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ACT Protocols for Wave Measurement Systems
July 2012
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1.
Planning - Systematic planning methods should be used to develop performance criteria for
the test data, i.e., the type, quantity, and quality of data needed to meet test objectives. A
Test Plan or Protocols should be prepared to describe the steps to satisfy these criteria and to
determine the level of oversight and quality control activities needed to ensure the criteria are
satisfied. The Test Plan is therefore used to guide personnel in performing appropriate
procedures, using specified equipment, and performing specified operational and
maintenance checks.
2.
Implementation - Data should be collected according to the methods and procedures
documented in the approved Quality Assurance Project Plan and other test design
documentation, such as standard operating procedures. Technical system audits may be
conducted during data collection to assess whether or not data are being collected as stated in
the Test Plan. Deviations from planned procedures should occur only with agreement of all
parties involved in the test and should always be documented before being implemented.
3.
Assessment - The test data are verified to ensure that the measured values are free of errors
due to procedural or technical problems and then are analyzed and validated to determine if
they meet the performance criteria documented in the Test Plan.
Successful implementation of a Quality System for waves instrumentation T&E contributes to:
•
Increased data integrity, i.e., technology performance data of known and documented quality
based on sound scientific principles.
•
Improved oversight for evaluation purposes.
•
Improved decisions on technology use.
12.1 Audits
Independent of each Partner test facility QA activities, the ACT Chief Scientist will be
responsible for ensuring that the following audits are conducted as part of this verification test at
a minimum of three ACT Partner test sites. Audits shall be performed by Quality Assurance
personnel, who shall be independent of direct responsibility for performance of the verification
test.
Performance Evaluation Audits – A performance evaluation audit will be conducted to assess the
quality of the reference measurements made in this verification test. Each type of reference
measurement will be compared with a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)-
traceable standard that is independent of those used during the testing. This audit will be
performed once during the verification test.
Technical Systems Audits (TSA) – ACT’s Quality Assurance personnel will perform a TSA at
least once during this verification test. The purpose of this audit is to ensure that the verification
test is being performed in accordance with the test/QA plan, published reference methods, and
any SOPs used by the Partner test facility. In this audit, the ACT Quality Assurance personnel
may review the reference methods used, compare actual test procedures to those specified or
referenced in the test/QA plan, and review data acquisition and handling procedures. A TSA