quality system manual rev. f...added a1061 and f3125, removed a325, f1852 – updated definitions...

QUALITY SYSTEM MANUAL Rev. F Structural Materials Testing Laboratory Office of Structural Materials April 19, 2017

UNCONTROLLED COPY

APPROVED FOR USE BY SMTL QUALITY MANAGER

QUALITY SYSTEM MANUAL


Structural Materials Testing Laboratory Office of Structural Materials

REVISION F Effective Date: April 19, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Revision HistoryREV DESCRIPTION OF CHANGE REVISION

ORIGINATOR EFFECTIVE

DATE

E Removed OSMPP reference and replaced with “QASI Manual” Removed reference to room numbers of the Quality Manager and Technical Manager‘s office. Room numbers can change often. Section 2.2.2 – updated ASME references Section 2.2.3 – updated ASTM standards. ASTM method sorted by alpha-numeric. Removed ASTM A82, A185, A496, and A497. Added ASTM A536, A931, A1064, E3 and F1554. Updated Attachment 4.1.4(a): Updated Caltrans Org Chart Updated Attachment 4.1.4(b): SMTL Staff Organization Chart to be generic due to changes in staff. Section 4.1.5 (k) reworded for clarity. This is achieved on an “as-needed basis” during staff meetings. Section 4.1.6 – corrected typo Section 5.2.5 - Test Methods or Standard Methods training records shall be approved by the QM, Technical Manager or Lab Manager and are filed in the Lab Manager’s office. Table 5.2.5 – added “and duties listed in Table 5.2.1.” Section 5.5.9 – added the note “The inspection is documented in the Equipment Maintenance Binder.” Replaced “storage shed” with “storage building, Bay #4” throughout QSM Attachment 5.9 – proficiency testing schedule for the SMTL scope is covered over 4 years instead of 3. Attachment 6.3.8- reference to ASTM D4004, E415 and A90 were removed from tests not completed by SMTL. Section 7.1 – added 7.1.8: Calibration reports and certificates issued by A2LA-Accredited Calibration Labs shall contain a traceability statement.

Dena Joseph John Yang

April 2015

E1 Updated Quality Manager Approval in header Section 1.1- Updated the METS title Section 2.1 – updated link to QASI Manual Section 2.2 – Added Lab Library as a location for storing technical references Section 2.3 – The M-drive was added as a location to store the Controlled Documents List Table 2.2.3 –Updated ASTM A 194, A615/A615M, E8/E8M, E340, F606/F606M, ASTM A421 and ASTM A416 were revised. Added A1061 and F3125, removed A325, F1852 and F2280. Section 2.1 and 2.2 – latest references are available online Table 3.1 – updated definitions for repeatability and reproducibility and footnote reference. Added DIME: Data interchange for Materials Engineering Section 4.1.3 - physical address of lab added Section 4.1.4 – bullet 4, added “and Geotechnical Services” Section 4.14 – Internal audit schedule was changed from March of every year to November of each year because the renewal date was changed from Sept 30th to June 30th to coincide with the State fiscal year. Quality Manager shall schedule the audit instead of the Technical Manager. Additional details of auditing activities were added to the section. Section 4.15.1 – Management review changed from April of each year to December. Annual review of the Quality Policy Statement was added to this section Section 4.2.4 – added department acceptance

Dena Joseph August 2016

NOTE: This is an uncontrolled copy unless the cover of the Quality System Manual is stamped “SMTL- Page 2 of 98 Controlled Document”. Once printed, the revision level of this document must be verified against the on-line document master. If this printed document is not current, destroy it.





TABLE OF CONTENTS

Section 4.3.1 – a hard copy Log of latest Partner Procedures used with DIME will be maintained and kept in the SMTL Section 4.3.2.1 – added that the Controlled Documents list is kept in the lab and on the m-drive Section 4.3.3.1- Form 4.3.3. Partner Procedure Change Request forms will need to be used to request any changes to the Partner Procedures. Changes to Partner procedures will be reviewed and approved by the QM or TM and concurrence is needed from the DIME Manager. Section 4.5 – Website updated to DPAC website Section 4.5.1 – added the Deputy Division Chief of Structure Construction as the customer that needs to be notified when subcontracting work. Table 4.6.1 – Fox Valley was added to the table Table 4.6.3 – form revision dates Section 4.7.2 – annual survey added Table 5.4.1- Added ASTM A1061 Attachment 5.5.2.1 – additional requirements for calibration certificates were added to the attachment Section 5.5.2.2.- added information regarding service contract renewal Section 5.5.3 – Equipment maintenance is recorded in the Equipment Maintenance Binder Section 5.9 – added “All commercial proficiency testing shall be completed in the presence of the Quality Manager or Technical Manager. The Lab Manager shall set up a time that is mutually agreeable to all parties. Attachment 5.9 – revised to complete all proficiency tests in a 4-year period instead of 3 years. Table 5.10.2 – “DIME Sample number” added as a possible unique ID Section 5.10.6 – Subcontracted Test results will not have the A2LA symbol Attachment 5.4.7.2 – back up of Partner procedures folder was added to the monthly back-ups Section 5.5.12 – Added Partner Procedure Change Request procedure including form 4.3.3. Sections 5.10.7, 5.10, 8 and 5.10.2 – test results and the test report cover page are available on the DIME Website

F 1. Front Cover, Added OSM logo to front cover 2. Revision # revised from “E1” to “F” throughout manual 3. Removed history of QSM revisions(0 through D) except previous revisions

(Revision E and E.1) 4. Attachment 4.1.4(a) Caltrans Organization Chart revised: Laboratory (including

Office and Division) moved from Division Chief Right of way and Land Surveys to Division Chief Engineering Services

5. Attachment 4.1.4(b) Block for Lab Technician extended to show entire title for Lab Technician.

6. Revised “Senior Transportation Engineer” to “Senior Bridge Engineer” throughout QSM (Attachment 4.1.4(b), Attachment 5.2.2: In-House Training Programs for the SMTL Personnel, Table 5.2.1 Duties & Tasks, Table 5.2.5 Authorization of Lab Activities)

7. Table 4.6.1 Revised – Provider/Supplies removed: Batery Bill, Walmart, UPA Technology (listed twice), Instron Corporation (for services extensometers, calibration repair and grips) compiled into one row, Hydraulic oil filter revised to “parts/service”, ABC Supply revised and replaced with Del Paso Pipe & Steel, and MTS Systems Corporation removed.

