ISO/IEC 17024:2012 Certification of Persons Scheme for sampling

private water supplies in accordance with the Private Water

Supplies (England) Regulations 2016, as amended and The Private
Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2017
Record of amendments

Version Date Amendment

Number

0.91 4-Jun-2020 Version for pilot trial

1st revision of entire document

2 1-Jan-2022

Status of this document

This sampler certification scheme may be subject to review and amendment following
publication of this document. The latest version of this scheme, together with guidance on
the scheme, is available on the Inspectorate’s website at www.dwi.gov.uk

1
Foreword
A sampler certification scheme has been set up to provide a framework of standards to
ensure that monitoring of private water supplies is compliant with schedule 3, part 1 of
The Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016, as amended and The Private Water
Supplies Regulations (Wales) Regulations 2017, known hereafter in this document as The
Regulations. These regulations state that a local authority must ensure that each sample is:

a) Taken by a competent person using suitable equipment. Competence is defined as

certification under this scheme.

b) Representative of the water at the sampling point at the time of sampling.

c) Not contaminated in the course of being taken, such that it impacts on the
wholesomeness of the sample.

d) Kept at such a temperature and in such condition as will secure that there is no material
change in what is to be measured.

e) Analysed without delay by a competent person using suitable equipment within 24

hours at the receiving laboratory unless the specified method states otherwise.

The scheme has also been set up to ensure that samples are taken, to ensure that the
taking, handling, transportation and storage of samples must demonstrate compliance
with any of EN ISO/IEC 17024, EN ISO/EIC 17025, or another equivalent standard at
international level.

The sampler must also ensure that the sample is analysed using a system of analytical
quality control that meets the requirements of ISO17025. The system for sampling must be
subjected to checking by a person who is approved by the Secretary of State for that
purpose. UKAS is the National Accreditation Body for England and Wales.

This document sets out the standards you must meet to be certified as an individual to
sample private water supplies. You can apply to a certification body as an individual or the
application may be made through an organisation. Certification remains unique to the
individual. This standard focuses on a samplers’ competence which may be assessed via:

• A sampler’s experience and training

• Written and practical examination

Any number of certification bodies are permitted to run this scheme. Any that do must be
accredited to do so by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS). Details of
certification bodies may be found at www.dwi.gov.uk

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Benefits of this scheme
• This scheme makes sure that information about private water supply sampling is
reliable.
• Everybody involved in sampling private water supplies is working towards the same
standard.
• The scheme sends a message that sampling private water supplies is an important part
of producing reliable information for regulatory purposes.
• By setting quality standards which everybody must comply with, the standard
promotes and raises the professional reputation of people and organisations involved
in sampling private water supplies.

If you have any questions about what you need to do to be certified or would like more
information on how to apply, please contact one of the UKAS Accredited certification
bodies listed at www.dwi.gov.uk

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Contents

1. Scope of Certification .............................................................................................................. 5

2. Job and Task Description......................................................................................................... 7

3 Required Competence............................................................................................................. 8

4 Abilities - where applicable ..................................................................................................... 9

5 Prerequisites ..........................................................................................................................10

6 Criteria for Initial Certification and Recertification .............................................................11

7 Assessment Methods for Initial Certification and Recertification .....................................12

8 Surveillance Methods and Criteria .......................................................................................13

9 Criteria for Suspending and Withdrawing Certification......................................................18

10 Criteria for Changing the Scope or Level of Certification ...................................................17

11 Involvement of Appropriate Experts in the Development and Review of the Scheme....18

12 Use of an Appropriate Structure for Maintenance of the Scheme ....................................19

13 Identification and Alignment of Assessment Mechanisms……………………………………………22

14 Job or Practice Analysis .........................................................................................................23

15 Documented Procedures for Implementation of Recertification………………………………….22

16 Recertification Requirements……………………………………………………………………………………… 23

17 Recertification Considerations..............................................................................................24

Appendix 1: Syllabus.........................................................................................................................25

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1. Scope of certification
This ISO/IEC 17024 Private Water Supply Sampling scheme is designed for local authorities
but is aimed at and is designed to cover any persons taking samples to fulfil the monitoring
requirements of the Private Water Supplies (England) Regulations 2016, as amended and
in Wales, The Private Water Supplies (Wales) Regulations 2017.

