Training & Workshop Materials

Over the past 12 years or so, the LabCert program has been involved with developing and presenting a wide array for training sessions on a wide array of subjects. You will find below a link to a PDF copy of handouts from these sessions. The handouts match the PowerPoint slides from the sessions. While you don't get the animations, you do get all the critical information.

Ammonia & Phosphorus

Ammonia & Phosphorus Update	2002		Updated session on ammonia (ISE) and phosphorus (Colorimetric, manual).
Ammonia & Phosphorus Original (Color)	2001		Original session on ammonia (ISE) and phosphorus (Colorimetric, manual).
The Phosphorus Rule - Impact on Lab Testing	2011		Discusses the 2010 Phosphorus rule, LOD needs, and capabilities of various analytical techniques to achieve new LODs. Reviews means to lower TP LODs.

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Balances

Balance Use & Verification	2002		More in-depth review of critical considerations when using analytical or toplaoding balances.
The videos below are actually part of the "Back to Basics" (2003) training for general lab practices, but seem better fits in this section.
Analytical Balance Stability: Doors Closed	2003		This short video demonstrates analytical balance stability with both doors closed.
Analytical Balance Stability: 1 Door Open	2003		This short video demonstrates how analytical balance stability is compromised when only a single "weighing door" is opened.
Analytical Balance Stability: 2 Doors Open	2003		This short video demonstrates how analytical balance stability is further eroded when only both "weighing doors" are opened.
Analytical Balance Stability: 2 Doors Open w/ movement nearby	2003		This short video demonstrates the effect of small drafts--even from nearby movement-- on the reliability of an analytical balance when both "weighing doors" are open.
Vibration Impact on a Toploader	2003		Another short video demonstrating the effect of vibration on toploading balance stability.
Vibration Impact: Analytical Balance w/o Damping Pad	2003		Short video demonstrating the effect of vibration on an analytical balance that is not stabilized with a damping pad. This balance is situated on a solid countertop only. stability.
Vibration Impact: Analytical Balance w/Damping Pad	2003		Short video demonstrating the effect of vibration reduction on an analytical balance that is is stabilized with a damping pad. This balance is situated on a marble damping pad. stability.
Balance Vibration Impact Test	2003		Short video demonstrating the conditions used to evaluate vibration effects.
Balance Use & Verification	2001		An overview of proper care, maintenance, and use of analytical balances.

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Back To Basics (General Chemistry, Lab Practices)

Basic Lab Practices	2006		Covers a diverse array of topics including: Glassware Generalisms, Solution Solutions (Preparing Standards Perfectly), Proper Pipetting Principles, and Balance Basics.
General Chemistry Relationships	2002		Reviews the importance of General Chemistry Relationships (pH, alkalinity, and hardness) in water and waste treatment, particularly disinfection. Also provides a good background on arsenic and treatment options for private wells.

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BOD

BOD "201"	2006		More detailed than BOD "101"; more in-depth review of critical BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) issues.
BOD "101"	2002		An extensive look at the BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) test, one of the most difficult tests to perform.
BOD Data & Loading Fees	2007		Full Title: Using BOD and COD Data to Assess Loading Fees. Presented real data showing how COD and BOD can be used to help municpalities determine chargeback fees, particularly when toxicity is involved.
BOD Quality Control Issues, Toxicity, and Nitrification	2010		This session covers GGA trouble-shooting as well as BOD toxicity. Most significantly, this session focused on nitrification and BOD and "what does nitrification look like?".

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Calibration Considerations

The Use of Higher Order Calibration Functions

2001

This document provides an overview of concerns related to forcing a calibrtation through the origin, the use of curve weighting functions, and the use of non-linear algorithms.

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Chemical Additions Monitoring for Water Supplies

Chemical Additions for Water Supply Systems

2001

Interestingly enough, certification is NOT required to test for chlorine residual, phosphate, and fluoride as part of the chemical additions monitoring for municipal water. Concerns about that led to this training session which was repeated a number of times.