8. Table 5.4.1 revised :Added ASTM F3125 for Test Method Number 3 9. Table 5.5.10 Intermediate Equipment Calibration Checks – Under Test Equipment,

Ptich Micrometers, reference list revised to “Equipment/Calibration Record” 10. Note in Footer lowered

She Vang March 2017






TABLE OF CONTENTS

Table of Contents

1. Introduction and Scope ................................................................................... 111.1. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................111.2. PURPOSE.....................................................................................................................111.3. OBJECTIVE ..................................................................................................................111.4. LOCATION....................................................................................................................111.5. SCOPE..........................................................................................................................111.6. GENERAL PROVISIONS ..............................................................................................121.7. ORGANIZATION OF THE QSM ....................................................................................121.8. CUSTOMERS ...............................................................................................................12

2. References ........................................................................................................ 142.1. GENERAL REFERENCES............................................................................................142.2. TECHNICAL REFERENCES.........................................................................................14

2.2.1. AASHTO Standard References..........................................................................152.2.2. ANSI/ASME Fastener Standards .......................................................................152.2.3. ASTM Standards................................................................................................162.2.4. Caltrans California Tests....................................................................................192.2.5. DIN Standards ...................................................................................................19

2.3. A2LA REFERENCES ....................................................................................................19

3. Acronyms, Abbreviations and Terms ............................................................. 20

4. Management Requirements............................................................................. 254.1. ORGANIZATION...........................................................................................................25

4.1.1. Legal Responsibilities ........................................................................................25






TABLE OF CONTENTS

4.1.2. ISO 17025 and A2LA Recognition .....................................................................254.1.3. Location of Work................................................................................................254.1.4. Organization Chart.............................................................................................254.1.5. SMTL Policies....................................................................................................264.1.6. Top Management Communication .....................................................................28

4.2. QUALITY SYSTEM .......................................................................................................284.2.1. Objectives..........................................................................................................284.2.2. Purpose .............................................................................................................284.2.3. Development and Implementation......................................................................294.2.4. Customer Requirements ....................................................................................294.2.5. Attachments.......................................................................................................294.2.6. Responsibilities of the Quality Manager .............................................................294.2.7. Integrity of the Quality System ...........................................................................30

4.3. DOCUMENT CONTROL ...............................................................................................304.3.1. General..............................................................................................................304.3.2. Document Approval and Issue ...........................................................................304.3.3. Document Changes ...........................................................................................31

4.4. REVIEW OF REQUESTS, TENDERS AND CONTRACTS............................................324.4.1. Contract Review and Agreements......................................................................324.4.2. Maintenance of Contract Records......................................................................334.4.3. Subcontractor Review........................................................................................334.4.4. Deviations from Requests ..................................................................................334.4.5. Amendments to Existing Requests ....................................................................34

4.5. SUBCONTRACTING OF TESTS...................................................................................344.5.1. Notice to Customer of Subcontractor .................................................................354.5.2. Subcontracting Responsibility of the SMTL to Customer....................................354.5.3. Register of Subcontractors.................................................................................35

4.6. PURCHASING SERVICES AND SUPPLIES.................................................................35






TABLE OF CONTENTS

4.6.1. Definition and Policy ..........................................................................................354.6.2. Inspection of Purchased Services and Supplies.................................................384.6.3. Purchasing Documents......................................................................................394.6.4. Evaluation of Goods and Services by the SMTL ................................................39

4.7. SERVICE TO CUSTOMER ...........................................................................................404.7.1. Clarification of Customer Requests....................................................................404.7.2. Customer Feedback...........................................................................................40

4.8. COMPLAINTS...............................................................................................................414.9. CONTROL OF NON-CONFORMANCES ......................................................................414.10. IMPROVEMENT............................................................................................................414.11. CORRECTIVE ACTION ................................................................................................414.12. PREVENTIVE ACTION .................................................................................................41

4.12.1. Policy .................................................................................................................414.12.2. Procedure ..........................................................................................................42

4.13. CONTROL OF RECORDS ............................................................................................424.14. INTERNAL AUDITS.......................................................................................................43

4.14.1. Scheduling and Organization .............................................................................434.14.2. Corrective Action................................................................................................434.14.3. Documentation of Auditing Activity.....................................................................434.14.4. Follow-Up Audit Activity .....................................................................................43

4.15. MANAGEMENT REVIEW..............................................................................................444.15.1. General..............................................................................................................444.15.2. Actions Resulting from Review Cycle.................................................................44

Attachment 4.1.4(a): Caltrans Organization Chart.....................................................................45Attachment 4.1.4(b): SMTL Staff Organization Chart ................................................................46Attachment 4.1.5: Protection of Customer’s Information............................................................47Attachment 4.8: Procedure for Handling Complaints.................................................................48Attachment 4.9: Policy and Procedures for Non-Conformances................................................49






TABLE OF CONTENTS

Attachment 4.11: Corrective Action Procedure..........................................................................51Attachment 4.12.2: Preventive Action Procedure ......................................................................52Attachment 4.13(a): Procedures for Controlling Quality Records ..............................................53Attachment 4.13(b): Procedures for Controlling Technical Records ..........................................54

5. Technical Requirements .................................................................................. 555.1. GENERAL .....................................................................................................................55

5.1.1. Contributing Factors...........................................................................................555.1.2. Implementation of Factors..................................................................................55

5.2. PERSONNEL ................................................................................................................555.2.1. Qualifications .....................................................................................................555.2.2. Training..............................................................................................................565.2.3. Resources..........................................................................................................575.2.4. Job Descriptions ................................................................................................575.2.5. Authorization of Lab Activities ............................................................................57

5.3. ACCOMMODATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.......................................585.3.1. Environmental Requirements.............................................................................585.3.2. Environmental Conditions that May Impact Results ...........................................585.3.3. Preventive Measures .........................................................................................585.3.4. Controlled Access..............................................................................................585.3.5. Lab Maintenance ...............................................................................................59

5.4. TEST METHODS, CALIBRATION METHODS AND VALIDATION................................595.4.1. Method Types ....................................................................................................595.4.2. Selection of Test Methods..................................................................................615.4.3. Laboratory-Developed Test Methods .................................................................615.4.4. Non-Standard Test Methods ..............................................................................615.4.5. Validation of Test Methods.................................................................................625.4.6. Estimation of Uncertainty of Measurement.........................................................62






TABLE OF CONTENTS

5.4.7. Control of Data...................................................................................................645.5. EQUIPMENT.................................................................................................................64