Regulation 7 of The Private Water Supplies Regulations 2016 (2010 in Wales) requires that
all local authorities in England and Wales must monitor all private water supplies in
accordance with this part when carrying out its duties under section 77 (1) of the Water
Industry Act 1991. Regulatory monitoring is carried out to satisfy the requirements of the
Water Act 1989.

Persons certified under this scheme shall be considered competent in respect of schedule
3, part 1(1)(a) of the Regulations.

The requirement for the scheme is described in schedule 3, part 1(3).

This scheme is not designed to accredit laboratories or analytical methods. Accreditation

for this is covered under ISO/IEC17025 and falls outside of the scope of this scheme.

This scheme is only designed to certify aspects of sampling required for demonstrating
competence in sampling for the Private Water Supplies Regulations. It does not cover field
or laboratory testing or investigational sampling, although the sampling manual that this
scheme is based on does provide guidance on other types of sampling.

The scheme is owned by the Drinking Water Inspectorate and has been developed with
other stakeholders to meet the requirements of the Regulations.

Certification bodies assess individual samplers against the requirements of the scheme and
award certificates to samplers who meet the requirements via assessment. A list of these
certification bodies may be found on the Inspectorate’s website.

This scheme is unable to recommend specific training providers, and certification bodies
are unable to insist on training being delivered by specific training organisations, although
they may hold a list of reputable providers. As such, training may be provided by any
organisation. Persons wishing to be trained should satisfy themselves that training covers
all aspects of the training syllabus which may be found in Appendix 1. Figure 1 shows the
ISO17024 model.

This scheme contains a single level of certification for samplers. There is no limit to the
number of training bodies or certification bodies that may operate.

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 Figure 1: UKAS Accreditation of certification of sampling using the ISO 17024 model

This International Standard contains principles and requirements for a body certifying
persons against specific requirements and includes the development and maintenance of a
certification scheme for persons.

.
UKAS – Assesses content
and delivery of scheme
against 17024 and accredits
the certification body when
SAMPLERS – awarded certification STAKEHOLDERS – Agree
satisfied.
on satisfactory assessment. the terms and criteria of the
scheme.

TRAINERS – Train the Scheme owner -

CERTIFICATION BODY
samplers according to the Responsible for
Assesses individual samplers
requirements laid down developing and
against the requirements laid out
in the scheme. maintaining a
in the certification scheme and
certification scheme
awards certificates to samplers
when satisfied.

Certification covers an individual, not an organisation and may be retained if individuals

are sampling for another organisation or commence employment with another
organisation.

It is recognised that many local authorities will only have a few individuals who undertake
sampling for private water supplies. New starters should only take samples under
supervision of certified individuals until they are themselves certified under the same
scheme.

The scheme is due to be reviewed after the first year of operation and then every 3 years.
This review shall include consultation with training bodies, certification bodies and local
authorities.

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2. Job and task description
Jobs and tasks requiring certification under this scheme are detailed in the Private Water
Supplies Sampling Procedures Manual, which can be found on the Inspectorate’s website.

The sampling procedures manual forms the basis of the scheme in terms of its
requirements. It contains sections on the following:

• Document control and scope of scheme

• Legislative background
• Maintaining sample integrity
• Sample types
• Sample vessels (bottle types)
• Protective equipment
• Preparation of solutions for tap disinfection
• Order of sampling
• Sampling methods
• Tap preparation
• Chemical samples
• Microbiological samples
• Storage and transportation of samples

Note that the manual also contains appendices relating to activities that are not required
learning as part of the certification scheme. These have been included to provide
information on good practice for sampling and field-testing procedures that fall outside of
the scope of regulatory monitoring. Where this is the case, the manual clarifies that this is
the case. In addition, the training syllabus in Appendix 1 details which parts are required
learning as part of the scheme.

Evidence of compliance with the procedures in the manual is evidence of ongoing

competence for the purposes of the scheme.

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3. Required competence
Required competence is defined by DWI in Appendix 1. Completion of an approved
training course and subsequently achieving a pass rate of 80% for both the written and
practical tests shall be considered sufficient evidence to issue certification.

Should a person not achieve the pass rate they should refrain from regulatory sampling
activities until competency can be demonstrated.

Competence shall be assessed at a frequency of once every 18 months with recertification

every 36 months. This assessment shall be made by a certification body approved by UKAS
for this scheme and shall consist of a written and a practical examination. A minimum pass
rate of 80% for both the written and practical part of the exam shall be required.

There is a single level of competence.

