8.5.1 Standard Operating Procedures
Standard
operating procedures (SOPs) should be developed that are specific to the operations at a given site. The purpose of an
SOP is to spell out operating and QC procedures with the ultimate goal of
maximizing data quality and data capture rates. Operations should be
performed according to a set of well defined, written SOPs with all actions
documented in logs and on prepared forms. SOPs should be written in such a
way that if problems are encountered, instructions are provided on actions
to be taken. At a minimum, SOPs should address the following:
- Installation,
setup, and checkout
- Site
operations and calibrations
- Operational
checks and preventive maintenance
- Data
collection protocols
- Data
validation steps
- Data
archiving
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