vvEPA
United St&tos
Enviromnontsl Prot6ction
Agency
Office of
Radiation Programs
Washington, O.C. 20460
EPA 520/1-8WJ3
February 1986
Radiation
Implementation Strategy
For The Radon/Radon
Progeny Measurement
Proficiency Evaluation And
Quality Assurance Program
\
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EPA 520/1-86-03
IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR
THE RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY
EVALUATION AND QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM
BY
HENRY M. SINGLETARY, KEITH STARNER, DR. C. EDWARD HOWARD
RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC 27709
FEBRUARY, 1986
CONTRACT NUMBER: 58-01-6826
PROJECT OFFICER
H. MICHAEL MARDIS
OFFICE OF RADIATION PROGRAMS
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20460
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 Introduction . . . 1
2.0 Establishment of a Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement
Proficiency (RMP) Program 2
2.1 Radon Technical Information Service . 2
2.2 Program Announcement 2
2.3 Laboratory Enrollment Requirements and Procedures . . 3
2.4 Federal Radon Exposure Facilities 3
3.0 Coordination of the Measurement Proficency Program .... 5
3.1 Intercalibration of Federal Laboratories 5
3.2 Quality Assurance Coordination 5
3.3 Application Review and Acceptance Criteria 5
3.4 Performance Evaluation Rounds 6
3.5 "Walk-in" Participants 7
3.6 Follow-up Evluation Rounds 7
4.0 Publication of Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Test ... 9
4.1 Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency Reports . 9
4.2 Published Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative
Proficiency Reports 9
Appendix A - Radon Information Service/Referral Form 11
Appendix B - Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency
Program Announcement and List of Publications 12
Appendix C - Enrollment Package - Radon/Radon Progeny
Measurement Proficiency Program 14
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LIST OF TABLES
Page
Table 1. Sixteen Elements of a Quality Assurance Plan 8
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
EPA has received, and is responding to requests from states to
assist with improving technical response to indoor radon. EPA finds
that a major state concern is the variability of data, due in part to
lack of standardized protocols, testing procedures, data quality con-
trol procedures, etc.
EPA has determined that an effective response to State requests.
would be to establish a program for standardizing measurement. To this
end, it has devised protocols for equipment in common use and has
established a voluntary program for evaluating measurement effectivenss
of those companies choosing to and able.to participate. The objective
is to serve the states by providing a list of laboratories which are
successfully participaing in the program. If a byproduct of the pro-
gram or of the list is that it is of use to the industry and to the
public, so much the better.
In the process of carrying out the program, EPA will ask for and
receive a considerable amount of information. Companies that believe
information they provide constitutes trade secret information should
identify such information. Federal regulations prohibit disclosure of
such information except in accordance with specified procedures,
including opportunity to substantiate such claims and opportunity to
seek judicial review prior to any public disclosure (see generally 40
C.F.R. Part 2).
The Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program par-
ticipants will submit passive and/or active radon/radon progeny detec-
tors for exposure to precisely established radon/radon progeny levels
in U.S. agency laboratories. The participants will then attempt to
accurately analyze the detectors to determine the radon exposure and/or
radon progeny levels. Each trial analysis will be tabulated in a pub-
lication available to State and Federal agencies, as well as, industry
and the general public, for use in evaluating which laboratory to
select for radon and/or radon progeny analytical work. These trial
analyses will initially be conducted on a quarterly basis. Time inter-
vals .nay be shortened or lengthened depending on demonstrated detector
consistency.
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2.0 ESTABLISHMENT OF THE RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT
PROFICIENCY (RMP) PROGRAM
2.1 Radon Technical Information Service
A Radon Technical Information Service will be established to serve
as a contact point for laboratories wishing to enter EPA's RMP Program.
Persons interested in the program will be sent information packets
describing the program and giving specific enrollment-participation
requirements. Once laboratories have entered the program, the informa-
tion service will begin distributing to anyone requesting them the
list of participating laboratories with indicators of their perfor-
mance.
The focal point of the radon information service will be a toll-
free WATS number (radon technical information line). The line will be
operational at all times during work days between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm,
eastern time. Most call's are expected to be from the general public,
local governments, and State agencies requesting general radon informa-
tion. A selection of appropriate information brochures will be orepar-
ed to send to these callers. A contact information service/referral
form will be completed for each party requesting information and kept
on file for review upon request. The form classifies the information
requested and the affiliation of the requestor (see Appendix A).
2.2 Program Announcement
Basic to the development of the program will be the notification
of the laboratories or persons interested in participating. This ob-
jective may be realized in part by placing announcements in several ap-t
propriate professional publications including bulletins and magazines.
A draft of the announcement/press release is given as Appendix B.
State health departments and/or other State agencies will be noti-
fied of the Radon Technical Information Service and the Radon Measure-
ment Proficiency Program directly by letter. Known university and com-
mercial laboratories that might be interested in the program will also
be notified directly by letter. All letters will have a copy of the
announcement enclosed.