5.5.1. Furnishings ........................................................................................................645.5.2. Equipment Calibration Program .........................................................................645.5.3. Equipment Operations .......................................................................................665.5.4. Equipment Item Identification.............................................................................665.5.5. Equipment Item Records....................................................................................665.5.6. Equipment Maintenance and Handling Techniques ...........................................675.5.7. Out-of-Service Provisions ..................................................................................675.5.8. Calibration Status of Equipment Under the SMTL’s Control ...............................675.5.9. Calibration Status of Equipment Outside of the SMTL’s Control.........................685.5.10. Intermediate Equipment Calibration Checks ......................................................685.5.11. Correction Factors .............................................................................................695.5.12. Hardware and Software Protection ....................................................................69

5.6. MEASUREMENT TRACEABILITY ................................................................................695.6.1. Equipment Calibration Procedures.....................................................................695.6.2. Specific Requirements .......................................................................................695.6.3. Reference Standards and Reference Materials..................................................70

5.7. SAMPLING....................................................................................................................715.7.1. Sampling Plans..................................................................................................715.7.2. Deviations from the QASI Manual’s Sampling Procedures.................................725.7.3. Sampling Procedures.........................................................................................725.7.4. Sampling Procedures for a Retest .....................................................................72

5.8. HANDLING OF TEST ITEMS ........................................................................................725.8.1. Procedures ........................................................................................................725.8.2. Item Identification...............................................................................................735.8.3. Abnormalities and Departures............................................................................735.8.4. Test Sample Protection......................................................................................73






TABLE OF CONTENTS

5.9. ASSURING THE QUALITY OF TEST RESULTS ..........................................................735.10. REPORTING THE RESULTS........................................................................................74

5.10.1. General..............................................................................................................745.10.2. Test Reports and Calibration Certificates...........................................................745.10.3. Test Reports ......................................................................................................765.10.4. Calibration Certificates.......................................................................................775.10.5. Opinions and Interpretations ..............................................................................775.10.6. Testing Results Obtained from Subcontractors ..................................................785.10.7. Electronic Transmission of Results ....................................................................785.10.8. Format of Test Reports ......................................................................................785.10.9. Deletion of Invalid Test data or Amendments to Test Reports............................78

Attachment 5.2.2: In-House Training Programs for the SMTL Personnel ..................................80Attachment 5.4.7.2: Computer Processed Data Backup Procedure ..........................................82Attachment 5.5.2.1: Accreditation Verification Procedure..........................................................84Attachment 5.5.2.1(a): Relevant Specifications for Calibration Purchase Orders ......................86Attachment 5.7.4: Sampling Requirements for Initial QA Test and Retests ...............................87Attachment 5.9: Proficiency Testing Program ...........................................................................88

6. A2LA Advertising Policy.................................................................................. 926.1. General Requirements ..................................................................................................926.2. Symbol Reproduction ....................................................................................................926.3. Use of the “A2LA Accredited” Symbol on Test and Calibration Reports.........................926.4. Subcontracted Tests and Calibrations ...........................................................................936.5. Opinions and Interpretations..........................................................................................936.6. Calibration Labels..........................................................................................................936.7. Advertising, Publicity and Business Solicitation .............................................................946.8. Misuse of the “A2LA Accredited” Symbol or Accreditation Status ..................................946.9. Use of the Combined ILAC-A2LA Accredited Symbol....................................................95






TABLE OF CONTENTS

Attachment 6.3.8: Procedure for Using the “A2LA ACCREDITED” Symbol on the Test Report Cover Page...............................................................................................................................96

7. A2LA Policy on Measurement Traceability .................................................... 987.1. General Requirements ..................................................................................................98






1.0 INTRODUCTION AND SCOPE

1. Introduction and Scope

1.1. INTRODUCTION The California Department of Transportation (“Caltrans”) has a Structural Materials Testing Laboratory. The Caltrans Structural Materials Testing Laboratory is referred to as “SMTL” or “the Lab” within this Quality System Manual. The Lab is part of the Structural Materials Testing Branch, a branch within the Office of Structural Materials (“OSM”). OSM is an office within Materials Engineering & Testing Services and Geotechnical Service (“METS”), which is a subdivision of the Division of Engineering Services.

The Lab is accredited by A2LA, Testing Certificate Number 2364.01(Master ID 127490). See Section 4 for details.

1.2. PURPOSE This Quality System Manual (“QSM”) describes the organization, operation, policies, and procedures that comprise the Lab’s quality system. See Section 4 for details.

1.3. OBJECTIVE The QSM provides the methodology for the SMTL’s quality system. This quality system complies with the relevant clauses of ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories (“ISO 17025”), and the American Association of Laboratory Accreditation’s (“A2LA”) General Requirements for the Accreditation of Laboratories. See Section 4 for details.

1.4. LOCATION The SMTL is located within the Caltrans Transportation Laboratory at 5900 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, California, 95819. The SMTL comprises locations in the following buildings:

1. Annex Building: rooms 423 (Technician’s work area), 424 (Lab Manager’s Office), 427 (SMTL), 510 (Lab Library), as well as the Technical and Quality Manager’s Offices.

2. The SMTL storage building, Bay #4.

1.5. SCOPE The requirements of this manual are applicable to testing performed at the SMTL. Structural materials testing conducted outside of the SMTL is not within the scope of the Lab’s quality system.







1.6. GENERAL PROVISIONS The QSM does not address compliance with governing safety, civil service classification, and environmental regulations. Rather, it describes the SMTL’s quality system for complying with the relevant clauses of ISO 17025 and A2LA’s General Requirements for the Accreditation of Laboratories.

The QSM does not contradict or nullify any of the governing regulations stated above.

The QSM references the governing regulations when necessary to provide the context within which the SMTL’s quality system operates.

1.7. ORGANIZATION OF THE QSM The QSM is organized as follows:

• Section 1.0: Introduction and Scope

• Section 2.0: References

• Section 3.0: Acronyms, Abbreviations and Terms

• Section 4.0: Management Requirements

• Section 5.0: Technical Requirements

• Section 6.0: Addendum 1: A2LA Advertising Policy

• Section 7.0: Addendum 2: A2LA Policy on Measurement Traceability

1.8. CUSTOMERS The SMTL has the following Customers:

Internal Customers:

• Division of Structure Construction

i. Resident Engineers

ii. Structures Representatives

• Division of Engineering Services







i. OSM Structural Materials Representatives

ii. OSM Structural Steel Associates (Inspectors)

• Division of Maintenance

External Customers:

• Other State Agencies

• Other entities on behalf of the Customers above.






