Training Courses

The course presents several aspects of managing an environmental laboratory that generates data of known and documented quality. Most Laboratory Managers, Technical Directors and Quality Assurance (QA) Managers have learned by doing the job. The science of doing the tests is only part of the process of doing environmental science. Every environmental laboratory manager must learn all aspects of data generation. The laboratory manager and QA manager must not only understand the science but must also understand the regulation. This series provides training to managers.

This course is designed for environmental laboratory managers, owners, Technical Managers and QA managers.

Part 1: Managing a laboratory
Many laboratory managers have had many years of training learning science. The same laboratory managers have had little to no training on how to manage a laboratory. There are basically several types of management: Reactive, Consultative, Autocratic plus other Styles. This part of the series presents several styles along with processes that may be used by managers to encourage team building and input on scientific matters. The series emphasizes how to lead personnel to perform regulatory science.

Part 2: Hiring and training competent personnel
Hiring personnel with a basic science education is the first step in obtaining competent personnel. Other elements are required to evaluate the competency of the laboratory staff. The second part of this series will present ways to develop and assure that staff is competent to perform the job(s) assigned. Each person must demonstrate competency for doing the test as well as receiving samples, reviewing reports and reviewing the quality of the data.

Part 3: Selecting methods and preparing SOP
The manager must have a process for selecting the correct method for the regulatory application. The manager of the laboratory must have a process for method selection and developing a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) based on the regulatory method. Some regulations require the reference method to be followed exactly and others allow the laboratory to deviate from the reference. The third part of the series presents the process of method selection and writing/reviewing SOPs.

Part 4: Buying services and equipment
The manager must select the proper equipment, supplies, and services to ensure data of known and documented quality. The process to select vendors of services and equipment must be defined. The vendors must be evaluated prior to the purchase and after the purchase. This part of the series includes managing: purchasing, receiving, installation or inventory control, maintenance, and upgrading of equipment.

Part 5: Monitoring the quality of your data
The manager must have a process to monitor of quality of all data generated by the laboratory. The laboratory staff must have the records to allow historical reconstruction of the results and calibration data. In some laboratories, the manager reviews all the data and signs the report. In other labs the manager signs the report but does not review the data. Laboratory managers use a variety of techniques to ensure the data is of known and documented quality. The laboratory manager sometimes referred to the technical director is responsible for all data generated, no matter if the director reviews the data or does not review the data. Evaluating the quality of the data is another process that must be managed.

Expected Learning Outcomes

Students will complete the course with an understanding of process management and learn how to manage laboratory operations using a management system.

Date/Time: 2-Day Course - Friday (8:00 - 5:00) and Saturday (8:00 - 12:00)
Instructor: Marlene Moore, Advanced Systems
Fee: $225 for TNI members; $245 for non-members

Fifth in a Series of Radiochemistry Training Sessions

Summary/Class Synopsis: 
This course will provide participants with a general understanding of the theory behind the radioanalytical technique used to perform Ra-226 by radon emanation. In addition, several methods for total uranium will be examined, method validation for a non-promulgated method will be discussed and an in-depth look at calibrations for all instrument types will be performed. A mixture of theory-lecture and interactive exercises using real laboratory data examples will help participants understand how analytical processes translate into actions, results, and records that one might encounter in a typical radioanalytical laboratory. It will also address typical challenges that may be encountered. This class will be of benefit both to radiochemistry laboratorians and radiochemistry assessors.

Date/Time: Friday 8:00am - 3:30pm
Instructors: TNI Radiochemistry Expert Committee
Fee: $195 for TNI members; $215 for non-members