TNI Training Course Schedule July 2023
The NELAC Institute (TNI) provides an updated training plan for upcoming classes and new recorded webcasts.
Click the title of each course to be directed to the course webpage.
Webinars | Course Title and Instructor |
(Recorded) (Recorded) (Recorded) July 27, 2023 August 24, 2023 | Understanding Microbiology Series (Part 1 Introduction to Microbiological Testing) (Part 2 Microbiological Testing Supplies, Equipment, and Instrumentation) (Part 3 Microbiological Quality Control Testing) Part 4 Microbiological Testing Media and Reagents Part 5 Microbiological Testing Methods Instructor: TNI Microbiology Expert Committee |
July 19, 2023 | Customer Service - It is More than Reporting Results Instructor: Tony Francis; Sims & Associates - West |
July 25, 2023 | Instructor: Mary Johnson; Consultant |
August 11, 2023 | Policies and Procedures Needed for a NELAP Laboratory Instructor: Marlene Moore; Advanced Systems, Inc. |
August 29 - 30, 2023 | Managing a Data Integrity Investigation Instructor: Silky Labie; ELCAT |
September 19 - 20, 2023 | Managing the Accreditation Process: Laboratories Instructor: Tony Francis; Sims & Associates - West |
Webcasts | Course Title and Instructor |
Recorded | Instructors: Jerry Parr, Catalyst Information Resources and William Lipps, Shimadzu |
Recorded | Understanding Microbiology Series Instructors: Cody Danielson, Chair, TNI Microbiology Expert Committee |
Prices are shown for TNI members and Non-TNI members. Group pricing is also available as detailed. You can view course information below or click on the Register Now button for each offering to be directed to the full course and registration page on the TNI website.
WEBINARS
Understanding Microbiology Series Date and Time: See below TNI Members: $450 ea. Non-TNI Members: $500 ea. TNI Members - Group: $2,000; 5 - 10 students at the same location Non-TNI Members - Group: $2,250; 5 - 10 students at the same location. Certificate of Completion certificates - offered for $60 for the complete series. Certificate of Attendance certificates - offered for $20 for the complete series. Recommended Audience: Analysts, Quality Managers, Technical Managers, Laboratory Managers.
Course Description:
This series will focus on microbiological testing of environmental samples. The series will not train to the TNI Standard, but rather will cover basic and advanced microbiological principals and how to implement requirements of Volume 1 Module 5 of the 2016 TNI Standard. The courses in this series will cover an (1) introduction to microbiological testing as well as testing techniques, (2) quality control, equipment/instrumentation verification, and media reagent preparation, and (3) in-depth information on microbiological methods and technologies. Analysts and assessors seeking to expand their knowledge beyond the Standard can do so by learning in-depth information on microbiological testing.
PART 1: Introduction to Microbiological Testing Date and Time: Recorded (April 27, 2023; 11am-3pm EDT) This first course will provide participants with a general understanding of microbiological testing, techniques, method scopes and limitations, Quality Control, and technologies. Topics addressed will include:
Microbiological Analytes
Microbiological Sample Integrity
Microbiological Lingo
Microbiological Positive and Negative Controls
Basic Microbiological Techniques Such as Serial Dilutions, Sterilization and Aseptic Technique
Microbiological Test Methods Across Multiple Programs
Microbiological Technologies and Associated Methods
Learning Objectives:
Know microbiological testing is unique and important
Know factors that can impact sample and data integrity
Know terms and definitions used in microbiological testing
Know basic microbiological quality control
Know differences between microbiological testing techniques, methods and technologies in environmental samples
PART 2: Microbiological Testing Supplies, Equipment, and Instrumentation Date and Time: Recorded (May 25, 2023; 11am-12:30pm EDT) This course will provide participants with information on common microbiology equipment, instrumentation, and supplies. Verification of equipment, instrumentation and supplies will also be covered. Topics addressed will include:
Examples of equipment that will be discussed include but are not limited to: autoclaves, filtration apparatus, incubators/waterbaths, thermometers, dishwashers, and centrifuges
Examples of instrumentation that will be discussed include but are not limited to microscopes, ELISA spectrophotometers, and thermocyclers
Examples of supplies that will be discussed include but are not limited to pipets, petri dishes, and disposable funnels
Learning Objectives: Have a general understanding of microbiological:
Equipment
Instrumentation
Supplies
The verification requirements for equipment, instrumentation, and supplies
PART 3: Microbiological Quality Control Testing Date and Time: Recorded (June 22, 2023; 11am-12:30pm EST) This course will provide participants with information on microbiological quality control samples, trend analysis and control culture maintenance.
