Development and Application of a Quality Control Program for Industrial Hygiene Laboratories in Korea

Based on the American Industrial Hygiene Association Proficiency Analytical Testing Program, a new quality control (QC) program was developed and applied for industrial hygiene (IH) laboratories in Korea. This study evaluated the performance of Korean IH laboratories in the first two sequential QC rounds and identified factors affecting the analytical performance. In the first round, the percentage of proficient laboratories was extremely low in analyses of both metals and organics. However, the performance of the laboratories improved greatly in the second round of the QC program. Qualification of analysts, including education and experience, qualification of managers, supervision of well-qualified managers, and ongoing training of analysts were important factors affecting the performance of laboratories. Direct factors that affected the performance of the Korean IH laboratories were identified as incorrect standard preparation, improper instrument, improper sample preparation, wrong calculation, and improper analytical methods. Based on analytical data and field investigations for laboratories, most of the errors were systematic errors and most of the sources of errors could be found and corrected. Advising laboratories of deficiencies in their management, training, and laboratory practices resulted in improved performance in the second round. As supported by the information presented in this article, QC can have significant results in emerging IH programs and should be an inherent part of any such program from the beginning.