8.4 Audits

The audit function has two components, the system audit (in essence, a challenge to the QAPP) and the performance audit (a challenge to the individual measurement systems).

The system audit provides an overall assessment of the commitment to data validity; as such, all commitments made in the QAPP should be subject to challenge. Typical questions asked in the systems audit include: "are standard operating procedures being followed?", "is the station log complete and up-to-date?" All deficiencies should be recorded in the audit report along with an assessment of the likely effect on data quality. Corrective actions related to a systems audit should be obvious if the appropriate questions are asked.

The performance audit is similar to a calibration in terms of the types of activities performed (Section 8.3) - all the performance audit adds is an independent assurance that the calibrations are done correctly and that the documentation is complete and accurate. In the ideal case, when both the auditor and site operator are equally knowledgeable, the auditor functions as an observer while the site operator performs the calibration; in this instance the auditor functions in a "hands-off" mode. In initial audits, since newly hired site operators may have little or no experience with meteorological instruments, the hands-off approach may not be practical or desirable. In these instances, the audit may also function as a training exercise for the site operator.

8. QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
8.1 Instrument Procurement 
     8.1.1 Wind Speed 
     8.1.2 Wind Direction  
     8.1.3 Temperature and Temperature Difference 
     8.1.4 Dew Point Temperature 
     8.1.5 Precipitation 
     8.1.6 Pressure 
     8.1.7 Radiation  
 8.2 Installation and Acceptance Testing
     8.2.1 Wind Speed 
     8.2.2 Wind Direction  
     8.2.3 Temperature and Temperature Difference 
     8.2.4 Dew Point Temperature 
     8.2.5 Precipitation 
     8.2.6 Pressure
     8.2.7 Radiation
  8.3 Routine Calibrations  
      8.3.1 Sensor Check  
      8.3.2 Signal Conditioner and Recorder Check  
     8.3.3 Calibration Data Logs 
     8.3.4 Calibration Report  
     8.3.5 Calibration Schedule/Frequency 
     8.3.6 Data Correction Based on Calibration Results  
  8.4 Audits 
     8.4.1 Audit Schedule and Frequency  
     8.4.2 Audit Procedure 
     8.4.3 Corrective Action and Reporting 
  8.5 Routine and Preventive Maintenance 
     8.5.1 Standard Operating Procedures  
     8.5.2 Preventive Maintenance  
 8.6 Data Validation and Reporting  
     8.6.1 Preparatory Steps 
     8.6.2 Levels of Validation  
     8.6.3 Validation Procedures  
     8.6.4 Schedule and Reporting
  8.7 Recommendations