Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Quality assurance procedures should not be overlooked by personnel performing field sampling. The field sampling parameters often have more effect on precision and accuracy of the final result than parameters of the measurement. Field personnel should become familiar with sampling and measurement methods that they will use. The methods usually specify the proper sampling media to be used, the correct flow rate and sample volume, as well as special precautions on sample handling, shipping and possible interferences.

Sampling equipment must be maintained in reliable working order. It is desirable to have one person or group given responsibility for the care, maintenance and stocking of field sampling equipment. This person or group should periodically inspect and repair all equipment and keep track of the use and location of sampling equipment when it is signed out. Sampling pumps should be calibrated with each use. This calibration should be performed with the sampler in line. Since differences in pressure drop across the sampler will affect flow rate, it is necessary to perform the calibration with the actual sampler to be used.

The exact sampling time must be known in order to accurately estimate the sampled volume. Recording only the start and stop time assumes that the pump functions properly over the entire sampling period. Occasional spot checks for proper operation should be made throughout the sampling period.

Since many modern analytical techniques are extremely sensitive, special care must be taken to avoid contamination of field samples. Samples must not be stored or shipped with bulk materials that might spill or otherwise present the possibility for contamination. The glassware or other containers used in sampling and shipping should be subjected to any cleaning procedures recommended in the analytical method.

Careful record keeping in the field is also important.  Pertinent information such as temperature, humidity, possible interfering compounds, sampling location, etc. should be documented. Special care should be taken in sample labelling and in preparation of paperwork accompanying the samples so that confusion in the facility is avoided.

Field blanks are used to estimate contamination that may occur Immediately before and after sampling, during shipment, or while awaiting measurement in the facility. The nature and number of blanks taken will depend on the method and sampling situation; therefore, field sampling personnel must attempt to determine what sources of contamination are possible in the specific situation at hand. The field blank strategy must then be designed accordingly. Where possible, a written sample protocol should be developed before actual sampling begins. The protocol should contain a description .of the environment being sampled; the assumptions made in derivation of the model of that environment; when, where, and how the sampling will be done; and how many samples will be taken. Samplers should be identified by batch or lot number of sampling media.