SCHEDULE 4Sampling and analysis
PART 1General
Samples: general1
1
The local authority must ensure, so far as reasonably practicable, that the appropriate requirements are satisfied when—
a
taking, handling, transporting and storing a sample required to be taken in accordance with this Schedule;
b
analysing such a sample; or
c
causing any such sample to be taken, handled, transported, stored or analysed.
2
In this paragraph, “the appropriate requirements” means such of the following as are applicable—
a
the sample is representative of the quality of the water at the time of sampling;
b
the person taking a sample is subject to a system of quality control to an appropriate standard checked from time to time by a suitably accredited body;
c
the sample is not contaminated when being taken;
d
the sample is kept at such a temperature and in such conditions as secure that there is no material alteration of the concentration or value for the measurement or observation of which the sample is intended;
e
the sample is analysed as soon as reasonably practicable after it has been taken—
i
by, or under the supervision of, a person who is competent to perform that task; and
ii
with the use of such equipment as is suitable for the purpose;
f
the collection and transportation of samples, or measurements recorded by continuous monitoring must be subject to a system of quality control to an appropriate standard checked from time to time by a suitably accredited body.
3
When undertaking the activity described in—
a
sub-paragraph (1)(a), the local authority must demonstrate compliance with any of EN ISO/IEC 17024, EN ISO/EIC 17025, or another equivalent standard accepted at international level;
b
sub-paragraph (1)(b), the local authority must demonstrate compliance with EN ISO/EIC 17025 or another equivalent standard accepted at international level.
4
Implementation of the requirement in sub-paragraph (3)(a) may be delayed for a period of no more than 24 months beginning on the day on which these Regulations come into force.
5
In this paragraph, “suitably accredited body” means any person accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service23.