be evaluated in the context of
the Data Quality Objectives for the test. An assessment also is made as to whether there is a
sufficient quantity of data to support test decisions, and whether the original sampling design
was appropriate.
Assessment Reporting
Authority to effectively report PEs, TSAs, and ADQs is assigned to ACT QA Manager.
These written reports should:
•
identify and document problems that affect quality and the achievement of objectives
required by the Verification Protocols and any associated SOPs;
•
propose recommendations (if requested) for resolving problems that affect quality;
•
independently confirm implementation and effectiveness of solutions;
•
identify and cite noteworthy practices that may be shared with others to improve the
quality of their operations and products;
•
provide documented assurance (if requested) that when problems are identified, further
work performed is monitored carefully until the problems are suitably resolved.
Quality assessments of project activities are reported to the ACT Chief Scientist and ACT
Director. The Chief Scientist is responsible for ensuring that findings from these assessments of
project activities are appropriately addressed.
8.2.2
Response
Responses to adverse findings should be addressed within 10 working days after an
assessment report is completed. However, it is expected that findings that have a direct impact
