|
 |
 |
This component is designed to support the
monitoring components of the project and to be instrumental in
recording the degree of reliability and comparability of data on the
environment.
The main activities performed by the Reference
Laboratories to record comparability are proficiency tests for
laboratory measurements and verification of calibration for
automatic monitors. These activities will identify errors in the
procedures used and thereby give the monitoring institutions the
opportunity to rectify such errors.
The Reference
Laboratories are furthermore trained to assess the quality system
and technical procedures at the monitoring institutions on behalf of
EEAA. EEAA will be provided with information showing if the
institutions’ approach to their work is such that reliable data can
be expected.
In addition the Reference Laboratories are
responsible for training staff at the monitoring institutions in
quality control and other operational activities within quality
assurance thereby disseminating knowledge on quality assurance
throughout the monitoring network.
These tasks are performed
by two reference laboratories: the Reference Laboratory - Water and
the Reference Laboratory - Air. The Reference Laboratory - Water
covers all parameters related to the EIMP Coastal Water Monitoring
Program and laboratory measurements related to the EIMP Air
Monitoring Program. The Reference Laboratory - Air covers work
related to automatic monitors and samplers under the EIMP Air
Monitoring Program.
The
activities of both reference laboratories are:
| 