2. REFERENCES

2. References

2.1. GENERAL REFERENCES This QSM references several publications, many of which are located in the Lab Library (Annex Building, Room 510):

• State of California, Office of Structural Materials Quality Assurance and Source Inspection (QASI) Manual. The QASI Manual provides the practices, procedures, and guidelines to assure the quality of materials and construction in all Federal-aid highway projects on the National Highway System. The QASI Manual can be found at the following web site:

http://onramp.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/mets/structure_materials/

• International Organization for Standardization, ISO/IEC 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories, 5/15/2005

• State of California, Caltrans Construction Manual, (latest version available online)

• State of California, Caltrans Standard Specifications, (latest version available online)

2.2. TECHNICAL REFERENCES The QSM also references many technical documents. These are available in the Lab Manager’s office, Lab Library or the Quality Manager’s office. The latest version of the documents are also available online through the IHS Global Website. The technical references include documents from:

1. American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (“AASHTO”)

2. American National Standards Institute (“ANSI”)

3. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (“ASME”)

4. American Society for Testing and Materials (“ASTM”)

5. California DOT, Caltrans

6. Deutsches Institute für Normung e.V. (“DIN”)


http://onramp.dot.ca.gov/hq/esc/mets/structure_materials/





2. REFERENCES

2.2.1. AASHTO Standard References Provisional Standards,

• Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling & Testing, Part 1A: Specifications

• Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling & Testing, Part 1B: Specifications

• Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling & Testing, Part 2A: Testing

• Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling & Testing, Part 2B: Testing

2.2.2. ANSI/ASME Fastener Standards • ASME B1.1 Unified Inch Screw Threads

• ANSI/ASME B1.2 Gages and Gaging for Unified Inch Screw Threads

• ASME B1.3M Screw Thread Gaging Systems for Acceptability: Inch and Metric Screw

Threads

• ANSI/ASME B1.16M Gages and Gaging for Metric M Screw Threads

• ASME B18.2.1 Square, Hex, Heavy Hex, and Askew Head Bolts and Hex, Heavy Hex,

Hex Flange, Lobed Head, and Lab Screws (Inch Series)

• ASME/ANSI B18.2.2 Nuts for General Applications: Machine Screw Nuts, Hex, Square, Hex

Flange, and Coupling Nuts (Inch Series)

• ASME B18.2.6 Fasteners for Use In Structural Applications

• ASME B18.2.6M Metric Fasteners for Use in Structural Applications


http:B18.2.6M





2. REFERENCES

2.2.3. ASTM Standards

TABLE 2.2.3 ASTM Standards

ASTM Method Title

A153 Standard Specification for Zinc Coating (Hot Dip) on Iron and Steel Hardware

A194 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel, Alloy Steel, and Stainless Steel Nuts for Bolts for High-Pressure or High-Temperature Service, or Both

A307 Standard Specification for Carbon Steel Bolts, Studs, and Threaded Rod 60 000 PSI Tensile Strength

A354 Standard Specification for Quenched and Tempered Alloy Steel Bolts, Studs and Other Externally Threaded Fasteners

A370 Standard Test Methods and Definitions for Mechanical Testing of Steel Products

A416 Standard Specification for Low-Relaxation, Seven-Wire Steel Strand for Prestressed Concrete

A421 Standard Specification for Stress-Relieved Steel Wire for Prestressed Concrete

A449 Standard Specification for Hex Cap Screws, Bolts and Studs, Steel, Heat Treated, 120/105/90 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength, General Use

A490 Standard Specification for Structural Bolts, Alloy Steel, Heat-Treated, 150 ksi Minimum Tensile Strength

A536 Standard Specification for Ductile Iron Castings

A563 Specification for Carbon and Alloy Steel Nuts

A615/A615M Standard Specification for Deformed and Plain Carbon-Steel Bars for Concrete Reinforcement






2. REFERENCES

A706 Specifications Specification for Low-Alloy Steel Deformed and Plain Bars for Concrete Reinforcement

A709/709M Standard Specification for Structural Steel for Bridges

A722 Standard Specification for Uncoated High-Strength Steel Bars for Prestressing Concrete

A775/775M Standard Specification for Epoxy Coated Steel Reinforcing Bars

A882 Standard Specification for Filled Epoxy-Coated Seven-Wire Prestressing Steel Strand

A884/884M Standard Specification for Epoxy Coated Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement

A931 Standard Test Method for Tension Testing of Wire Ropes and Strand

A934/A 934M Standard Specification for Epoxy Coated Prefabricated Steel Reinforcing Bars

A1061 Standard Test Methods for Testing Multi-Wire Steel Prestressing Strand

A1064 Standard Specification for Carbon-Steel Wire and Welded Wire Reinforcement, Plain and Deformed, for Concrete

B499 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Coating Thicknesses by the Magnetic Method: Nonmagnetic Coatings on Magnetic Basis Metals

B695 Standard Specification for Coatings of Zinc Mechanically Deposited on Iron and Steel

D395 Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property – Compression Set

D412 Standard Test Methods for Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers – Tension

D413 Standard Test Methods for Rubber Property – Adhesion to Flexible Substrate

D471 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property – Effect of Liquids






2. REFERENCES

D624 Standard Test Method for Tear Strength of Conventional Vulcanized Rubber and Thermoplastic Elastomers

D2240 Standard Test Method for Rubber Property – Durometer Hardness

D2628 Standard Specification for Preformed Polychloroprene Elastomeric Joint Seals for Concrete Pavements

E3 Standard Guide for Preparation of Metallographic Specimens

E8/E8M Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials

E10 Standard Test Method for Brinell Hardness of Metallic Materials

E18 Standard Test Methods for Rockwell Hardness of Metallic Materials

E23 Standard Test Methods for Notched Bar Impact Testing of Metallic Materials

E340 Standard Practice for Macroetching Metals and Alloys

E381 Standard Method of Macroetch Testing Steel Bars, Billets, Blooms, and Forgings

F436 Standard Specification for Hardened Steel Washers

F606/F606M Standard Test Methods for Determining the Mechanical Properties of Externally and Internally Threaded Fasteners, Washers, Direct Tension Indicators, and Rivets

F844 Standard Specification for Washers, Steel, Plain (Flat), Unhardened for General Use

F959 Standard Specification for Compressible Washer-Type Direct Tension Indicators for Use with Structural Fasteners