Competence means the completion of the training and the successful passing of the
assessment. It includes demonstration of the tasks prescribed in the Sampling Procedures
Manual, which forms the basis of the scheme. The scheme manual can be found on the
Drinking Water Inspectorate’s website. The certification body shall make the decision on
whether competency has been achieved.

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4. Abilities - where applicable
Samplers shall have a basic level of numeracy and literacy, and this shall be demonstrated
as part of the assessment process. In addition, it is expected that they shall be capable of:

• Identifying the correct sampling equipment to take.

• Using the correct forms.
• Identifying and using appropriate Personal Protection.
• Equipment (PPE).
• Identifying hazards to personal safety when sampling (for example, legionella, deep
water, problem premises).
• Identifying and dealing with the appropriate/relevant person.
• Effectively explaining purpose of sampling visit.
• Identifying nature and scope of water supply and identifying relevant persons to the
supply.
• Samples taken aseptically, where appropriate.
• Samples taken in accordance with correct procedures.
• Sampling bottles and accompanying paperwork labelled correctly.
• Reporting to relevant persons within agreed timescales.
• The requirement to draft and issue reports, letters and other documents relating to
private water supplies.
• To keep abreast of new legislation, techniques and ideas in the field of private water
supplies.
• To ensure that field equipment is maintained and calibrated in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
• To carry out all duties in accordance with National Legislation, private water supply
regulations and any Council or Departmental Codes of Practice or procedures.
• Use of common IT packages.

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5. Prerequisites
To be considered for certification under this scheme, applicants should pass the
assessment for the scheme. It is also recommended that applicants have some hygiene
awareness surrounding drinking water sampling and have undertaken training designed for
this scheme. Applicants should also have an awareness of the Private Water Supplies
(England) Regulations 2016, as amended, and/or the Private Water Supplies (Wales)
Regulations 2017. They should be especially aware of the requirements for sampling
prescribed in these regulations. These shall be assessed by the certification body as part of
the final written examination.

In addition, the scheme sampling manual contains a requirement for a certification body to
adapt various proformas within the manual to reflect specific practices in a regional area.
As part of this scheme, a certification body shall need to retain a copy of any amended
versions of the scheme sampling manual, as stated in the sampling manual. In addition, the
sampler must provide evidence that any amended methods meet with the requirements of
the sample bottle provider. This amended version of the sampling manual shall be
presented to the certification body and reviewed as part of the applicant’s assessment.

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6. Criteria for initial certification and recertification
Initial certification shall be awarded by the certification body following a successful
assessment. Training is recommended prior to the initial assessment.

Recertification shall take place by reassessment every 18 months and recertification every
36 months thereafter. An applicant may wish to undergo refresher training prior to
reassessment. If an applicant fails, the reassessment they shall undergo refresher training
and reassessment. Any sampler not undertaking the required assessment and
recertification should refrain from regulatory sampling activities until competency can be
demonstrated.

Certification shall not be awarded until the certification body is satisfied. If concerns are
raised regarding the conduct of certified persons, the sampler’s manual or other relevant
documentation, the certifying body concerned shall investigate and decide whether an
individual needs to be reassessed. It is the responsibility of the sampler and his/her
organisation to ensure that all documentation meets the required standard to comply with
the scheme.

The certification body must review the manual.

Records of certified persons shall be kept by the certification body, and renewal reminders
sent out for reassessment in advance of the current certificate expiry date. The
certification bodies shall provide details of certified persons to the scheme owner within
three months of certification being awarded, and this shall allow regulators to verify the
status of individuals.

Assessment shall be arranged and overseen by the certification body.

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7. Assessment methods for initial certification and recertification
Certification bodies shall approve organisations to provide training as per the published
syllabus.

Training bodies shall be appointed by the scheme owner to conduct training, but
assessment shall be carried out by a certification body. Prior to an assessment, a sampler
shall need to demonstrate that it has submitted an amended sample manual in accordance
with the requirements of the scheme. This amendment is primarily to ensure that the
sample manual reflects specific bottle requirements from the analysing laboratory.

Certification bodies shall be responsible for conducting assessments. Assessment methods

shall consist of a written examination undertaken under exam conditions. Exams will be
invigilated, and closed book. A practical assessment will also be undertaken, and this may
be open book.

Exams shall consist of 25 questions, with at least two from each of the components of the
syllabus. Each question shall address a learning outcome, and questions shall be of a form
that requires a multiple-choice answer. A maximum of two marks shall be awarded for
each question. A successful pass of the exam shall be considered to be a mark of 80% or
greater.

