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ENB		 Introduction | AIMS | EnACT | RICE | WASP | NO2 Network | Laboratory Quality Control Materials


Proficiency Testing - Environmental Analytical Chemical Testing (EnACT) Scheme

Environmental Analytical Chemical Testing Scheme

The EnACT scheme tests the proficiency of laboratories measuring hazardous substances in ambient air.








Analytes in the scheme

Analyte
Loading Range ng
Medium
Organics - Thermal Desorption
Benzene
15 - 300
3 substances provided together on a single Tenax TA tube loaded at environmental levels
Toluene
15 - 300
m-Xylene
15 - 300

Analyte
Loading Range µg
Medium
Organics - Chemical Desorption
Nitrogen dioxide
0.4 - 3
Absorbed onto triethanolamine(TEA) on a grid in a Palmes tube

Analyte
Loading Range µg
Medium
Inorganics - Metals
As
5 - 2500
11 metals loaded on quartz & membrane filters
Cd
5 - 2500
Cu
10 - 5000
Cr
10 - 5000
Co
10 - 5000
Fe*
0.1 - 100*
Mn
10 - 5000
Ni
10 - 5000
Pb
10 - 5000
V
10 - 5000
Zn*
0.1 - 100*

* microgramme/filter

Operation of the scheme
Four samples are sent to participants every three months. Laboratories have one month to analyse the samples and report the results. Performance is classified as Category 1 (good), Category 2 (satisfactory) or Category 3 (unsatisfactory) after a laboratory completes four rounds.

Schedule

Round Number
Samples Despatched
(Week Commencing)
Results Deadline
Reports Despatched
76
14 January 2008
15 February 2008
14 March 2008
77
14 April 2008
23 May 2008
9 June 2008
78
23 June 2008
8 August 2008
1 September 2008
79
29 September 2008
7 November 2008
24 November 2008
80
12 January 2009
20 February 2009
16 March 2009
  • Indicative dispatch dates. Participants will be notified by email of any changes if dispatches do not occur within stated week 
  • HSL uses Royal Mail to dispatch samples and reports. The anticipated transit times are
    • 2 – 4 days for UK customers
    • 4 – 6 days for European customers
    • 5 – 12 days for Rest of World customers
Note: All dates are approximate and may change without notice.

Further information
 For more information on the scheme or to join please use our online enquiry form, or contact:

Hannah Clark
Health and Safety Laboratory
Harpur Hill
Buxton
Derbyshire
SK17 9JN

Tel: 01298 218553
Fax: 01298 218572
Email: proficiency.testing@hsl.gov.uk


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