F1554 Standard Specification for Anchor Bolts, Steel, 36, 55, and 105-ksi Yield Strength

F3125 Standard Specification for High Strength Structural Bolts, Steel and Alloy Steel, Heat Treated, 120 ksi (830 MPa) and 150 ksi (1040 MPa) Minimum Tensile Strength, Inch






2. REFERENCES

2.2.4. Caltrans California Tests

TABLE 2.2.4 California Test Methods (CT)

Caltrans Method

Title

CT 670 Method of Tests for Mechanical and Welded Reinforcing Steel Splices

CT 673 Method of Test for Determining Movement Rating of Type B1 and B2 Preformed Elastomeric Joint Seals

CT 685 Method for Holiday Detection In Epoxy-Coated Reinforcing Steel

CT 686 Method for Evaluating Bend Test Results of Fusion-Bonded Epoxy Coatings on ASTM Designation: A 934/A 934M Steel Reinforcement

CT 687 Method of Tests for Measuring Epoxy-Coating Thickness on Steel Reinforcing Bars, Wire Mesh, and Dowel Bars Using Type 2 Test Instruments

2.2.5. DIN Standards • Handbook 10 – Fasteners 1: Dimensional Standards for Bolts, Screws, and Studs

• Handbook 140 – Fasteners 4: Dimensional Standards for Nuts and Accessories for Bolt/Nut Assemblies

2.3. A2LA REFERENCES The QSM also references many guidance documents from A2LA, available at www.a2la.org. A list of controlled A2LA Normative Documents is maintained and located in the Lab Library and/or the M-Drive.


http://www.a2la.org/





3. ACRONYMS, ABBREVIATIONS and TERMS

3. Acronyms, Abbreviations and Terms Table 3.1 presents acronyms, abbreviations and defined terms that the QSM frequently uses. Unless the context of the text clearly provides otherwise, the definitions given in Table 3.1 govern.

TABLE 3.1

Acronym/Abbreviation/Term

Definition

A2LA American Association for Laboratory Accreditation.

AASHTO American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials.

ANOVA Analysis of Variance

ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers.

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials.

Attachments Attachments are additional information that is incorporated into the QSM by reference. Attachments are numbered according to the section number from which they derive. If there is more than one attachment per section, subsequent attachments are sub-lettered “b”, “c”, et cetera.

Branch Chief The Chief of the Structural Materials Testing Branch (SMTB). The Branch Chief supervises the SMTL and its staff, and is the designated Quality Manager for the SMTL.

Calibration Determination of the values of the significant parameters by comparison with values indicated by the reference instrument according to a set of reference standards.

Caltrans The California Department of Transportation.

Customers Caltrans’ divisions (internal) and outside contractors and vendors (external) who require the services of the SMTL for testing. Section 1.8 lists internal and external Customers.







Customers’ Information

Any confidential or proprietary information from a Customer. This may be in the form of printed material, drawings, or electronic data that is supplied to the Lab with the expectation that the information is guarded and not disseminated to the general industry. Test results from the SMTL are confidential to the extent allowed by the California Public Records Act (California Government Code Sections 6250 to 6265).

Construction Caltrans’ Division of Structure Construction.

Controlled Documents

Documents that form part of the quality system.

CT California Test. These are test methods that Caltrans authors.

CTM California Test Method, the former name for California Tests.

Day Any day, except Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.*

DIME Data Interchange for Materials Engineering Division Chief The Chief of the Division of Engineering Services. The Division Chief manages

engineering services and support to Caltrans projects.

Industry Standard A readily available standard that is developed by consensus. ASTM, ISO, AASHTO, or ASME standards are examples.

ISO International Organization for Standardization

ISO 17025 The international standard for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

Lab Same as the Structural Materials Testing Laboratory (“SMTL”).

Measurand Particular quantity to be measured in a test (e.g., length or force).+

Measurement Set of operations having the object of determining a value of a quantity.

MREA Materials and Research Engineering Associate.







METS Materials Engineering & Testing Services and Geotechnical Services, a subdivision of the Division of Engineering Services.

NCR Nonconformance Report. This is issued per Section 4.9.

NIST National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Office Chief The supervising bridge engineer who manages OSM.

OSM Office of Structural Materials.

QASI Manual Quality Assurance and Source Inspection Manual.

Policy A statement of governing rules, either general or specific, for the operation of the SMTL as found in the QSM. A policy usually is implemented through procedures.

Procedure Defined steps to accomplish a task required by the QSM in order to meet a specific SMTL policy.

QM Quality Manager.

QSM Quality System Manual.

Quality System The Lab’s relevant policies, systems, programs, procedures, and instructions necessary to assure the quality of the materials tests results.

Reference Materials Test materials that are used by external calibration agencies when the testing equipment owned and operated by the SMTL is calibrated.

Reference Standards

A piece of equipment (load cell, gage block, etc.) that is used by external calibration agencies to calibrate the SMTL test equipment. Such equipment items are traceable to other ISO standards.

Repeatability A condition of measurement, out of a set of conditions that includes the same measurement procedure, same operators, same measuring system, same operating conditions and same location, and replicate measurements on the same or similar objects over a short period of time. +







Reproducibility The precision under reproducibility conditions, i.e. conditions where test results are obtained with the same method on the same or similar test items in different laboratories, by different operators, using different equipment, in different locations, or on different days.

Sampling Process of selecting materials for testing as a part of the Test Method being performed.

Scope of Accreditation

Tests for which the Lab has A2LA accreditation.

Services and Supplies

Those services and supplies that affect the quality of tests or Lab output.

SI System International System of Units (Système International d’unités).

SMTL Structural Materials Testing Laboratory.

SMTL Documents Any SMTL-generated policy or procedure used in the operation of the Lab.

SMTL Management Consists of the Quality Manager and Office Chief.

Staff Management and employees of the SMTL. Also referred to as “the Lab’s staff” where necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Standard Method Industry-standard procedure for testing different types of materials or conducting specific types of material tests.

Standard Specifications

Caltrans Standard Specifications, latest version, including subsequent amendments.

Test Laboratory activity that uses calibrated equipment for evaluating performance of structural materials by mechanical means and then documenting results based on the methods used.

Test Equipment Calibrated equipment that is used to perform Test Methods. See Section 5.5, “Equipment.”

Test Method The entire set of procedures for testing a type of material. The procedures in each Test Method include sampling, handling, transport, storage, and preparation of items to be tested. Test Methods are written for different types of materials, so each one generally comprises several Standard Methods.