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2.3 Laboratory Enrollment Requirements and Procedures
Participants in the proposed program must provide documented capa-
bility in one or more of the following measurement methods:
Alpha Track (AT)
Charcoal Canister (CC)
Continuous Working Level Monitor (CWLM)
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units (RPISU)
Radon Gas Monitor (RGM)
Grab Sample-Radon (GS-R)
Grab Sample-Working Level (GS-WL)
Other measurement methods will not be considered for the program at
this time but may be included in the future. Laboratories may partici-
pate in one or all measurement methods; however, applications will be
method specific. Parties interested in enrolling in the program will
first write the Radon Technical Information Service or call the Radon
Technical Information Number and request the information package titled
"RMP Program - Application Information Package" (Appendix C). That
package contains application guidance information including:
Program description
Enrollment requirements
Quality assurance plan guidance
Example of reporting form
Protocols for sampling
2.4 Federal Radon Exposure Facilities
As many as four or more Federal agency laboratories may be involv-
ed in exposing detectors for the Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Profi-
ciency Program including the following:
Office of Radiation Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Montgomery, Alabama
Office of Radiation Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Las Vegas, Nevada
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Environmental Measurement Laboratory
U.S. Department of Energy
New York, New York
Denver Research Center
U.S. Bureau of Mines
Denver, Colorado
Technical Measurement Center
U.S. Department of Energy
Grand Junction, Colorado
As the RMP Program grows, radon chamber size and availability may
be an important limiting factor. Other Federal laboratories may par-
ticipate in the program in the future.
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3.0 COORDINATION OF THE RMP PROGRAM
3.1 Inter!aboratory Calibrations of Federal Laboratories
The laboratories listed in section 2.4 will conduct inter-calibra-
tion programs on a biannual basis. Calibrations will be for a range of
radon and radon progeny levels found in the natural indoor-air environ-
ment .. •
3.2 Quality Assurance Coordination
Quality Assurance coordination will be the responsibility of the
Radon Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator(s). That responsibility will
include the following:
Operation of the Radon Technical Information telephone line
0 Notification of laboratories that the RMP Program is available.
Distribution of RMP program participation requirement informa-
tion.
Review and evaluation of applications to participate in the
(RMP) program.
Coordination of the receipt, exposure, and return of detectors
submitted for the RMP Program.
Compilation of Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency (RAP)
reports. This entails compiling data from an individual analy-
sis round for reporting to the participating laboratories.
Preparation and updating of the Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative
Proficiency (RCP) Report. -This publication will be a compila-
tion of up to four proficiency reports.
3.3 Application Review and Acceptance Criteria
The "RMP Program - Application Information Package" submitted here
as Appendix C describes specifically what is required for participating
in the RMP Program. Laboratories not submitting all items or informa-
tion requested in the information packet with the exception of the QA
plan will not be allowed to participate.
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EPA recognizes that it is common practice for a laboratory to sub-
contract analytical work to another laboratory that they do not do on a
regular basis, are not set up to do or to take care of laboratory over-
load. The contractor laboratory usually bears the responsibility for
the quality of the contractee's work and reports their analyses on
their own letterhead. Laboratories subcontracting radon or radon prog-
eny analyses to other laboratories will be allowed to participate in
the RMP program. However,- the analyst and laboratory actually perform-
ing the analyses must be identified in the RMP program application and
on each analyses results reporting form for each proficiency analyses
round (Appendix C).
A Quality Assurance (QA) plan is requested but not required for
participation in the RMP program. If a laboratory submits a QA plan,
it will be reviewed for those elements requested in Table 1. Laborato-
ries with QA plans found to contain these elements will be indicated in
the cumulative proficiency report (see Section 4.2).
EPA will evaluate applications and accept or reject them within a
maximum of four (4) weeks. Laboratories will be allowed to oarticipate
in the first proficiency round even though they have not received con-
firmation of enrollment. EPA will also maintain these applications and
quality assurance plans on file.
3.4 Performance Evaluation Rounds
The Radon Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator will gather and dis-
tribute exposed detectors initially on a quarterly basis, with all
detectors supplied by the participants. Laboratories requesting par-
ticipation in their first RMP Program proficiency round may submit an
enrollment (application) request, along with the unexposed passive
radon detectors to the RQA Coordinator. Participant will submit five
(5) passive detectors, of each type on which they wish to be evaluated.
Participants submitting detectors requiring separate air-flow measure-
ments must also submit one flowmeter for calibration. All five detec-
tors will be assigned unique identification numbers and four will be
exposed at one of the EPA or DOE radon chamber facilities. The remain-
ing detector will be left unexposed for control. The detectors will
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then be shipped to the participant laboratory for quantitation, along
with a results reporting form. An example of this form is enclosed in
Appendix C.
3.5 "Walk-in" Participants
Passive detectors can be shipped from and to participating labora-
tories by a number of commercial package carrier services; however,
nonpassive detectors may be fragile and/or bulky and require operation
by a specially trained technician. For these reasons, a participant in
the RMP program will, at his own expense, send a technician to place
and operate instruments in the Federal radon chamber. The RQA coordi-
nator will be responsible for scheduling "walk-in" participants accord-
ing to a schedule set up by the operators of the radon chamber.