A copy of the examination paper with model answers shall be made available to the
scheme owner and UKAS, and the completed examination papers shall be retained by the
certification body for inspection by UKAS. Any changes made following reviews or updates
shall be communicated to the scheme owner in a before issue. Examination papers and
practical examinations must be given approval by the scheme owner prior to use.

A practical examination shall form part of the assessment. This shall involve the trainee
taking of one plumbing metal sample, at least one chemistry sample and a microbiological
sample.

The assessment shall consist of the examiner observing to what extent the candidate
follows procedures in the sampling manual and completes associated paperwork correctly.
The storage and handling of samples shall be covered as part of the written examination.
The certification body shall award up to 10 marks for sampling of each parameter. A
successful pass of the practical part of the exam shall be considered to be a mark of 80% or
greater for the written test and 80% for the practical test.

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8. Surveillance methods and criteria
Certificating bodies shall be required to conduct audits of certified samplers and their
manual. A certificating body shall audit all of its certified individuals at least once every 18
months from the time of certification.

A certificating body shall also reserve the right to audit where they have reason to believe
individuals or organisations are not complying with the requirements of the scheme.

An audit shall include, as a minimum, scrutiny of the local sampling manual, and an
individual’s ability to comply with the procedures contained within the sampling manual.
The certification body shall audit the taking of a plumbing metal sample, at least one
chemistry sample and a microbiological sample during a period of certification, and record
its observations.

A 48-hour notice period shall normally be given by the certificating body of any audit, but
the certificating body shall reserve the right to audit unannounced where it deems
appropriate.

The audit shall include, but not be limited to the following:

• Competence checks on the sampler.

• Checks of paperwork associated with scheme, such as sample forms, training manual.
• Who is certified to undertake sampling, and who is actually undertaking it?
• Dates of certification.
• Any other training.
• Are samples being labelled, transported and stored appropriately?
• Are the sample procedures reviewed and how often?
• Does the sampler have a copy of the manual? Is it in date?
• Is the sampler following the procedure set out in the manual for the particular sample
being collected?
• Is the sampler collecting a particular suite of parameters in the correct order?
• Is the sampler applying a good standard of aseptic technique for micro samples?
• What are the general hygienic conditions of the samplers’ kit and carriers?
• What is the general condition and layout of the sampler’s vehicle?
• Check expiry dates on any disinfectant sprays or wipes.

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• Is the samplers’ test kit calibrated? How often? Check records.
• What are the transport arrangements to the laboratory (in and out of hours)?
• Are sample bottles stored on the van in date?
• Are bottles in use in date?
• What are the sampler bottle storage arrangements on the van? For example, are micro
and chemistry samples mixed? Are raw and treated samples stored separately?
• Where are sample bottles stored? Are regular checks carried out on them? Are they
recorded correctly and appropriately?
• What facilities does the sampler use for washing and cleaning whilst on the road?
• How often are temperature checks being carried out to ensure that samples remain
within the correct temperature range during transit?
• Are sample transit temperatures being logged, either manually or electronically?
• Is the temperature within a set standard range?
• If the sampler uses a cool box, what state is it in and are frozen ice packs in use?
• If no cool box or fridge is in use, how are samples transported and in what conditions?
• Where does the sampler place the bottles and kit during sampling – is it hygienically
acceptable?
• How does the sampler record and report anomalies and concerns that may affect the
result, or public health?
• Does the sampler have the necessary equipment for the job? Is it in good order and fit
for use?

When are the sample bottles labelled up? I.e., on site, at the back of the van just prior to
sampling, or at the depot beforehand?

The certification body shall undertake this audit, and copies of the audit together with any
recommendations or actions shall be sent to the scheme owner. The certification body
shall also audit the actual sampling activity and watch at least one sample being taken. The
audit report shall recommend areas for improvement, commend areas of good practice
and give an overall mark of satisfactory, generally satisfactory (a few minor
recommendations) or unsatisfactory (numerous infringements, or fewer, serious ones).

14
Certification should be suspended or withdrawn in the case of an unsatisfactory audit. It is
noted that some parts of the audit may not fall under the responsibility of the sampler,
such as sample storage facilities, and recommendations may be made to the sampler’s
employer to improve facilities.

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9. Criteria for suspending and withdrawing certification
If personnel are found to have acted in a manner contrary to the certification
requirements, certification shall be withdrawn until reassessment is achieved.