Learning Objectives: Have a general understanding of microbiological batch Quality Control including:
Positive/negative control samples
Control samples such as method blanks, ongoing precision and recovery samples, and matrix spike/matrix spike duplicates
Use of calibration curves
Use of control charts
Equivalent naming to chemistry control samples
Reference culture creation and maintenance
PART 4: Microbiological Testing Media and Reagents Date and Time: July 27, 2023; 11am-12:30pm EDT This course will provide participants with information on creation and verification of microbiological testing media and reagents.
Learning Objectives: Have a general understanding of microbiological media and reagents related to:
How to make media and reagents
Sterility testing
Performance testing
Storage Conditions
Requirements related to Lab Made vs Pre-Purchased Media
PART 5: Microbiological Testing Methods Date and Time: August 24, 2023; 11am-2pm EDT This course will provide participants with in depth information on microbiological testing methods.
Learning Objectives: Have a general understanding of microbiological testing methods in relation to:
The theory/science/history behind the methods
What each analysis measures and reporting units
Details related to each analysis including method-specific QC requirements
Techniques for performing the methods
Tips, tricks, and troubleshooting
Pros and cons of various methods
Applicable method confirmation testing
Using/processing method data
View the full course description by clicking on the Course Title or the Register Now button above.
Instructors:
This course is being prepared and taught by the TNI Microbiology Expert Committee. (Image: Cody Danielson, Chair, Microbiology Expert Committee)
Date and Time: July 19, 2023; 10:30am - 4:30pm EST
Audience: Customer Service personnel, project managers, laboratory management, Quality Manager, Technical Manager
$110 ea. for TNI Members
$125 ea. for TNI Non-Members
$525 group fees 5 - 10 people; TNI Members
$600 group fees 5 - 10 people; Non-TNI Members
Course Description:
Laboratory professionals sometimes view internal audits as a necessary task performed to meet accreditation requirements. However, internal audits are a useful tool for ensuring conformance to approved methods, assessing analysis quality, and evaluating staff competence and training. By engaging all staff members in the audit process, the end result is improved productivity, throughput, and data quality.
The presentation will discuss both why and how to perform an internal audit with special emphasis on method compliance audits. It will introduce audit checklists that can be customized for use in the attendee's laboratory. It will also include a case study on how an internal audit identified weaknesses in a laboratory's operations and the steps taken to correct them.
Expected Course Benefits:
Following the presentation, attendees should understand that internal audits provide more value than just checking off an another requirement for lab certification. They will also be able to customize the provided templates for use in their individual laboratories.
Learning Objectives:
Knows:
the “customer” may be someone within the organization;
the requirements, including the methods to be used, are adequately understood and that the appropriate test method is selected and is capable of meeting the customers' requirements;
the importance of using a competent subcontractor;
to seek feedback;
the actions needed to resolve complaints;
how to build a good relationship with customers and laboratory staff;
the laboratory’s responsibility to review requests;
the requests;
what constitutes new work in the commercial, captive, and public laboratory;
the procedures for the resolution of complaints;
the laboratory’s policies and procedures that are done when any aspect of its testing does not conform to its own procedures or the agreed requirements of the customer;
how to assess and evaluate QC results;
how to advise a customer to choose appropriate methods related to their regulatory requirements;
basic statistical concepts and techniques to better engage with customers;
test report requirements;
the process for amending a test report after issue; and
how to report results to clients, including data qualifiers.
Instructor: Tony Francis; Sims & Associates - West
Tony Francis received his PhD in chemistry from the University of Utah followed by a post-doctoral appointment at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then owned and operated a commercial laboratory in Las Vegas, NV for many years. Dr. Francis has taught several introductory and advanced biology and chemistry courses at Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, the University of New Mexico, the College of Southern Nevada, and Utah Valley University. He has delivered many Data Integrity and Ethics training courses to laboratories across the United States. He has created and delivered many online training webinars covering many aspects of quality systems, most recently for IAS. Tony is currently the Lead Assessor for SAW Environmental, performing 40+ assessments per year for TCEQ, FDOH, IAS, and A2LA.