3.6 Follow-up Evaluation Rounds
Those participants failing to perform within the pre-established
analytical proficiency limits for a given round will be given an oppor-
tunity to submit detectors for a follow-up round. Initially, detectors
for these rounds will be exposed at the EPA Office of Radiation Pro-
grams laboratory facility in Montgomery, Alabama. Laboratories failing
to participate successfully or failing to submit detectors for three
(3) consecutive rounds (including the follow-up rounds) will be dropped
from the RMP program.
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Table 1. ^Sixteen Elements of A Quality
Assurance Plan
*° Title Page
Project Description
0 Table of Contents
*" Project Organization and Responsibility
0 QA Objectives for Measurement Data in Terms of Precision,
Accuracy, Completeness, Representativeness, and Comparability
*° Sampling Procedures
*° Sample Custody (Tracking)
0 Calibration Procedures and Frequency
*' Analytical Procedures
*° Data Reduction, Validation, and Reporting
Internal Quality Control Checks .
0 Performance and System Audits
Preventive Maintenance
Specific Routine Procedures Used to Assess Data Precision,
Accuracy, and Completeness
*° Corrective Action
*" Quality Assurance Reports to Management
*Elements that are requested for application to participate in RMP
Program.
^IJ.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Interim Guidelines and
Specifications for Preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans."
QAMS-005/80. Washington, D.C. December 29, 1980.
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4.0 PUBLICATION OF RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT REPORTS
4.1 Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency (RAP) Report
Reference analytical reports will be obtained from the Federal
laboratory preparing the radon and radon progeny detectors. These
values will be compared with the analyses submitted by the participat-
ing laboratories. This reference data will be the basis for comparison
in determining each laboratory's performance rating.
Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency (RAP) reports will be
issued to individual commercial and noncommercial laboratories after
each round, summarizing each laboratory's performance and providing
means and standard deviations. Each laboratory listed will be identi-
fied by unique letters known only to the program RQA Coordinator and
the participating laboratory. The format planned for the RAP report is
included in Appendix C.
4.2 Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative Proficiency (RCP) Reports
A list of laboratories participating in the RMP Program will be
published along with indicators of their performance. Acceptable vari-
ations from the established value will be indicated and in this manner
a non-technical person can use the list to select a laboratory. This
listing will be made available to the public through the Radon Techni-
cal Information Service and will include the performance ratings of up
to four rounds. An updated listing will be published with each round
of analyses. The format planned for the RCP report is included in
Appendix C.
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APPENDICES
10
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APPENDIX A
RADON INR3WTIGN
SERVICE/REFER^!. FORM;
Requestor:
Affiliation:
Address:
Telephone:
/ -
Requestors Affiliation
p Laboratory
p Private Individual
p Local Goverrment
Q Contractor/Consultant
p Other:
ext.
p Federal Govermient
Q State Goverrment
p Engineer
Q Lawyer
Type of Information Requested
p Lab List
Q Information Packet for RM>
Progran
p Office of Radiation Prograns
p Sampling Protocol
p QA guidelines
p NTIS (703)487-4650
rr Cancer Information Service
1-1 (800)422-6237
Notes/Suimary/Cdnnents/etc:
Q Referred to EPA Radon Hotline
703/ -
P ORP docunents
p Technical Sanpl ing & Analysis
p Referred to Federal Laboratory
for information
P QA Round Questions
p Public Information Packet
Other
Information Provided by:
Mailed by:
Date:
Date:
7
11
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APPENDIX B
TO: S.MEYERS (EPA6600)
FROM: D.CHOEN (EPA1704) Posted: Tue 28-Jan-86 9:41 EST Sys 63 (103)
SUBJECT: radon press release
Radon Measurement & QA Press Release
EPA TO VERIFY
RADON MEASUREMENT
OF LABORATORIES
AND BUSINESS
David Cohen (202) 382-5589
The U.S. Environmetal Protection Agency announced
today a new program to verify the qualifications and
capabilities of laboratories and businesses measuring
indoor levels of harmful radon emissions.
The objective of the voluntary program is to as-
sist states concerned with elevated levels of radon in
homes by providing a clearinghouse where laboratories
and others .in the business of measuring radon levels
may demonstrate their proficiency.
"Increased public concern with the effects of
exposure to radon has greatly increased the demand for
qualified analysis to measure the pollutant," said
Richard.Guimond of EPA's Office of Radiation Programs.
"This effort will help states and communities by pro-
viding technical assistance which will result in public
confidence that measurements made in people's homes by
EPA-tested labs are acceptable."
Voluntary participants will submit their measuring
devices to EPA which, in turn, will expose the detec-
tors or sampling devices to precisely-established radon
and radon progeny levels in its laboratories. The de-
tectors will then be returned to the participants who
will attempt to accurately analyze the radon exposure
levels. Following each trial analysis, a new list of
laboratories of businesses which have performed within
the acceptable range or error will be published. This
list will be made available to federal and state agen-
cies, industry, and the general public for their use in
selecting which laboratory or business to use for radon
measurement work.
