RECORDING OF RESULTS

There are two categories of equipment which determine the selection of equipment general-purpose and special-to-type equipment. It should not be necessary to specify all the general-purpose equipment needed to perform basic measurements, which would be expected to be known by appropriately trained personnel. You should not need to tell an inspector or tester which micrometer, vernier caliper, voltmeter, or oscilloscope to use. These are the tools of the trade and they should select the tool which is capable of measuring the particular parameters with the accuracy and precision required. However, you will need to tell them which device to use if the measurement requires unusual equipment or the environmental conditions prevailing require that only equipment be selected that will operate in such an environment. In such cases the particular devices to be used should be specified in the test or inspection procedures. In order to demonstrate that you selected the appropriate device at some later date, you should consider recording the actual device used in the record of results. With mechanical devices this is not normally necessary because wear should be detected well in advance of there being a problem by periodic calibration. 

Records of results of actions taken (see 4.2.4) and reviewing any preventive action taken... 

The second part of every assignment consists of laboratory work. Full instructions about laboratory work i.e. fitting up of apparatus, recording of results, precautions to be taken etc. On the day of the practical work the students are returned their note-books and those students whose preparatory work is found satisfactory by the teacher are allowed to proceed with the practical work. 

If automated test software is utilized, records of results may be in electronic rather than paper archives. 

When carrying out any laboratory work, it is important to record information in a systematic manner, relating to sample information, sample treatment and the analytical technique being used, calibration strategy and the recording of results. Below are some examples of data sheets that could be used to ensure that all information is recorded in a systematic way. These data sheets are not intended to be totally comprehensive, and so may be altered and amended by the individual worker as required. 

Quality Assurance. An organised programme which specifies tests, and responsibilities for testing and the recording of results. It is designed to ensure that a claimed quality of product or service is consistently delivered, and the origin of any shortfall identified. The standards for such quality systems are B.S. 5750 and ISO 9000. 

Other advantages of automation include the ability to process samples in situations that would be dangerous tor humans, the minimization of calculaticm errors, and the direct recording of results in databases and archival storage systems. In some cases procedures that are more lengthy and more complicated than those performed manually can be used with automated systems. 

A photodensitometer scan of a chromatogram can be used as a record of results as well as for quantification (Chapter 10). For this purpose, the origin of the layer should be marked with a needle prior to scanning. Also, the relative rate of travel of the plate and recorder should be known so that the distance of a peak from the origin can be related to actual spot distance on the plate. 

A correct, careful, and purposeful recording of results in laboratory notebooks is part of systematic work. In all instances it is preferable to record the results of experiments in great detail than to rely on the memory and oral reports. Imperfect records may lead to the necessity of repeating certain tests and hence to time losses and an unnecessary consumption of the sample. 

Records of the inspecting and testing of portable appliances are not required by law but within the Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 it is generally accepted that some form of recording of results is required to implement a quality control system. The control system should ... 

The immediate benefits of regional cooperation are evident from the constantly improving track record of results of the ICAO and FAA safety oversight audits of member CAAs. Benefits are also accruing to members from the mutual technical cooperation, mutual technical assistance, attainment of greater numbers of trained and qualified technical inspectors, and the valuable technical expertise contributions made by all Members in their efforts to achieve and sustain compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards at affordable costs. 

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