Date and Time: July 25, 2023; 1:30pm - 3:30pm EST
Audience: Quality managers, Lab managers, Technical managers
$75 ea. for TNI Members
$90 ea. for TNI Non-Members
$350 group fees 5 - 10 people; TNI Members
$425 group fees 5 - 10 people; Non-TNI Members
Course Description:
Laboratory professionals sometimes view internal audits as a necessary task performed to meet accreditation requirements. However, internal audits are a useful tool for ensuring conformance to approved methods, assessing analysis quality, and evaluating staff competence and training. By engaging all staff members in the audit process, the end result is improved productivity, throughput, and data quality. The presentation will discuss both why and how to perform an internal audit with special emphasis on method compliance audits. It will introduce audit checklists that can be customized for use in the attendee's laboratory. It will also include a case study on how an internal audit identified weaknesses in a laboratory's operations and the steps taken to correct them. The course includes several case studies demonstrating how internal audits identified opportunities to improve productivity and compliance with standards. It also includes a sample audit template that can be customized for use in the attendee’s laboratory. Expected Course Benefits: Following the presentation, attendees should understand that internal audits provide more value than just checking off an another requirement for lab certification. They will also be able to customize the provided templates for use in their individual laboratories.
Learning Objectives:
Completion of this course will provide attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to perform successful internal audits:
Knows how internal audits can be used to improve laboratory performance.
Knows how to prepare for an internal audit.
Knows how to develop an audit checklist.
Knows how to do an Audit follow-up.
Laboratory professionals sometimes view internal audits as a necessary task performed to meet accreditation requirements. However, internal audits are a useful tool for ensuring conformance to approved methods, assessing analysis quality, and evaluating staff competence and training. By engaging all staff members in the audit process, the end result is improved productivity, throughput, and data quality. The presentation will discuss both why and how to perform an internal audit with special emphasis on method compliance audits. It will introduce audit checklists that can be customized for use in the attendee's laboratory. It will also include a case study on how an internal audit identified weaknesses in a laboratory's operations and the steps taken to correct them.
Instructor: Mary Johnson; Consultant
Mary Johnson, a graduate of Loyola University of Chicago, was the long time Laboratory Manager at Four Rivers Sanitation Authority. She is a past chair of WEF’s Laboratory Practices Committee and currently represents WEF on the Environmental Monitoring Coalition. She is also a member of the Illinois WEA’s Laboratory Committee and holds an Illinois Class I Wastewater Operator Certificate.
Date and Time: August 11, 2023; 11:00am - 2:00pm EST
Audience: Lab managers, technical managers, supervisors, quality managers
$75 ea. for TNI Members
$90 ea. for TNI Non-Members
$350 group fees 5 - 10 people; TNI Members
$425 group fees 5 - 10 people; Non-TNI Members
Course Description:
The 2016 TNI Standard uses the following words: policy, procedure, system, SOP, plan, program, system, and protocol. The objectives are to review all the instances of these words and discuss various options for conformance to the 2016 Environmental Standard (EL) TNI standard Volume 1, Module 1 and 2. Expected Course Benefits: To assist labs with developing a documented program that meets the 2016 TNI EL standard.
Learning Objectives:
Knows the laboratory’s policies, systems, procedures, and instructions to the extent necessary to assure the quality of the test results, including SOPs that accurately reflect all phases of current laboratory activities, such as assessing data integrity, corrective actions, handling customer complaints, and all test methods.
Understands the importance and is familiar with the types of documents that form part of the management system, such as regulations, standards, and test methods, as well as drawings, software, specifications, instructions, and manuals. Ensures that authorized editions of appropriate documents are used and that invalid or obsolete documents are promptly removed to ensure unintended use.
Understands how and when policies and procedures are revised.
Knows how to develop and manage policies and procedures so as to add value.
Understands the process for reviewing and controlling SOPs and policy documents. Knows how to effectively write and review documents so they reflect the requirements and actual lab practice and are written for bench level use. Knows how to assure that analysts are following the currently approved versions.
Instructor: Marlene Moore; Advanced Systems
Marlene Moore founded Advanced Systems, Inc. in February 1992 as a consulting company specializing in quality systems for laboratory and sampling operations. She brings together the needs of quality system management, measurement operations and regulatory compliance.
Marlene Moore has worked and managed sampling and testing laboratories for over twenty years before providing her expertise to others. Current work includes assessing for laboratory accreditation programs to ISO/IEC 17025 and assessing to ISO/IEC 17065 for conformity assessment certification programs. Assessments are performed for A2LA, ANAB and ANSI. Additional assessor and auditor training was completed under the EPA Safe Drinking Water Program for State certification laboratory auditors for inorganic, organic and microbiology and as an ISO auditor for ISO 9000. Formerly an RAB ASQ/ANSI registered auditor.