"EPA will be conducting these trial analyses on a
quarterly basis and will follow this with an updated
list," Guimond said. "In essence, laboratories that
wish to participate in our program will have their pro-
ficiency examined every three months.
(more)
12
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-2-
EPA has established a radon technical information
service which will serve as a contact point for labora-
tories wishing to enter the agency's Radon Measurement
Proficiency program. Persons interested in participat-
ing will be sent information packets describing the
program and giving specific enrollment participation
requirements. Once laboratories have entered the pro-
gram, the'information service will begin distributing a
list of results of participating laboratory tests in
simplified form to anyone requesting the list. The
listing is intended to aid the non-technical person in
the selection of a laboratory or business engaged in
radon measurement.
The focal point of the technical information ser-
vice is a radon telephone line which will be in opera-
tion during the week between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., EST.
That number is 300-334-8571, ext. 7131. Information
brochures on radon are being prepared and will be
available for distribution in the near future.
Participants in the Radon Measurement Proficiency
program must provide documented capability in one or
more of the following measurement methods:
Alpha Track
Charcoal Canister
Continuous Working Level Monitor
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units
Radon Gas Monitor
Grab Sample--Radon
Grab Sample—Working Level
Parties interested in enrolling in the program
should call the radon hotline listed above or write:
Radon Technical Information Service
Research Triangle Institute
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Applications to participate in the first round of
analyses must be submitted before March 1, 1986
# # #
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APPENDIX C
RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY (RMP)
PROGRAM APPLICATION INFORMATION PACKAGE
Contents
Enrollment Package Cover Letter
Enrollment and Continuing Participation Conditions
Acceptance/Rejection Letter
RMP Program Schedule of Events--Round-l
Analysis Report Instructions
Analyses Results Reporting Form
Letter Instructing RMP Program Participants on Preparation of QA Plan
Quality Assurance Plan Guidelines
Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency Report
Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative Proficiency Report
Interim Indoor Radon and Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols
14
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ENROLLMENT PACKAGE COVER LETTER
EPA LETTERHE-AD
Date
Requesting Laboratory
Address
Subject: Enrollment Package, Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement
Proficiency Program
Hear Sir:
The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Radiation Programs
has established the Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency (RMP)
program to assist State agencies and the public by providing a list of
laboratories capable of measuring radon and/or radon progeny with data
results of known quality. This quality assurance program is adminis-
tered by Research Triangle Institute (RTI), a not-for-profit organiza-
tion, located in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
The RMP program offers participating laboratories an opportunity
to test their radon and/or radon progeny measurement proficiency on a
quarterly basis. Participants will submit one or more types of detec-
tors to be placed in a Federal agency laboratory radon chamber. Mea-
surement proficiency will be determined by comparing detector analyses
to known values. After each analyses trial, participants will receive
the Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical Proficiency Report which summarizes
each laboratory's performance and provides means and standard devia-
tions. Each 1 aboratory-'s analyses will be identified by unique letters
and numbers known only to the program coordinator(s) and the partici-
pating laboratory. A separate report titled "Radon/Radon Progeny Cumu-
lative Proficiency Report" will be distributed to an appropriate agency
in each state and the requesting public. This report will list labora-
tories by name which have met minimum set guidelines for RMP Program
participation.
The enclosed materials describe in detail the conditions for par-
ticipation in the RMP program. There is no fee for participation.
Every effort will be made to properly handle and ship detectors; how-
ever, if accidents do happen EPA will take no responsibility for lost,
damaged, or improperly exposed detectors. Questions should be directed
to the Office of Radiation Program's Quality Assurance Office (703/557-
7380) or RTI, Radon Technical information Service (800/534-8571, Exten-
sion 7131)
Sincerely,
H. Michael Mardis
Quality Assurance Officer
Environmental Studies and
Statistics Branch (ANR-461)
Office of Radiation Programs
Enclosures
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ENROLLMENT AND CONTINUING PARTICIPATION CONDITIONS
Conditions for enrolling and continuing in the RMP program are as
follows:
Submit a written request on laboratory letterhead stationery
(includes company name, street address and telephone number) to:
Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
Research Triangle Institute
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
0 State whether enrollment is requested as a commercial or non-
commercial laboratory.
State radon and/or radon progeny measurement method being enter-
ed in the RMP Program -- Alpha Track, Charcoal Cannister, Con-
tinuous Working Level Monitor (CWLM) Radon Progeny Integrating
Sampling Units (RPISU) Radon Gas Monitor (RGM) or grab sample
instruments.
0 Laboratories entering more than one measurement method in the
RMP Program must submit a separate application package for each
method submitted. No more than four methods (types of devices)
may be submitted for a given measurement proficiency round.
0 If analyses are to be performed by a subcontractor, identify
that laboratory and the person in that laboratory responsible
for radon and/or radon progeny analyses. A new appl ication must
be submitted for each subcontracting laboratory used in the RMP
program.
