WORK PLANS - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

nmental Science st Engineering calm Constructionction-Development•Industrial•Municipal X.-No.- 45 Palk Street,3rd Floor-San Franclsr_o,Calilornla 94102-41S.4980535- tllmringineenngxrm CDIM Standard Operating Procedure 1 .0 Chain of Custody 1 PURPOSE This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) establishes the method and responsibilities associated with the maintenance and custody of samples, which are used to provide data that form a basis for making project decisions. This SOP outlines the key concepts and general procedures for maintaining a sample chain of custody. 2 DEFINITIONS 2.1 Chain-of-Custody The Chain-of-Custody (COC) document is the written record that traces the sample possession from the time each sample is collected until its final disposition; it is sometimes called the "cradle to grave" record. Chain-of-Custody is maintained by compliance with one of the following criteria: • The sample is in the individual's physical possession; • The sample is maintained in the individual's physical view after being in his/her possession; • The sample is transferred to a designated secure area restricted to authorized personnel; or • The sample is sealed to prevent tampering, after having been in physical possession. 2.2 Sample Custodian The sample custodian is any person involved in the collection of the samples, including office personnel who transfer the samples from the office to a laboratory representative or courier. 3 PROCEDURE An overriding consideration for data resulting from laboratory analyses is the ability to demonstrate that the samples were obtained from the locations stated and that they reached the laboratory without alteration. Evidence of collection, shipment, laboratory receipt, and laboratory custody until disposal must be documented to accomplish this. Documentation will be accomplished through a COC record that lists each sample and identifies the individuals performing the sample collection, shipment, and receipt. The original COC document will accompany the samples and a copy will be retained in the project file.