Date and Time: August 29-30, 2023; 11:00am - 3:00pm EST each day
Audience: Quality Managers, Laboratory and Field Managers, Corporate Management
$125 ea. for TNI Members
$140 ea. for TNI Non-Members
$600 group fees 5 - 10 people; TNI Members
$675 group fees 5 - 10 people; Non-TNI Members
Course Description:
Every laboratory receives questions about the content of their reports or observations about laboratory activities. Sometimes a simple explanation is needed concerning the use of data qualifiers or verifying reported values. Any communication that questions a laboratory activity or product must be taken seriously even when it is from the curmudgeon who routinely calls with seemingly insignificant issues. Concerns or observations about a laboratory’s activities can originate from clients, whistleblowers (internal or external), or from internal or external audits.
Each concern, no matter how trivial, must be investigated. In most cases, the response can be straightforward. However, irregularities in the documentation or records may imply a data integrity issue that must be addressed.
Expected Course Benefits:
Participants will:
Better understand what constitutes a data integrity violation and the process for investigating deliberate data integrity violations
Understand the basic process for conducting an initial investigation including:
o How to gather information and evidence
o How, who and when to notify or inform
o How to take disciplinary action
o How to work through initial corrections
o How to perform Root Cause Analysis
Be able to avoid future problems by:
o Conducting a data integrity refresher course for all laboratory staff and o Ensuring the appropriate corrective actions have been taken
Learning Objectives: By the end of the training, participants will:
Understand how Data Integrity is incorporated in the Quality System
Know how to identify deliberate data integrity violations
Know how to organize an investigation of deliberate data integrity violation
o Determining extent of problem o Assembling and reviewing the raw data o Interviewing analyst(s) and other personnel o Determining and taking appropriate disciplinary actions
Know how and whom to notify (and when)
Knows how to work through corrections
o Reprocessing data o Reissuing reports
Know how to perform Root Cause Analysis to determine final corrective actions
Know how to improve the Quality Management System by
o Implementing and evaluating appropriate corrective actions o Scheduling a data integrity refresher training for staff o Implementing any needed changes to the data integrity program
Instructor: Silky and John Labie, ELCAT
Silky and John Labie, the principals of ELCAT, LLC, collectively have over 70 years of experience in laboratory and field quality management. ELCAT, LLC provides extensive training of laboratory and field personnel in sampling techniques, quality management and training that addresses the requirements of the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). It performs readiness audits for laboratories who desire to improve their quality system for the purposes of NELAP accreditation.
ELCAT presents training and presentations on quality-related topics such as method performance, data integrity, corrective and preventive actions, root-cause analysis, data usability, and the role of quality managers. The company is used exclusively by the University of Florida Center for Training, Research & Education for Environmental Occupations (TREEO) for all off-site training of field personnel. It is regularly asked to provide presentations at the Florida Society of Environmental Analysts (FSEA) meetings. ELCAT, LLC has also provided training and presentations for New York City, the State of Virginia, and The NELAC Institute (TNI).
Date and Time: September 19-20, 2023; 11am - 3pm both days EST
Audience: Quality Manager, Laboratory management, those not familiar with TNI or the accreditation process.
$150 ea. for TNI Members
$165 ea. for TNI Non-Members
$725 group fees 5 - 10 people; TNI Members
$800 group fees 5 - 10 people; Non-TNI Members
Course Description:
Applying for accreditation, and maintaining that accreditation status, is one of the most important and complex tasks that a laboratory manager or quality manager will regularly perform. This course will provide a roadmap for managers to navigate the accreditation process and will provide vital information related to obtaining an initial accreditation. For labs who are already accredited, this course will provide valuable knowledge for ensuring a smooth accreditation renewal process, reducing the chances that the laboratory will face a disruption to their accreditation status. The course will also cover information related to making changes to an existing accreditation certificate.
Learning Objectives: Knows:
the minimum requirements for NELAP accreditation;
how to develop an accreditation plan;
how to submit an application for accreditation;
the required documents to accompany the application;
which Fields of Accreditation (FOA) to request to ensure they match the AB’s offerings and capabilities of the
how to conduct a pre-assessment meeting;
how to evaluate prior deficiencies, PT results, and corrective actions to be prepared;
how to manage the assessment including interview and records review
how to respond to preliminary findings
the next steps in the accreditation process;
how to professionally interact with the assessor;
how to address the nonconformances, including root cause analyses;
how to write a Corrective Action Plan;
how to implement the promised corrective actions; and
how to add/remove FOAs on an existing accreditation certificate.