Submit (if available) a copy of your laboratory's quality assur-
ance (QA) plan. Guidance for developing a quality assurance
plan is enclosed. Failure to submit a QA plan will not preclude
participation.
0 Enclose a copy of all standard operating procedures (SOP's) used
by your laboratory for radon and/or radon progeny measurement.
8 If enrollment is for a Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Units
(RPISU), submit air pump calibration methods.
e If enrollment is for a non-passive detector, submit the brand
name model and serial number of the unit. More than one but no
more than four non-passive detectors may be entered in a given
round.
16
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If enrollment is for a grab sample instrument, submit the brand
name, model and serial number of the unit. Indicate whether the
instrument measures radon or radon progeny. No more than four
grab sample instruments may be entered in a given round.
Participants failing to perform acceptable analyses for a given
performance round will be given an opportunity to perform in a
follow-up round. If a laboratory also fails to perform accept-
ably or does not submit detectors for the follow-up round they
will be dropped from the RCP Report.
Failure to perform successfully in three (3) consecutive rounds
(including follow-up rounds) will result in that laboratory
being dropped from RMP program. Laboratories dropped from the
program must submit a new application for continued participa-
tion.
Participating laboratories not submitting detectors for any
regular performance round must participate in the follow-up
round or be dropped from the RMP Program.
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ACCEPTANCE/REJECTION LETTER
EPA LETTERHEAD
Date
Requesting Laboratory
Address
Dear Sir:
The Environmental Protection Agency Office of Radiation Programs
has received your application package for participation in the Radon/-
Radon Progeny Measurenent Proficiency Program
Your application package was found to be complete and your enroll-
ment is effective as of the date of this communication.
Your application package was found not to be complete and lacking
the element(s) listed below.
Your QA Plan has been reviewed by EPA staff and considered ade-
quate.
A schedule of events for the RMP program is attached for your
information. If your application was found deficient, the corrected
application must be received prior to March 21, 1986 in order to par-
ticipate in the next measurement proficiency round.
If you need additional information relating to the RMP program or
the attached schedule of events, please contact the Radon Technical
Information Service (800-334-8571, ext. 7131) at Research Triangle
Institute.
Sincerely,
H. Michael Mardis
Quality Assurance Officer
Environmental Studies and
Statistics Branch (ANR-461)
Office of Radiation Programs
Enclosure
18
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*SCHEDULE OF EVENTS — ROUND 1
**
Round 1
+Round 1
Followup
Press Release
Receipt of Enrollment Application
Receipt of (Jnexposed Detectors
Receipt of Detectors at Radon Chambers
Ship Exposed Detectors to Labs
Submit Analyses
Send Laboratories Notice of Provisional
Performance
Complete Radon/Radon Progeny Analytical
Proficiency (RAP) Reports
Complete Radon/Radon Progeny Cumulative
Proficiency (RCP) Report
2/20
- 3/12
3/1 - 3/21
3/26
3/31 - 4/9
4/23
4/28
5/7
5/7
5/1 - 5/9
5/12
5/19 - 5/23
6/2
6/19
6/19
*Rounds 2, 3 and 4 are tentatively set to start respectively July 1,
November 1, 1986 and January 1, 1987
**Laboratories enrolling active detectors will deliver devices to the
exposure laboratory between 3/19 and 3/24 at a time determined by
the RQA Coordinator
***0ates are in 1986
+Participants failing to meet program proficiency conditions of the RMP
progran will be offered an opportunity to participate in a follow-up
round. Participants failing in this round or not submitting detectors
will be dropped from the program.
19
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PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ROUND DETECTOR DISTRIBUTION
The Radon Quality Assurance (RQA) Coordinator will gather and dis-
tribute exposed detectors initially on a quarterly basis, with all
detectors supplied by the participants. Laboratories requesting par-
ticipation in their first Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Proficiency
(RMP) Program proficiency round may submit an enrollment (application)
request, along with the unexposed passive radon detectors to the RQA
Coordinator. Ship five (5) passive detectors, of each type on which
your laboratory wishes to be evaluated. Participants submitting detec-
tors requiring separate air-flow measurements must also submit one
flowmeter for calibration. All five detectors will be assigned unique
identification numbers and four will be exposed at one of the EPA or
DOE radon chamber facilities. The remaining detector will be left
unexposed for control. The detectors will then be shipped to your
laboratory for quantitation, along with a results reporting form. An
example of this form is' enclosed for review prior to participation in
the quality assurance rounds.
Laboratories submitting non-passive detectors for entry into the
Program will need to coordinate the delivery date with the RQA Coordi-
nator prior to delivering the instruments to a Federal Laboratory for
exposure. After exposure, the operator will submit his reading on the
same reporting form used for other detectors.
If enrollment requirements are met and analyses are within accept-
able limits, the laboratory will be listed in the Radon/Radon Progeny
Cumulative Proficiency Report as participating successfully. This is
the report that will be made available to state agencies and the
public.
