Checklist for Waste Sampling

Paperwork

Itinerary

Inventory details of sampling stations; maps

List of samples required at each sampling station

List of stations where water level readings are to be recorded.

Co-ordination

Local co-ordination, for example, to ensure access to sites on restricted or private land

Institutional co-ordination, for example, for travel arrangements or sample transport

Notify laboratories of expected date and time of sample arrival

Check any available sources of information on local weather conditions and feasibility of travel.

Read Also : Health Impacts of Solid Wastes

For sampling

Sample bottles, preservatives, labels and marker pens

Sample storage/transit containers and ice packs

Filtering apparatus (if required)

Samplers/sampling equipment

Rubber boots, waders, etc.

Standard operating procedures for sampling

Spares of all above items if possible and when appropriate.

For documentation

Pens/wax crayons

Sample labels

Field notebook

Report forms. For on-site testing

List of analyses to be performed on site

Check stocks of consumables (including distilled water, pH buffers, standards and blanks); replenish and refresh as appropriate

Check and calibrate meters (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, thermometers)

Other testing equipment according to local practice

Standard operating procedures and equipment manuals

Spares (e.g. batteries).

Safety

First-aid kit

Waders, gloves, etc.

Fire extinguisher (if appropriate). Transport

Does assigned vehicle have sufficient capacity for personnel, supplies and equipment?

Is vehicle road-worthy? Check battery, lubrication, coolant, windshield washer

Is there sufficient fuel for the trip, either in the tank, in fuel cans, or available en route?

Is the spare tyre inflated; is there a jack, wheel wrench and tool kit?

Double-check

When was equipment last calibrated?

Itinerary against travel details on inventory

Accessories for equipment and meters (including cables, chargers and spare batteries) and consumables.

Health and Safety Concerns

Prior to any work being performed at a hazardous waste site, the organisation, or company, engaged for the work must develop a written health and safety program for its employees.

As part of the overall health and safety program, a site-specific safety and health plan, which addresses the safety and health hazards at a particular site, must be developed and kept available at the site during the duration of all site work.

Read Also : Waste Sample Handling Procedures

Typically, a health and safety program will address the following areas: organisational responsibilities, risk analysis, underground utility mark outs, employee training, personnel protection, medical surveillance, air surveillance, site control, decontamination, site standard operating procedures, contingency planning, confined space operations, and spill containment.

Depending on the types of contaminants and other hazards present and the type of work that is anticipated some of these concern areas may not be applicable all aspects of a particular sampling episode.