Training DVDs

• Participate and review lessons at your convenience.
• These videos are a low-cost, reusable training tool.
• Courses incorporate video clips, photographs, EPA reference materials, and telephone support.

• Use of Laboratory Measuring Devices - Glassware
  This video introduces you to the many types of glassware used in laboratory testing. You will learn the proper techniques for using laboratory glassware to obtain the most accurate measurements. This training video also shows you how to properly read each type of glassware so you will maintain high quality in the process of laboratory testing. Upon completion of this course, you will know the many varieties of laboratory glassware and how and when to use them.


• Proper Procedures for Cleaning Laboratory Glassware
  This video explains the importance of clean glassware and shows you the proper procedures for cleaning many types of laboratory glassware. You will learn how to inspect and receive new glassware in the laboratory. This video shows you how to use detergents and the best way to remove substances from the glassware. You will learn the proper rinsing techniques to ensure cleaning solutions are removed. You will be instructed how to correctly use a pH indicator to batch-check glassware to demonstrate acceptable glassware cleaning. You will also learn how to safely dispose of broken glassware.


• Chemicals, Reagents and Supplies
  This video will show you good laboratory practices and procedures to ensure the safety of all laboratory personnel. You will be introduced to the chemicals needed to perform laboratory testing and the most common grades of these chemicals. This training will show you the importance of reagent documentation and how to provide traceability for all reagents. You will learn about different types of filters and the correct filter to use for specific laboratory analyses. This training will cover the requirements for water suitable for use in methods of chemical analysis and physical testing. You will also learn about standards and the correct process for preparing, using, and documenting standards in laboratory testing.


• Laboratory Equipment
  This video will help you provide document equipment used in various analyses, including thermometers, balances, pH meters, DO meters, turbidity meters, and colorimeters. You will learn how to calibrate and read a thermometer.  You will be instructed to correctly calibrate an electronic balance, a pH meter, and a Dissolved Oxygen probe using air calibration. You will learn the definition of turbidity and observe how a turbidity meter is used. You will see what is involved in calibrating and performing tests with a spectrophotometer.
  
• Sampling
  This video will show you the proper techniques and methods for collecting samples for laboratory analysis. You will learn what information is necessary to properly document samples, including how to complete a chain of custody. You will learn the best way to perform a grab sample collection. The video will take you through the steps of labeling and storing the sample. You will be shown the correct procedure for collecting a drinking water sample from a tap for microbiological analyses. You will be introduced to composite sampling and will see how an automatic sampler is used to collect composite samples. You will learn various techniques to correctly preserve a sample. This video explains the holding-time requirements for various laboratory tests.


• Data Handling
  You will learn how to review all paperwork associated with a specific test so as to incorporate quality assurance procedures. You will learn to review calculations and evaluate the results for proper rounding, significant figures, and units. You will learn to report results with the appropriate units and how to convert analytical data into the correct reporting units by using common conversion factors. You will also learn best practices and procedures for a final review of data and how to implement an evaluation process to ensure test results are displayed with the correct test name and the appropriate parameter names, and are reported to reflect permit limits or possible maximum containment level requirements.


• Quality Assurance
  This video will introduce you to the process and procedures of proficiency testing (PT) in laboratories. You will learn about common types of PT studies: WS, WP, and DMRQA. You will learn how blind standards are used in the PT process to ensure the accuracy of reported analyses. This video shows the proper procedures for the preparation of PT standards, including full-volume standards and other common PT standards that help ensure the highest level of accuracy. You will also learn to report the results for the exact parameters requested in the instructions and on the report form. The video instructs you to report data using Data Report Forms or via electronic data reporting by listing all the information that must be contained in the report. You will also learn what corrective action is and its role in resolving issues so a laboratory can return to generating accurate data.


• Complete Set of Training Videos
  This complete video set is appropriate for laboratory supervisors, managers, field technicians, analysts, and operators who perform laboratory measurements in environmental laboratories, municipal wastewater treatment plants, water plants, and commercial laboratories. These seven videos are a low-cost, reusable option for analyst training and laboratory development.