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DETECTOR SHIPMENT
Unexposed passive radon detectors should be packaged in protective
containers and placed in a rigid outer container, suitable for return'
shipment. Any unique or specific containers required for shipping must
be furnished by the participant and will be used for packaging the
detectors for the return shipment. The participant will provide return
shipping labels (including street address) for each container. Ensure
that all addresses are clearly placed and legible. The laboratory must
pay postage on all shipments to the RQA Coordinator. All other ship-
ping will be paid for by EPA.
For non-passive detectors requiring the presence of an operator,
the participant must bring the detector to a radon chamber at a time
and place specified by the RQA coordinator at the expense of the par-
ticipant.
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RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY
PROGRAM ANALYSES REPORT INSTRUCTIONS
1. Veri'fy that this kit contains the five (5) detectors of each type
that your laboratory submitted previously. For control, one detec-
tor was not exposed.
2. If this kit is incomplete or contains open or damaged detectors:
PHONE: 1-800/334-8571 ext. 7131
ASK FOR: Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
3. Perform a complete analysis of each detector using the appropriate
measurement technique.
4. Results Reporting Form (Front)
o Record your laboratory identification number and detector iden-
tification numbers.
Explanation - Detector Labels:
A A A A - 01 - 0001
Lab. Round Detector
ID. No. I.D.
o Record the results of analyses. Analyses of radon detectors
will be reported as pCi/L. Analyses of radon progeny detectors
will be reported in Working Levels.
o Fill in all blocks for each analysis performed, using zeros
where necessary. Please print legibly because data on the
Results Reporting Form are the data on which your performance
rating will be based. Reporting forms with incomplete informa-
tion will not be evaluated.
o Unavoidable analytical problems and/or damaged detectors should
be discussed under comments.
o If the analytical laboratory is subcontracted to the participat-
ing laboratory, the subcontracting laboratory and address will
be listed under comments.
o The affirmation states that the results being reported were
obtained by analyses performed, or contracted by the laboratory.
Complete the statement with the name of the laboratory as it
appears on laboratory letterhead. The signature of the labora-
tory manager or other company officials responsible for analyti-
cal services is required. Reporting forms submitted without
required signatures will not be evaluated.
22
-------
o Submit a separate reporting form for each method being eval-
uated. Ensure that all reporting forms are completely filled
out.
o Please provide changes or corrections in the participating labo-
ratory mailing address if applicable.
5. Return the Results Reporting Form by the date indicated in the
cover letter. Mail to:
RQA Coordinator
Radon Technical Information Service
Research Triangle Institute
Post Office Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709-2194
LATE RETURNS WILL NOT BE EVALUATED
23
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Mall to: Radon Quality Assurance Coordinator
Research Triangle Institute
P.O. 8ox 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Telephone: 300-334-8571, Ext. 7131
Mast be post-
imarked by:
Page ; of Forms
ANALYSES RESULTS REPORTING FORM
RADON/RADON PROGENY MEASUREMENT PROFICIENCY PROGRAM
LABORATORY I.D. * | | | | ]
ROUND
DETECTOR I.D. #
1- 1 1 1
2. 1 1 1
3. |
4. 1 1 |
5. 1 1 |
DETECTOR TYPE*
HZ HI
picocuries/Liter Working Level
nD + J.1 1
4 l+| 1 1
; i + 1 1 1 J
1 l + l 1 1
•• l + l 1 1 . -1 -
l+l 1 1
+ I _]
U+ U
l + l 1 1
l + l 1 1
*Charcoal Cannister Detector = CC
Radon Progeny Integrating Sampling Unit = RP
Alpha Track Detector = AT
Radon Gas Monitor = GM
Continuous Working Level Monitor = CW
Grab Sample = GS Radon Working Level
TIME IN -
TIME OUT -
RTI USE ONLY
EXPOSURE DATA
"1 I DATE LZ
~~1 I DATE r~
1.
2.
3.
4.
INITIAL FLOWRATE
L/min
RPISU DETECTORS
FINAL FLOWRATE
L/mi n
24
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(Reverse Side of Reporting Form)
Comments
Analyst signature (required):
Affirmation: I hereby affirm that the information appearing on this
Results Reporting Form was acquired in analyses performed by/for,
•
«
'(name of participating laboratory)
that the analyses were performed by the person who signature appears
above as "Analyst"; that said analyst is an employee, officer of, or
consultant to the above-name organization; that the detector used in
the analyses are the property of said organization; and that the analy-
ses represented by this Results Reporting Form are typical of analyti-
cal services available to the public from the participating laboratory.
Laboratory Manager
- Signature Date
ADDRESS CORRECTION, PLEASE:
Contact Name:
Affiliation:
Address:
City State Zip Code:
Telephone:
Ext.