Criteria for withdrawal or suspension is as follows:

Withdrawal of certification would be due to a loss of integrity, for example:

• Falsification of sample paperwork or records.

• Wilful contamination of samples.

Suspension of certification would be due to issues of training or competence, for example:

• An unsatisfactory audit (for example use of incorrect bottles, poor sample storage and
transportations).
• Failure to pass reassessment.

Where certification is withdrawn or suspended, the certification body shall be required to

identify the extent of the action and assist in its resolution, for example, by contacting
affected parties, sampler etc. In the case of withdrawal of certification, the certification
body shall remove the certification records from its system and formally notify the scheme
owner.

In the case of suspension, the certification body shall amend its online records to record
that the individual is suspended, with the date that the suspension commenced.

A certification body shall decide whether withdrawal or suspension is appropriate. It is

intended that withdrawal shall be used where there is a need for reassessment, and
suspension used where it is expected that an investigation may not lead to a need for
reassessment. A suspended certification may be subsequently changed to a withdrawn
certification by the certification body as it sees fit to do so. Suspension is lifted by the
certification body following a satisfactory investigation and reassessment.

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10. Criteria for changing the scope or level of certification
The Inspectorate, as scheme owner, reserves the right to change the scope of the
certification. A review shall be undertaken with stakeholders following the first 12 months
of the issue of the scheme, and subsequent reviews shall be undertaken every 12 months
thereafter.

If the scheme changes, it is intended that individuals shall remain certified until
reassessment is required, unless certification is revoked for any of the reasons given in
section 9.

If there are significant changes (for example, the requirement for a new sampling method)
then these changes shall be communicated via the certification body together with
guidance, but shall not be formally assessed until recertification is required, unless changes
are extremely significant. Timescale for implementation of changes to the scheme shall be
at the discretion of the scheme owner and shall be based on the significance of the
change.

Certified samplers are encouraged to submit any suggested changes, or query any aspect
of the sampling manual by a submission of a change request form by email to the scheme
owner for consideration of its inclusion at each annual review of the procedures.

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11. Involvement of appropriate experts in the development and
review of the scheme
As scheme owners, the Drinking Water Inspectorate has consulted and collaborated with
stakeholders including UKAS, Water companies, Water UK, Chartered Institute of
Environmental Health, Public Health England, Public Health Wales, Food Standards Agency
and the Standing Committee of Analysts to develop this scheme. Local authorities have
been represented by the Chartered Institute for Environmental Health (CIEH), and a pilot
trial has been undertaken involving local authorities. UKAS shall need to review this as part
of its assessment of the scheme development. Reviews of the scheme shall include
dialogue with existing stakeholders as well as feedback from samplers, certification bodies
and training organisations.

Review meetings will be arranged by the scheme Owner and all named stakeholders shall
be invited to attend or submit comments.

Records will be kept by the scheme Owner, and final decisions on changes will be made by
the scheme Owner.

A review of examination/practical test protocols will be included as part of this review.

The review will also include any other aspect of the scheme that stakeholders wish to
raise.

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12. Use of an appropriate structure for maintenance of the
scheme
This scheme is structured according to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17024:2012

The structure for the scheme has been agreed with the scheme owner, stakeholders and
UKAS. This group shall initially meet after the first 12 months of the scheme, and
thereafter annually, to ensure the ongoing operation of the scheme, and is tasked with
ensuring that the scheme is operated fairly and transparently.

For more information see also section 1 and figure 1.

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13. Identification and alignment of assessment mechanisms
Assessment of all scheme requirements in the sample manual shall be by written exam and
practical assessment. These requirements may be found in Appendix 1 of this document.
Assessment shall be carried out by a certification body.

The scheme also requires an individual seeking accreditation under this scheme to produce
an amended sampling manual in accordance with laboratory or bottle supplier
instructions. This will allow a sampler to amend or replace any methods for the taking of
samples to ensure that samples are taken according to the ISO17025 method employed by
the laboratory. Any other changes are not permitted. If in doubt, the sampler should
contact the scheme owner for clarification about what changes are and are not permitted.

The amended sampling manual shall be submitted to the certification body who shall
assess it against the requirements of the scheme. This amended manual shall be based on
the manual published by the scheme owner. The chief differences shall be that some
proformas may need to be changed to reflect organisational sampling practice or
laboratory requirements. There may also be different types of bottles used for analysis. It
is not expected that there shall be significant differences. The certification body shall use
the manual to assess an individual’s performance and during any subsequent audit of
performance of certified individuals.