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Chlorine & Disinfection

Fundamentals of Chlorine Chemistry and Disinfection	2007		Covers the fundamentals of chlorine chemistry as it relates to disinfection. Shows data to support that even low levels of chlorine are effective against bacteria and viruses.
Simplifying Total Residual Chlorine Testing	2006		Covers the analysis of total Chlorine residual (TCR) by both colorimetry (DPD) and ion selective electrode (ISE). Offers tips to get low LODs you need.
Role of Chlorine in Dealing with Water Contamination	2005		Covers chlorine efficacy, chloramine formation, getting to breakpoint, "shock" chlorinating private wells and water systems, hypochlorite vs. chlorine gas.
Secrets of Breakpoint Chlorination (color)	2005		Breakpoint chlorination made easy. Covers fundamentals of chlorine chemistry and how to test for and ensure you've reached breakpoint. (full color version)
Secrets of Breakpoint Chlorination (b&w)	2005		Breakpoint chlorination made easy. Covers fundamentals of chlorine chemistry and how to test for and ensure you've reached breakpoint. (black&white version)
Nuts & Bolts of Chlorine Chemistry	2004		Done in concert with an E. coli testing session. Focus on why we need to chlorinate and dechlorinate, the effect of chlorine on E. coli, and provides in-depth review on how to test for chlorine residuals using the DPD and ISE methods.
Getting the Best Chlorine Residual Data	2003		Brief overview of critical considerations to ensure that the chlorine residual data you generate is of acceptable quality. Demonstrates ability to achieve TCR LOD of 0.037 ppm or less.
DPD Colorimetric Testing for Chlorine	2003		Thorough step-by-step presentation on analysis of chlorine residual using the DPD (colorimetric method. Also reviews spectrophotometry and calibration statistics. Produced as a summer intern project.
Residual Chlorine Using DPD (Windows Media Video)	2003		Video (14:20) shows step by step preparation of calibration standards and analysis of calibration and standards using the DPD technique. "Vacu-vials" are used. Windows Media Player (.wmv) format.
Residual Chlorine Using DPD (QuickTime movie)	2003		Video (14:20) shows step by step preparation of calibration standards and analysis of calibration and standards using the DPD technique. "Vacu-vials" are used. QuickTime (.mov) format.

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Distance Learning

Technology for Creating Utility Training

2006

Technology can be used to produce on-line (distance)training for water utility operators. Training can be designed to meet needs of water utilities and regulators.

Hexavalent Chromium

Chromium (VI) Testing at the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene

2011

Pat Gorski with the State Lab of Hygiene reviews the lab's protocol for obtaining quality hexavalent chromium data using Solid Phase Extraction followed by ICP/MS. This method can detect hexavalent chromium (Cr+6) down to 20 ppt (0.02 ppb).

ICP & ICP/MS

ICP from Ar to Zn	2003		Excellent 2 day session covering basic aspects of ICP technology including theory, quality control, and a detailed section on interference identification and correction.
Basic Principles of ICP/MS	2003		Part of a 2-day ICP training session. The materials focus on providing an overview of ICP/MS technology including how the instrument operates.
Advanced ICP Tips & Techniques	2005		This follow-up to the initial ICP training session focuses even more intently on interferences and background correction. The highlight of the session was the analysis, by participating labs, of a highly challenging PT sample designed by Wibby Environmental. Obtaining accurate results on "the Wibby" required a lab to be acutely aware of the myriad of interference problems associated with ICP technology.
ICP - Secrets for Determining IECs	2008		A shorter presentation focusing on the art of proper determination of interelement correction (IEC) factors for successful ICP analysis.

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Lab Math

Fear No Math!

2008

Lab Math is not as difficult as believed. This session covers an array of topics such as So- Do U Sudoku?, Allergic to Algebra, C1V1≠R2D2, What did you Geomean by that?, Prozac for Linear Depression, The "Nerds" Equation, and Magical Math is not a Criss Angel Stunt

Mercury - Ultra Low

Low Level Mercury: Importance of Clean Sampling

2005

Provides an overview of mercury contamination in the environment, closing with a detailed look at the "Clean Hands - Dirty Hands" technique for sample collection.