25
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LETTER INSTRUCTING RMP PROGRAM PARTICIPATION
ON PREPARATION OF A QA PLAN
EPA LETTERHEAD
Date
Address
SUBJECT: Quality Assurance Plan Guidelines for Participants in the
Radon/Radon Progeny Measurement Program
Dear :
The attached sample report is intended to assist participant labo-
ratories involved in preparing Quality Assurance Plans for their labo-
ratory's operations. The sample report is an abbreviated plan based on
guidance presented in the following two documents:
0 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "Interim Guidelines and
Specifications for Preparing Quality Assurance Project Plans."
qAMS-005/80. Washington, D.C. December 29, 1980.
" U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "AEERL Quality Assurance
Procedures Manual for Project Officers." AEERL (QA)-002/85.
Research Triangle Park, N.C. April 15, 1985.
When using the sample report in preparing a Quality Assurance Pro-
ject Plan, please keep in mind the following:
0 A Title Page and Table of Contents.
0 Use the "document control format" on all pages of the Plan,
except for the title page. (Place in the upper right-hand cor-
ner of the page.). This format should be updated.whenever a page
of the Plan is revised. (The document control format is illus-
trated in the sample report.)
8 Standard Operating Procedures, Work Plans, and other relevant
documentation should be reference and placed in the Appendix.
0 Add subsections as needed.
If you need additional information relating to the RMP program or
the attached schedule of events, please contact the Radon Technical
Information Service (300-334-3571, ext. 7131) at Research Triangle
Institute. • , !
Sincerely,
H. Michael Mardis
Quality Assurance Officer
Environmental Studies and
Statistics Branch (ANR-461)
Office of Radiation Programs
Attachment
26
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QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN GUIOELNES
QUALITY ASSURANCE PLAN:
(PROJECT TITLE AND LABORATORY)
(Authors)
(Author's Organization)
(Organi zation's Address)
Prepared for
rn
(Month and Year)
27
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Section 1.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
1.0 ORGANIZATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES
[This section should include a figure or chart showing the project
organization and line of authority. In particular, the relationship of
the Quality Assurance Officer to Laboratory Management should be illus-
trated. (It is highly desirable that the QA Officer be organizational-
ly independent of the project so that the risk of conflict of interest
may be minimized.) In addition to the QA Officer, all key individuals
who are responsible for analyses, data assessment, and project manage-
ment should be presented.]
28
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Section 2.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
2.0 SAMPLING PROCEDURES
[This section should reference EPA, "Interim Indoor Radon and
Radon Decay Product Measurement Protocols". The detector placement
will be method specific.]
29
-------
Section 3.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
3.0 DETECTOR CUSTODY (Traceabililty)
[This section should discuss the procedures needed to: (1) track
detector placement and delivered to the Laboratory; (2) document all
readings, analyses, and other operations performed on the detector; and
(3) document the final fate of the detector (i.e., storage, disposal,
or shipment to another organization). Additionally, the following
information should be provided:
The nane and duties of the detector custodian (or other respon-
sible individuals) who signs for incoming field samples and ver-
ifies the entry of pertinent information into the detector cus-
tody records.
0 The data tracking information required to be entered on the
Laboratory's detector custody and lab-tracking forms.
Examples of detector custody forms used in the Laboratory should
be included in this section.]
30
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Section 4.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
4.0 ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
4.1 Analytical Equipment and Procedures
[All analytical equipment used in the program should be listed in
this section, and all analytical/reading procedures should be
described.]
4.2 Calibration Procedures and Frequencies
[All calibration procedures, and the frequency at which these pro-
cedures are performed, should be discussed. This information should be
presented for all instruments and associated apparatus to be used in
the study. However, this information is not needed for instruments and
associated apparatus used to make non-critical measurements, i.e.
barometric pressure].
4.3 Internal Quality Control
v
[All internal quality control checks associated with critical mea-
surements should be discussed or referenced. The QC checks to be dis-
cussed could include the following samples:
0 Replicates (how many? frequency?)
8 Blanks
Internal standards/check sources
' Control charts
31
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Section 5.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
5.0 DATA REDUCTION, VALIDATION, AND REPORTING
[For each critical measurement parameter, the following should be
provided:
The data reduction scheme planned for all analytical data. This
may include all equations used to calculate concentrations and
other parameters of interest.
The methods used to identify and treat anomalous data
The key individuals who will handle data and be responsible for
its integrity in the final report.]
32
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Section 6.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
6.0 CORRECTIVE ACTION
[Corrective action procedures should be specified, including the
following:
The predetermined limits for data acceptability, beyond which
corrective action is required.
The corrective action to be taken.
' The individual responsible for initiating and approving the cor-
rective actions.]
33
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Section 7.0
Revision 0
December 10, 1985
Page 1 of 1
7.0 QUALITY ASSURANCE REPORTS TO MANAGEMENT
[This section should present a mechanism for the periodic report-
ing to Management on internal/external audit results, QC checks, and
data quality. As a minimum these reports should include:
0 The periodic assessment of measurement data accuracy, precision,
and completeness, i.e, inter comparisons and calibrations.
0 The results of internal/external audits.
All significant QA/QC problems, and recommended solutions.]