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14. Job or practice analysis
The suitability of the scheme shall be assessed by feedback from training bodies, certified
samplers, certification bodies and other stakeholders. As detailed in section 11 stakeholder
meetings shall be held annually, and the scheme shall be assessed reviewed at these
meetings.

As part of the development of this scheme, pilot trials have been undertaken with some
samplers.

The suitability of the scheme has been assessed by consideration of the points below:

• Identifying the tasks for successful performance.

• Identifying the required competence for each task.
• Identifying prerequisites (if applicable).
• Confirming the assessment mechanisms and examination content.
• Identifying the recertification requirements and interval.

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15. Documented procedures for implementation of recertification
Recertification of individuals shall be undertaken every three years from date of
certification. Recertification shall consist of successfully passing both the written and
practical parts of the examination.

When recertification is due, the certification body shall contact individuals in a timely
manner, to allow individuals to arrange for recertification before the expiration of the
previous certification period.

An individual can request refresher training at any time if it is deemed necessary. The
individual shall then undergo training.

When the individual successfully passes the exam and practical, the certification body shall
update its records accordingly and issue a new certificate.

If an individual does not successfully pass the exam, then they shall have their certification
withdrawn and undergo training before taking the exam again. They should not undertake
sampling until recertification has been achieved.

A successful pass of the exam shall be considered to be a mark of 80% or greater for each
part of the exam (the written part and the practical part).

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16. Recertification requirements
Certification is valid for three years from date of issue.

Recertification is achieved through assessment by written examination and practical

assessment. If this has not been achieved, then the sampler should refrain from sampling
until the certificate is re-awarded.

It shall not normally be necessary to insist that a sampler update its certification within the
period of certification.

Any changes to the scheme would mean that when samplers come to recertify at the end
of their three-year certification period, they would be required to meet the revised
requirements of the scheme.

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17. Recertification considerations
In accordance with the certification scheme, recertification by the certification body shall
consider the results of any audits in the previous certification period and the candidate
should undertake and pass a practical assessment and a written examination set and
administered by an approved certification body.

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Appendix 1: Syllabus
Unless stated otherwise, the detail of the syllabus may be found in the Private Water Supplies Sampling Procedures Manual (the “Scheme
Manual”)

Component Detail Learning outcomes

Scope of scheme Standard sampling Understand sampling arrangements in the manual

arrangements Understand requirements for sampling and records for scheme and
Requirements of how it fits into regulation
PWS regulations Understand difference between scheme manual and local manual
Scheme manual and Role of technical managers
local manual

Background Legislative Understand why scheme is required and how it allows the local
background to authority to demonstrate compliance with Regulations and
scheme Drinking Water Directive (DWD)
Understand different roles of people within scheme

Maintaining sample integrity How cross Understand ways in which samples can become contaminated or
contamination can unrepresentative
occur Correct storage of chemicals/reagents
Segregation of Understand how sampling order can affect sample integrity

25
 chemicals Understanding of the importance of correct transportation and
Sample labelling sample refrigeration.

Sample storage
conditions
Raw and treated
water sampling
transportation

Sample vessels (Bottle types) Types of bottles Understand different types of bottles used for certain samples
Methods of filling Understand how to fill, whether to rinse, whether to leave an air
Use of preservatives gap etc.

Expiry dates Understand what part of scheme manual needs adapting to form
local manual
Local manual
requirements

Procedure for preparing a stock chlorine procedure for Understand procedures for making chlorine solution, shelf lives and
solution for the disinfection of sample making chlorine methods of disinfecting taps.
taps solution

Training and competency to sample Requirements of the Understanding of how scheme training works.
scheme Inductions for new starters.
Role of sample manual in training and competency.

26
 Understanding of how competence is demonstrated and assessed.

Order of sampling Unflushed/ Understanding of the usual order of sampling, and how following
Stagnation samples the order helps to ensure samples are representative.
Tap preparation
Flushed samples
Bacteriological
samples

Sampling methods and technique Common sampling Understanding of sample requirements

methods for specific
determinands as
described in the
scheme manual.

Storage and transportation of samples Procedures for Understanding of use of chain of custody sheets, sample crate
storage and security.
transportation of Understanding of use of refrigerators, thermometers and cool-
samples boxes.
Requirements of accredited laboratories to inform sampler about
bottle, storage and transportation requirements to allow sample
manual to be amended.

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28