Traceability The property of the result of a measurement value of a standard whereby it can be related to stated references, usually national or international standards, through an unbroken chain of comparisons all having stated uncertainties.

TUR Test Uncertainty Ratio – the ratio between the tolerance of the equipment being used versus the uncertainty of the measurement system.

Uncertainty (of measurement)

A parameter, associated with the result of a measurement that characterizes the dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand.+

Validation The confirmation by examination and the provision of objective evidence that the particular requirements for a specific intended use are fulfilled.

+ A2LA Guide for the Estimation of Measurement Uncertainty in Testing, latest revision (citing the International Organization for Standardization, International Vocabulary of Basic and General Terms in Metrology, latest revision).

* Caltrans Standard Specifications. A2LA Policy on Traceability Measurement, latest edition






4. MANAGEMENT REQUIREMENTS

4. Management Requirements

4.1. ORGANIZATION

4.1.1. Legal Responsibilities The SMTL is a laboratory which is part of the larger Caltrans organization and provides an internal service solely within Caltrans. Caltrans is legally responsible for the testing that the SMTL performs.

4.1.2. ISO 17025 and A2LA Recognition

4.1.2.1. ISO 17025 Compliance The SMTL performs its activities, within its Scope of Accreditation, in such a way to comply with the requirements of ISO 17025, General Requirements for the Competence of Testing and Calibration Laboratories.

4.1.2.2. A2LA Accreditation and Scope The Lab is accredited by A2LA for the Scope of Accreditation under Testing Certificate Number 2364.01.

4.1.3. Location of Work This QSM and the A2LA accreditation is limited to work carried out within the SMTL at 5900 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95819.

4.1.4. Organization Chart The Caltrans Organization Chart in Attachment 4.1.4(a) shows the SMTL’s location within the Caltrans organization.

The key personnel in Caltrans that are involved or have influence on the testing activities of the SMTL are:

• Director, Caltrans: The Director is responsible for all functions of Caltrans, including project delivery, planning and programs, maintenance and operations, information technology, finance, administration, external affairs, legal, security, civil rights, and audits.







• Deputy Director, Project Delivery: The Deputy Director is responsible for managing Caltrans construction projects, including the engineering and design, construction, environmental, and management aspects.

• Chief, Division of Engineering Services (“Division Chief”): The Division Chief is responsible for managing engineering services and support to Caltrans’ projects.

• Deputy Division Chief, Materials Engineering and Testing Services and Geotechnical Services (“Deputy Division Chief”): The Deputy Division Chief oversees materials engineering and testing services provided to Caltrans’ projects.

• Chief, Office of Structural Materials (“Office Chief”): The Office Chief provides engineering expertise in structural materials, including inspection and testing.

• Chief, Structural Materials Testing Branch (“Branch Chief”): The Branch Chief supervises the testing of materials used in Caltrans’ projects. The Branch Chief is the supervisor of the Lab, and is the QSM’s Quality Manager (“QM”).

• Transportation Engineer (Civil): A Transportation Engineer (Civil) assists the QM in technical matters. He/she is the QSM’s Technical Manager.

• Materials and Research Engineering Associate (“MREA”): The MREA manages the Lab. He/she is the QSM’s Lab Manager.

• Transportation Engineering Technicians (“TETs”): TETs are the technicians who work in the Lab. They are the QSM’s Lab Technicians.

The management and lines of authority of the SMTL are defined on the Staff Organization Chart, Attachment 4.1.4(b).

4.1.5. SMTL Policies The SMTL:

a) Has the managerial and technical personnel who, irrespective of other responsibilities, have the authority and resources needed to carry out their duties, including the implementation, maintenance and improvement of the quality system, and to identify the occurrence of departures from the quality system or from the procedures for performing materials testing, and to initiate actions to prevent or minimize such departures. See also Section 5.2, “Personnel” and Attachment 4.1.4(b). The managerial staff includes the QM, who is a registered civil engineer in California. The QM has the engineering and spending authority to implement the duties and tasks required by the quality system. The QM is assisted by technical personnel,







which comprise a Technical Manager, a Lab Manager, and several Lab Technicians. The QM and the technical personnel are collectively referred to as “staff” or “the Lab’s staff.”

b) Has a zero tolerance for any undue internal and external commercial, financial, and other pressures and influences that may adversely affect the quality of the final work.

i. Internal influences. Caltrans recognizes the potential for conflicts of interest between the Lab’s functions (testing materials that Caltrans Structure Construction (“Construction”) uses) and Construction. In recognition of this, these internal groups are located in two separate Divisions within Engineering Services.

ii. External influences. In recognition of this, and in compliance with California Government Code Sections 81000-91014, the QM in his/her capacity as Branch Chief files an annual conflict of interest statement (see Fair Political Practices Commission’s Statement of Economic Interests, Form 700. A copy of the latest completed form is on file with the Caltrans Division of Engineering's Conflict of Interest Coordinator and in the Lab Library.

c) Has a policy that ensures the protection of its Customers' confidential submittal information and related proprietary rights within the limits of State and Federal law. The policy for protecting the Customers’ information is in Attachment 4.1.5.

d) Has a policy for staff to avoid involvement in any activities that would diminish confidence in its competence, impartiality, judgment or operational integrity. To ensure this, staff is taught this policy through the Caltrans ethics program: Ethics Orientation for State Officials. The QM’s latest certificate of completion for this training is on file in the Lab Library and/or the Quality Manager’s office.

e) Has an organization and management structure as defined by the Caltrans Organization Chart, Attachment 4.1.4(a). This organization chart shows the location of the SMTL, OSM and METS within the Caltrans Division of Engineering Services. Attachment 4.1.4(b) shows the organization and management structure of the SMTL.

f) Specifies the responsibility, authority, and interrelationships of all staff that manage, perform, or verify work affecting the quality of the materials tests, as follows:

i. QM: The SMTL’s QM has the engineering and spending authority to manage work affecting the quality of materials tests. The QM makes the final engineering decisions, has supervisory authority over staff, and manages the Lab’s budget.

ii. Technical Manager: Performs work affecting the quality of materials tests.

iii. Lab Manager and Lab Technicians: Perform and verify work affecting the quality of materials tests.

g) Provides adequate supervision of testing staff, including trainees, by the Lab Manager who is familiar with methods and procedures, the purpose of each test and with the assessment of the test results.







h) Has technical management (the QM and the Technical Manager), which has the overall responsibility for the technical operations and the provisions of the resources needed to ensure the required quality of Lab operations.

i) The Office Chief appoints the Branch Chief as the QM, who has access to the Office Chief, the highest management level at which decisions are made on Lab policy or resources, and has responsibility and authority as defined in Section 4.1.5(f) for ensuring that the quality system is implemented and followed at all times.

j) The Office Chief appoints deputies for key managerial personnel. The key managerial personnel consist of the QM, the Technical Manager, and the Lab Manager.

k) Ensures that its personnel are aware of the relevance and importance of their activities and how they contribute to the achievement of the objectives of the quality system. This is achieved on an “as-needed basis” during staff meetings.