34
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RADON/RADON PROGENY ANALYTICAL PROFICIENCY (RAP) REPORT
*EPA LETTERHEAD
Date
Laboratory
Address
Dear Participant:
Enclosed are the results of the Office of Radiation Program's June
, . Radon/Radon Progeny Intercomparison Study. Your laboratory
code is .
Data which are consistently higher or lower than the known value
or outside the control limits may indicate analytical problems. It is
suggested that the suspect instrument and procedure be checked for
bias.
Should you have any questions or require assistance, please do not
hesitate to contact the Radon Technical Information Service (800-334-
8571, ext. 7131) at Research Triangle Institute, Research /Triangle
Park, NC.
Sincerely,
H. Michael Mardis
Quality Assurance Officer
Environmental Studies and
Statistics Branch (ANR-461)
Office of Radiation Programs
Enclosure
35
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ORP RADON/RADON PROGENY INTERCOMPARISON STUDY
June 7, 1986
Known-value =
Expected Laboratory precision (IS, 1 determination) =
Detector Experimental Rng Anly Normalized deviation
Lab No. Result Sigma (R + SR) Average (grand-avg) (known)
AAAA xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
AAAB xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
AAAC xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
AZZZ xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
xxxx
Experimental sigma (all labs) = Grand average =
* = Determined to be an outlier, not used in calculations.
** = Less than 4 valid determinations not used in calculations.
36
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RADON/RADON PROGENY CUMULATIVE PROFICIENCY REPORT
(This publication valid through )
EPA Analysis Round
Prepared by
Research Triangle Institute
P.O. Box 12194
Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
Prepared for
Office of Radiation Programs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, DC 20460
January 1986
37
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INTRODUCTION
Recent public concern with health effects related to exposure to
radon has greatly increased the demand for laboratories qualified to
measure radon and/or radon progeny in indoor air. In response to
request for assistance from States, the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency's Office of Radiation Programs has developed the Radon/Radon
Progeny Measurement Proficiency (RMP) Program in which laboratories are
invited to voluntarily demonstrate their proficiency at measuring radon
and/or radon progeny levels. The main benefits of the program are two-
fold:
1. Laboratories are offered an opportunity to improve their qual-
ity assurance program by attempting to correctly measure
established levels of radon and/or radon progeny and by inter-
comparison with other laboratories.
2. This report is available to Federal and State agencies and the
public for use in selecting which laboratory to use for radon
and/or radon progeny measurements.
The RMP Program is not designated for laboratory acreditation and
does not certify, recommend, or endorse participating laboratories.
The list of program participants is provided by EPA only as a source of
analytical laboratories with demonstrated radon and/or radon progeny
measurement capabilities (Table 1).
The laboratories listed in this publication are current partici-
pants in the RMP program and are listed with descriptors of their per-
formance for this and up to three previous rounds. Laboratory perfor-
mance was assessed on the basis of screening and conformation levels
designated respectively as Levels 1 and 2. Laboratories failing to
meet minimum proficiency requirements for a second consecutive round
will be removed from this list. The following is a list of descriptors
used to indicate each laboratory's performance.
38
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Descriptor Explanation
LI Level 1 - Met minimum screening requirements for
participating successfully (analysis within 25% of
actual detector exposure levels).
*L2 Level 2 - Analysis proficiency desirable for reme-
dial action programs (analyses within ?% of actual
detector exposure levels).
Provisional - Failed to meet minimum proficiency
performance requirements
DT Oector damaged or lost through no fault of the par-
ticipant.
*Level 2 descriptors will not be listed for measurement proficiency
Rounds 1 and 2.
Although the minimum criterion for participating in the RMP pro-
gram is lenient, it recognizes the basic concern of the public - the
ability to determine the presence or absence of potentially harmful
levels of radon and/or radon progeny. Descriptors indicating labora-
tory performance are measurement method (detector) specific and only
indicate that laboratory's ability to perform measurements with that
detector. For laboratories participating in the program with more than
one type of detector there is a separate performance listing ,'for each
measurement method entered.
EPA has requested, but not required, that participating ^aborato-
ries submit for review a copy of their quality assurance plan. An X
under the column headed "Quality Assurance Plan" indicates that the
laboratory has submitted a plan and it has been reviewed by EPA staff
and considered adequate.
Participants in the RMP program are listed alphabetically and
grouped according to EPA Regions as shown in Figure 1.
39
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Regional Organizations
0.
Figure 1.
40
-------
TABLE 1
REGION
N 0.
This listing valid to (Date of next Publication)
Laboratory
Laboratory Name
Addresss
Phone No.
Laboratory Name
Address
Phone No.
Date of
Round
(mo.,
yr.)
3/86
6/86
9/86
1/87
3/86
6/86
9/86
1/87
Radon Measurement
Detectors
Alpha
Track
LI
L2
12
12
Charcoal
Canister
12
12
LI
12
Working Level
Measurement
Detector
Grab Sample
Radon
Working
Level
RPISU
CWLM
Quality
Assurance
Plan
X
X
41
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Melinda's Protocols will be placed here.
42
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