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Operator Certification Exams

Preparing for the New Operator Certification Lab Exam

2009

Provides a brief history of OpCert exam generation and changes being made to study guides. Also provides a discussion of how to properly prepare for exams using study guides by applying reading for comprehension and mnemonic skills.

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PCBs

PCB Analysis: Laboratory Certification Concerns	2003		Presents the key considerations for PCB analysis. Looks at the rationale for calibrating with a "16/60" mix.
PCB Extract Cleanup: Why? How?	2003		Focuses on the difficulties associated with analysis of PCBs in biosolids. Reviews types of cleanups and presents a recommended cleanup sequence best suited for biosolids.
PCB Cleanup Summary	2003		A handful of slides that summarize the recommended cleanup protocol for PCBs in biosolids showing "before" and "after" screen captures of the GC/ECD chromatogram.

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Pipet Calibration

Pipet Calibration Video (Windows Media Video)	2007		Video (5:08) shows step by step procedure for verification of auto pipet calibration. Windows Media Player (.wmv) format.
Calibration Verification of Mechanical Pipets	2007		Presents the key considerations for verifying and documenting the calibration status of mechanical pipets.
Mechanical Pipet Calibration SOP	2007		Customizable SOP for the calibration verification of mechanical pipets.
Mechanical Pipet Calibration Spreadsheet	2007		Excel spreadsheet for documentation and calculation of mechanical pipet calibration.
Pipet Calibration Form (Annual)	2007		Form to document the annual calibration verification of mechanical pipets.
Pipet Calibration Form (Quarterly)	2007		Form to document the quarterly calibration verification of mechanical pipets.
Pipet Calculations	2007		Sumnmary of calculations required for the calibration verification of mechanical pipets.
Pipet Z-Factors	2007		Table of Z-factors required for the calibration verification of mechanical pipets.

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Quality Control/Quality Assurance

Calibration of Mechanical Pipettes in the Modern Wastewater Laboratory	2008		Periodic calibration and preventive maintenance are, therefore, essential to ensure the integrity of laboratory results. This session shows step-by-step how auto-pipet calibration is verified, along with worksheets to use and documentation to retain.
Everything you wanted to know about a Lab Audit… but were afraid to ask!!	2007		This session reviews what can be exspected during a lab audit. The audit can be broken down to: opening discussion, general housekeeping, sampling concerns, a detailed review of methods, records review, and QA/QC.
Using QC Information to Assess Data Quality	2005		This session discusses the limitations and merits inherent to each QC sample type and how to use of this information to better enable you to decide when and how sample results need to be qualified.
Advanced QA/QC for Lab Testing	2003		A very detailed look at QA/QC, notably containing a different way to look at calculating spike recoveries (which are frequently done incorrectly). ** Please note that some information changed with the 2008 cjhanges to NR 149 **.
QA/QC for Lab Testing	2000		This initial review of basic QA/QC includes step-by-step instructions for doing linear regression and other QC calcuations using inexpensive calculators. ** Please note that some information changed with the 2008 cjhanges to NR 149 **.

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Lab Reagent Water Requirements

Reagent Water Concerns …in search of ultrapure water

2005

A detailed review of reagent water criteria. Defines “ultrapure” water, reviews practicality of ASTM standard D-1193, explores the significance of conductivity and problems associated with it, outlines PRACTICAL reagent water monitoring tools and benchmarks.

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Reporting Requirements

How To Read & Interpret a Lab Report What You Don’t Know CAN hurt You	2009		Reviews NR 149 requirements for reports and how to tell if a lab is properly certified to perform testing. Are subcontracted results properly noted? ...a lab’s LODs/LOQ adequate? Is this the correct analyte “list”? Resources available to labs and data users.
DMRs and Qualified Data	2002		Reviews how to properly report QC exceedances on a DMR. What anlytes require that LOD and LOQ be reported? Discusses the concept that qualified data does not mean bad data.
How Do I Report THIS?!	2002		Provides an overview of topics such as significant figures, how to report replicates, "<" and ">" results. Discusses specific data scenarios encountered with BOD and TSS.

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