4.1.6. Top Management Communication The Branch Chief shall ensure that appropriate communication processes are established within the laboratory and that communication takes place regarding the effectiveness of the quality system. This is accomplished by reporting management system-related activities to the office chief and other seniors during the monthly senior meeting.

4.2. QUALITY SYSTEM

4.2.1. Objectives Through this QSM, the Lab establishes and maintains a quality system appropriate to the scope of its activities. This QSM documents all relevant policies, systems, programs, procedures, and instructions to the extent necessary to assure the quality of the materials test results. The QSM's documentation is communicated to, understood by, available to, and implemented by the appropriate personnel.

4.2.2. Purpose This QSM defines the SMTL’s quality system policies and objectives. The Quality Policy Statement is issued by top management and includes:

a. The laboratory management’s commitment to good professional practice and to the quality of its testing and service to its customers;

b. The management’s statement of the laboratory’s standard of service;







c. The purpose of the management system related to quality;

d. A requirement that all personnel concerned with testing and calibration activities within the laboratory familiarize themselves with the quality documentation and implement the policies and procedures in their work and

e. The laboratory management’s commitment to comply with ISO 17025 and to continually improve the effectiveness of the management system.

4.2.3. Development and Implementation Top management is committed to the development and implementation of the quality system and to continually improving its effectiveness. This is accomplished through the annual review of the Lab’s Quality Policy Statement issued under the authority of the OSM Office Chief. This statement is filed in the Lab Library.

4.2.4. Customer Requirements Top management communicates to the organization the importance of meeting customer requirements as well as statutory and regulatory requirements. The SMTL does not perform materials testing for profit, and is not available for commercial service. Rather, the Lab performs quality assurance testing for materials used in Caltrans’ construction projects. California law (California Government Code sections 14100 et seq.) and federal regulations (23 Code of Federal Regulations Section 637.205) require this quality assurance/department acceptance testing. The quality of the materials shall meet the requirements of the applicable Caltrans Standard Specifications.

4.2.5. Attachments The QSM includes supporting policies and procedures, including technical and administrative procedures, in the form of attachments. These attachments are incorporated by reference, and controlled and revised to the same extent as the sections of the QSM.

4.2.6. Responsibilities of the Quality Manager The QM is responsible for ensuring compliance with ISO 17025 and maintaining the Lab’s A2LA accreditation. Specific responsibilities of the QM are documented throughout this QSM and listed in Table 5.2.1.







4.2.7. Integrity of the Quality System Top management ensures that the integrity of the quality system is maintained when changes are planned and implemented. This is accomplished by following the document control procedures in Section 4.3.3.

4.3. DOCUMENT CONTROL

4.3.1. General This section establishes the procedures to control all documents that are part of the quality system, whether internally or externally generated. These documents are called “Controlled Documents,” and include Test Methods (see Section 5.4), regulations, standards, drawings, software, specifications, instructions and manuals.

Controlled Documents are in hard copy format, with the exception of forms used with Test Methods (see Section 5.4). These forms are available on OSM’s hard drive at M://SM/Testing Branch/SMTL Forms, and are available as password-protected read-only Microsoft® Office® or Adobe® Acrobat® documents. The forms can only be modified with a password, and only the QM or Technical Manager has the password. Software used in test equipment is also controlled to the extent that current revisions are documented in the Controlled Documents List. In addition to the software, a log of the latest Partner procedure used with each UTM will be maintained by the STML. A hard copy of this log will be kept in the SMTL.

4.3.2. Document Approval and Issue The following sections describe the SMTL’s document control procedures.

4.3.2.1. Document Approval and Issue All Controlled Documents are reviewed and approved for use by the QM, Technical Manager, or Lab Manager. A master list of these controlled documents is maintained on the Controlled Documents List. This list is readily available in the Lab and on the M-drive to preclude the use of invalid or obsolete documents and software.

4.3.2.2. Procedures for Controlled Documents The following procedures control documents:

1. Authorized editions of appropriate documents are available at locations where operations essential to the effective functioning of the Lab are performed. Authorized editions are stamped “SMTL-CONTROLLED DOCUMENT.”







Typically, this means that appropriate documents are available in the Lab Library, the QM’s office, the Technical Manager’s office, the Lab Manager’s office, the Lab Technicians’ work area, or the laboratory itself.

2. The QM periodically reviews documents, and, where necessary, revises them (or procures updated editions) to ensure continuing suitability and compliance with applicable requirements. Standard Methods from the ASTM and AASHTO are updated annually; other documents as needed.

3. Unneeded, invalid or obsolete documents are promptly removed from all points of issue or use.

4. Potentially needed documents, for legal or historical reasons, are stamped “OBSOLETE—FOR HISTORICAL USE ONLY.”

4.3.2.3. Unique Identification of Controlled Documents Quality system documents generated by the Lab are uniquely identified with the revision date, numbered pages, total number of pages, and issuing authority.

4.3.3. Document Changes

4.3.3.1. Reviews and Approvals Changes to documents are reviewed and approved by the same function that performed the original review unless specifically designated otherwise by the QM or the TM. The designated personnel have access to pertinent background information upon which to base their review and approval.

Changes to this document are made only after confirming that such changes will not impair the Lab’s A2LA accreditation. Form 4.3.3.1 Partner Procedure Change Request forms will need to be used to request any changes to the Partner Procedures. Changes to Partner procedures will be reviewed and approved by the QM or TM and concurrence is needed from the DIME Manager.

4.3.3.2. Revisions All altered or new text is identified in an electronic version of the document by underlining the new text and using a strikethrough the deleted text in red font. This document is saved on the M-Drive on a server (denoted as M:// on staff computers). Electronic copies made available via the Department’s intranet website will include the following statement in the footer: “NOTE: This is an uncontrolled copy unless the cover of the Quality System Manual is stamped “SMTL-Controlled Document”. Once printed, the revision level of this document must be verified against the on-line document master. If this printed document is not current, destroy it.”