Instructor: Tony Francis; Sims & Associates - West
Tony Francis received his PhD in chemistry from the University of Utah followed by a post-doctoral appointment at Los Alamos National Laboratory. He then owned and operated a commercial laboratory in Las Vegas, NV for many years. Dr. Francis has taught several introductory and advanced biology and chemistry courses at Salt Lake Community College, the University of Utah, the University of New Mexico, the College of Southern Nevada, and Utah Valley University. He has delivered many Data Integrity and Ethics training courses to laboratories across the United States. He has created and delivered many online training webinars covering many aspects of quality systems, most recently for IAS. Tony is currently the Lead Assessor for SAW Environmental, performing 40+ assessments per year for TCEQ, FDOH, IAS, and A2LA.
WEBCASTS
Part 1. Methods Update Rule for the Analysis of Effluent
Part 2. National Primary Drinking Water Regulations for PFAS
Date and Time: Recorded
Fees:
TNI Members: $35 ea.; Group of 5 - 10 students at same location: $150
Non-TNI Members: $50 ea.; Group of 5 - 10 students at same location: $210
Recommended Audience: Accreditation Bodies, Assessors, Internal Auditors, Wastewater Facilities, Quality Managers, Laboratory Managers.
Course Description:
Part 1: On February 21, EPA proposed changes to its test procedures required to be used by industries and municipalities when analyzing the chemical, physical, and biological properties of wastewater and other environmental samples for reporting under the EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit program. This course will review the proposed changes in detail, including:
Revisions to four current EPA methods,
50 revised methods (97 techniques) published by Standard Methods,
Five new and 8 revised methods (18 techniques) published by ASTM International,
Two new methods approved by EPA under the alternate test procedures (ATP) program, and
Other minor technical corrections.
Part 2: On March 14, EPA released a pre-publication copy of a proposed rule to regulate 6 perfluoro alkyl substances (PFAS) in water. This course will review the proposed sampling an analytical requirements in detail, including:
The analytes to be regulated and their Maximum Contaminant Levels (MSL)
Special sampling considerations,
The analytical methods to be used,
The frequency of monitoring for various Public Water Systems (PWS).
The proficiency testing requirements,
The reporting requirements including options for averaging results.
Class participants will:
Part 1
Learn how to read an EPA proposed rule, including the difference between the Preamble and the Regulatory Text.
Know which new and revised methods were proposed and any critical changes.
Understand the technical clarifications being proposed.
Understand the important new footnote to Tables 1C and 1D relating to the use of Standard Methods method 6020.
Know how to send in comments.
Part 2
Gain an understanding of the makeup and health risks of these “forever chemicals.”
Know the monitoring frequency based on the size of your PWS.
Know the proposed MCLs and how to calculate a Hazard Index.
Know how to average results.
Know how to report results below the “Practical Quantitation Limit.
Know which methods to be used.
Understand “trigger levels” that can be used to reduce monitoring.
Know how to use any existing data.
View the full course description by clicking on the Course Title or the Register Now button above.
Instructor:
Jerry Parr is the Principal Scientist with Catalyst Information Resources, a company focused on providing current relevant information on environmental laboratory issues. He also serves as the Executive Director for The NELAC Institute, serves on the Advisory Board for the Environmental Laboratory Washington Report, and is the conference organizer for the National Environmental Monitoring Conference. He has a BS in Chemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and has 40 years of experience in environmental analytical chemistry.
William Lipps has over 35 years’ experience as a chemist and manager of industrial and environmental laboratories, product specialist, product manager, and marketing of both laboratory services and instruments. William is chair of ASTM Committee D19 on water, is an Editor for Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, and a US delegate to ISO TC147 water chemistry. William is general manager of government and regulatory business development at Shimadzu.
We are always interested in your ideas for future courses. The TNI Training Committee has developed a Training Opportunities Workgroup that reviews ideas and helps to prepare preliminary course descriptions that are used to prepare a Request for Proposal (RFP) to find instructors for needed courses. Please send your ideas to Ilona Taunton (Ilona.taunton@nelac-institute.org), TNI Training Coordinator.
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