Absolute Resource

September, 2018

CoC–Don’t Break the Chain!

Chains  of  Custody Forms (CoCs) are legal documents. Most court cases  live (and  die) by the information present (or not present) on the CoC.

 

Laboratory certification requirements are very strict about what the lab can  / cannot accept on the CoC form. CoCs serve three very important functions:

 

1. First and foremost, CoCs provide the literal chain of custody for samples related to that submittal. It is very important that all parties sign with the date and time when  sample  custody  is  transferred  to  another person.
2. Secondly, CoCs are where you record the sample IDs and collection information, along with which analytical parameters you’d like the sample(s) run for. Without this information, the lab doesn’t know how to proceed at sample receipt.
3. Lastly, CoCs are where you note who should receive the final report and invoice, if the project requires an EDD, other special reporting requests, as well as expedited turnaround time.

 

When filling out a CoC, the contact info and project specifics (project name and number, protocol, reporting limit info etc.) should be entered first.

 

As you collect your  samples, mark the sample ID and collection date  and time on your sample containers. Record this information on the CoC; the IDs, dates and times should match between containers and  the CoC. 

 

Pay close attention to the scope of your project and the containers you’re filling to ensure you are marking off the correct analyses.

 

Rest assured ARA works diligently to catch any  issues at sample receipt. We pride ourselves not only on offering phenomenal  laboratory  services,  but  also  on  being excellent industry partners. ARA’s got your back!

 

Legionella and Legionnaires’ Concerns in NH

Unfortunately, it seems our article about  Legionella in the last newsletter was  quite timely,  as there have been a handful of outbreaks of Legionnaires' Disease, and one death, in New Hampshire  this  past month. 

 

Health  officials  are  looking  into whether the increase in reported cases is due to more public awareness about the issue, or whether here is reason to be concerned about increased growth of this particular bacteria (Legionellaceae). 

 

Those  who  manage  large  buildings  and  facilities  such  as Hospitals,  Schools,  Commercial  &  Residential  Buildings  are keenly aware that an outbreak of Legionnaires' Disease can be  devastating  on  many  levels.  Legionella  may  grow  in  a building's water systems (cooling towers, sinks, faucets, water heaters, fountains, hot tubs), and inhalation or aspiration of the water/mist is how the bacteria enters the body.

 

Legionnaires' Disease is a severe type of pneumonia, and those with compromised immune systems  are at  particular risk. According to the CDC, 1 in 10 may die from the disease. Developing and maintaining a water management program is extremely  important  to  facilities  that  provide  water to the public. Routine testing for Legionella and other contaminants (arsenic, lead, bacteria) is recommended in order to keep your building’s water systems (and occupants) healthy. Give ARA a call  to  set  up a customized  Legionella management services plan today.

 

Lead (Pb) Poison Prevention in Schools

In July of this year, the NHDES issued a letter to all schools and licensed childcare  facilities  in  NH,  stating  that  testing  for  lead  in drinking water at all locations where water is available for consumption by children is now mandatory, as part of Senate Bill SB247.

 

The state requires that the first round of testing be completed by July 1, 2019, and repeated every 5 years, until at least 3 rounds of testing show lead levels that are below the standard. In the event that remediation becomes necessary, schools are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible. If you have questions about the lead levels in your school or home, contact ARA for more information. 

 

Welcome to ARA’s Newest Employee

Welcome to our newest lab tech, Sarah Burridge. Sarah majored in Biology at Saint Michael’s College in Vermont, and is very excited to be helping out in the lab. We’re equally thrilled to have her on Team ARA. Welcome Sarah!

 

ARA Beach Cleanup- Good People Doing Good!

ARA’s Beach Cleanup with Blue Ocean Society last week was a big success! Please let us know if you’d like to join us for the next one!  It’s feel-good fun.

 

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ARA is happy to be your environmental partner! If you have enjoyed working with us, or have a great experience to share, please take a minute to share your story here.

 

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Absolute Resource Associates
124 Heritage Ave. Unit #16 Portsmouth, NH 03801  

©2018