TNI Webinars

Learn from the IAS 90 minute TNI Webinars. 

COURSE OBJECTIVES

TNI is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing national standards of accreditation to allow environmental laboratories a set of regulations to produce data of known quality. The 2016 TNI Standard is based upon ISO/IEC 17025:2005 with additional requirements specific to environmental testing laboratories.

International Accreditation Service (IAS) Inc is recognised by TNI for accreditation against the TNI standard.  See the list published on the NELAC website. 

The objective of each of these numbered webinars is to:

1. Provide a review of the recently implemented 2016 version of the standard used to accredit environmental laboratories.
2. Learn about the upcoming ELAP regulations and what it means for an environmental laboratory.
3. provide laboratories with specific information to assist in preparing for on-site assessments.
4. Discuss the various types of QC measurements, how to prepare each type, explain the rationale behind the frequency of analysis, and the implication of the results concerning the batch, system, or method.

TARGET ORGANIZATIONS

This Training Course applies to environmental laboratories seeking recognition of environmental testing under the 2016 TNI Standard and those transitioning from other state-specific accreditation programs.  

COURSE PARTICIPANTS

For all laboratory staff who

• Manage the laboratory
• Manage in the technical operation of the laboratory
• Operate and maintain the laboratory quality system
• Manage laboratory programs

WEBINAR 1 – 2016 TNI STANDARD FOR TESTING LABORATORIES.

This webinar is offered for free to all testing laboratories participating in the TNI program for environmental laboratories.  It is published here.

The objective of this training is to provide California laboratories an overview of the steps that should be taken to become ELAP/2016 TNI Standard compliant. It will highlight the process of transitioning from the previous standard and regulations to fully implement the new requirements. This one hour training course is primarily suited for laboratory managers, quality assurance officers, technical managers, and program managers.

Course Participants:

For all laboratory staff who

• Manage the laboratory
• Manage in the technical operation of the laboratory
• Operate and maintain the laboratory quality system
• Manage laboratory programs

Outline:

Introduction

Review of new requirements

• Quality systems
• Technical
• Proficiency testing

Implementation Process

• First steps
• Develop transition plan
• Training
• Update documents

WEBINAR 2 – CALIFORNIA ELAP REGULATIONS

Learn about the upcoming ELAP regulations and what it means for your laboratory. This webinar is offered for free to all testing laboratories participating in the TNI program for environmental laboratories.  It is published here.

Webinar Objectives

The California Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ELAP) is in the process of updating its regulations for accrediting environmental laboratories. The objective of this course is to provide a review of the changes to the requirements to assist laboratories to achieve compliance with the new measures.

Target Organizations

This Training Course applies to environmental laboratories seeking recognition of environmental testing under ELAP and those in need of understanding the challenges of updating their quality systems to become compliant under the 2016 TNI Standard.

Target Course Participants

For all laboratory staff who

• Manage the laboratory
• Manage in the technical operation of the laboratory
• Operate and maintain the laboratory quality system
• Manage laboratory programs

Webinar Training Process

This 1-hour Training Course provides information on how to prepare for an ELAP assessment by a recognised accreditation body.  The updated regulations emphasize a more robust quality management system and new technical requirements including calibration aspects, staff qualifications, and document control. We will discuss options for quality system requirements and common assessment findings.

The course contains reference to Standard Interpretations, Implementation Guidance, and Guidance Documents published by TNI and ELAP.

Overview of Webinar on California Regulations

Introduction

Review of the newly adopted ELAP requirements

• Quality system requirements
• Technical aspects
• MDLs
• Corrective actions
• Internal audit/Management reviews
• Options for various types of laboratories
• Common assessment findings

WEBINAR 3 – PREPARING FOR THE ELAP ASSESSMENT.

Learn the specific information to assist in preparing for on-site assessments. Focus on areas that have historically been challenges for laboratories to be in compliance. This one hour training course is primarily suited for laboratory managers, quality assurance officers, technical managers, and program managers. It is published here.

Outline:

Introduction

Overview of the new MDL procedure from the EPA 2017 MUR

• Definitions
• Data acquisition
• Calculations/verifications

Common assessment findings

• Quality systems
• Technical requirements
• Documentation
• Record keeping
• Traceability

WEBINAR 4 – QC IN THE ELAP LABORATORY

When asked, many analysts say they run QC samples because they are “supposed to.” Many test methods require specific QC samples to be run without providing a corresponding explanation for doing so. This webinar will discuss the various types of QC measurements, how to prepare each type, explain the rationale behind the frequency of analysis, and the implication of the results concerning the batch, system, or method.

Outline:

• Introduction
• Review of QC sample types
• Proper preparation and analysis
• Impact on data quality
• Use of QC in method validation

WEBINAR 5 – TECHNICAL CRITERIA FOR CHEMISTRY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

This webinar will discuss concepts related to spectrophotometric, titration, specific ion electrode, gravimetric, gas chromatography, and others. Principles of techniques, chemistry involved, and detection will be discussed. Aspects of drinking water testing as specified in 40 CFR Part 141 will be reviewed along with recent changes to the 2016 TNI Standard.

Outline:

• Introduction
• Understanding various analytical technologies
• Types of determinative separations and detection
• Useful laboratory techniques
• Requirements of performing drinking water methods
• Update on changes to the Chemistry Module in the 2016 TNI Standard

WEBINAR 6 – TECHNICAL CRITERIA FOR MICROBIOLOGY METHODS AND EQUIPMENT

This webinar will discuss concepts and requirements related to microbiology methods including presence/absence, enumeration methods, membrane filtration, and others. Principles of quality control, techniques, and program requirements will be discussed. Aspects of drinking water requirements as specified in 40 CFR Part 141 will be reviewed along with recent changes to the 2016 TNI Standard.

Outline:

• Introduction
• Understanding various microbiological methods
• EPA/program requirements of performing drinking water microbiological methods
• Useful laboratory techniques
• Update on changes to the Microbiology Module in the 2016 TNI Standard

WEBINAR 7 – GUIDELINES FOR METHOD SELECTION AND VALIDATION/VERIFICATION

This webinar will review the requirements and techniques laboratories and data users can use to effectively conform to the standards and regulations concerning method selection and validation/verification. Participants will learn the theory and practice related to selecting and validating test methods to generate data of known and documented quality. The requirements in the standards and regulations can be vague and confusing to laboratory management and staff. Various options for compliance will be provided to assist in providing legally defensible data in a way that works for the participants’ lab and their customers.

Outline:

• Principles of method selection and validation/verification
• Validation/verification of reference methods, validation of non-standard methods, and validation of lab-modified methods
• Relevance of validation/verification to the measurement process
• Requirements for legally defensible data

WEBINAR 8 – METROLOGICAL TRACEABILITY IN THE ELAP LAB

This webinar will explain various concepts of measurement traceability including requirements for reference standards and materials, instrument calibration, support equipment verification, correction factors, and related concepts. Laboratory personnel will learn how to properly document traceability procedures and accurately record basic measurements. Changes to the 2016 TNI Standard and concepts from ISO/IEC 17025:2017 will be highlighted.

Outline:

• Introduction
• Terminology & definitions
• Instrument calibration
• Support equipment verification
• Documented procedures
• Proper record keeping

WEBINAR 9 – STAFF TRAINING AND COMPETENCE IN THE ELAP LAB

This webinar will explain various methods of ensuring that ELAP staff are trained for the functions they perform and that the lab has policies and procedures related to their selection, training, qualification and continuing competence.  Laboratory personnel will learn how to properly document training and qualification records. Changes to the 2016 TNI Standard and concepts from ISO/IEC 17025:2017 will be highlighted.

Outline:

• Understand management and staff responsibilities
• Learn training needs and record keeping
• How to establish procedures for Demonstrations of Capability
• Learn the benefits of establishing training goals
• Understand Technical Manager qualifications
• How to adequately document job descriptions

DATE OF WEBINAR 10:

4 May 2021.  See https://www.iasonline.org/training/ias-training-schedule/

REGISTRATION*

• Webinar – Regular Registration $100.00, Early Bird $75.00
• IAS 90 – Minute Webinars (FREE)
• Short Course – Regular Registration $250.00 USD, Early Bird $200.00
• Long Course – Regular Registration $350.00 USD, Early Bird $300.00

*Fees are non-refundable for cancellations; however, you may substitute another member of your staff, or attend another class offered by IAS at a later date.  If IAS cancels this class for any reason, the full registration fee paid will be refunded.