4.3.3.3. Hand-Written Amendments Generally, amending Controlled Documents by hand is not permitted. However, if the QM determines that it is necessary to amend a Controlled Document by hand, to prevent nonconformance with the quality system, he or she will make the correction by hand, and initial and date it. Then the revised document is formally re-issued as soon as practicable.

4.3.3.4. Change Control This section describes how changes in documents maintained in computer systems are made and controlled. All the Lab’s internally-generated controlled documents are maintained on a server (denoted as M:// on staff’s computers).

All the Lab’s documents that are maintained on the server are password-protected. Only the QM and the Technical Manager have this password.

Only the Quality Manager or the Technical Manager shall make changes to documents maintained in computer systems. He or she opens the document to be changed, ensures that the ”track changes” tool is activated, makes the appropriate changes, and accepts any changes from the previous update. The file is saved under a similar file name. Note that the “track changes” tool may not be used for editorial (rather than substantive) changes.

4.4. REVIEW OF REQUESTS, TENDERS AND CONTRACTS

4.4.1. Contract Review and Agreements This section defines the SMTL’s procedures for reviewing requests, tenders, and contracts.

The SMTL does not perform materials testing for profit, and is not available for commercial service. Rather, the Lab performs quality assurance testing for materials used in Caltrans’ construction projects. California law (California Government Code Sections 14100 et seq.) and federal regulations (23 Code of Federal Regulations Section 637.205) require this quality assurance testing. These requirements are incorporated into Caltrans’ construction contracts, which provide that “The Department may use multiple QA methods for a material…to ensure a material is produced to comply with the Contract,” Standard Specifications, Section 6.

The Lab receives requests for work (“requests”) in three ways:

1. Construction, or a representative of Construction, requests work on a Sample Identification Card, Form TL-0101 (“TL-0101”) or through the electronic TL-0101 which is available on the DIME website. https://dime.dot.ca.gov/


http:https://dime.dot.ca.gov






2. A contractor requests work, at the direction of Construction, either on a hardcopy TL-0101 or in writing, providing information substantially equivalent to that required on a TL-0101, or through the electronic TL-0101 in DIME.

3. Another division of Caltrans, or another State Agency, requests work either on a TL-0101 or in writing, providing information substantially equivalent to that required on a TL-0101 or through the electronic TL-0101 in DIME.

When the Lab receives a request, the Lab Manager, or the Lab Technician he or she designates, reviews the request and ensures that:

1. The type of testing being requested is clear;

2. The Lab has the capability and resources to meet the request;

3. Sufficient material has been provided to perform the requested testing;

4. The Lab uses the correct Test Method and

5. Any differences between the request and standard procedure is resolved and accepted by all parties before any work commences.

4.4.2. Maintenance of Contract Records Any change to the request, based on the Lab Manager or Lab Technician’s review, is documented on the TL-0101 (or substantially equivalent documentation) or other appropriate location on the Test Report Cover Page or backup documentation. This includes pertinent discussions with the Customer relating to the Customer’s requirements, amount of materials provided for testing, or the results of the testing.

4.4.3. Subcontractor Review For any subcontracted work, the subcontractor reviews the requests (as discussed in Section 4.4.1). Additionally, the QM reviews the requests when he/she reviews the periodic progress reports from the subcontractor.

4.4.4. Deviations from Requests If the Lab deviates from the requirements of the request, and the deviation was not previously documented as required by Section 4.4.2, the Customer is notified. Such deviations are subject to the nonconformance reporting requirements in Section 4.9, “Control of Nonconformances.”







4.4.5. Amendments to Existing Requests If a request needs to be amended after work has begun, the review process in Section 4.4.1 is repeated, and the Lab Manager communicates the amendments to all affected personnel.

4.5. SUBCONTRACTING OF TESTS When the SMTL subcontracts work, all aspects of the contracting process comply with those policies and procedures set by Caltrans’ Division of Procurement and Contracts. The complete set of policy and procedures is available at http://dpac.onramp.dot.ca.gov/.

QM assures that the work is placed with a competent subcontractor. A competent subcontractor is one that, falls under one of the following categories:

Category 1: An independent laboratory that is on the Authorized Laboratories List maintained on the Department’s Authorized Materials List. Laboratories authorized on this list have demonstrated compliance with ISO 17025. For testing of samples not covered under the laboratory’s scope of accreditation see Category 2. A visit to the subcontractor by the Quality Manager is not mandatory as long as evidence of scope of accreditation is provided.

Category 2: An independent laboratory that is on the Authorized Laboratories List but not accredited for the test method to be subcontracted. Laboratories that fall under this category must demonstrate ISO compliance in the relevant areas. That is to say that the laboratory is suitably equipped to perform the relevant test method, has training procedures and records, calibrates its instruments traceably and has appropriate internal and external quality control procedures. The Quality Manager must carry out an appraisal which includes a visit to the subcontractor to carry out an audit to establish to his or her satisfaction that the laboratory is compliant in relevant areas.

Category 3: An independent laboratory that is not on the Department’s Authorized Laboratories List. In certain cases, a laboratory that is not currently on the Authorized Laboratory List may be used for subcontracting. The Quality Manager will be required to carry out an appraisal which includes a visit to the subcontractor under the same guidelines listed in Category 2.

Once a laboratory has been selected that meets one of the aforementioned requirements, the QM must send an authorization letter to the subcontractor. Authorization shall be valid for one year and thereafter must be reviewed whenever subcontracting services are needed.

Samples submitted to the subcontractor for testing must be “blind samples” without reference to specific contract or job number to avoid potential conflicts of interest.

All test reports with subcontracted data must have the “A2LA Accredited” symbol removed.


http:http://dpac.onramp.dot.ca.gov






4.5.1. Notice to Customer of Subcontractor The Lab advises the Customer, in writing, when subcontractors will perform testing, and obtains the Customer’s approval. The Customer is typically the Deputy Division Chief of Structure Construction.

4.5.2. Subcontracting Responsibility of the SMTL to Customer Responsibility to the Customer for subcontractor’s work is either the Lab’s or the subcontractor’s, depending on the terms and conditions of the contract between the SMTL and the subcontractor.

4.5.3. Register of Subcontractors

Laboratory Location Contact Test Method(s) Effective Date Kleinfelder 3077 Fite Circle

Sacramento, CA 95827 Chris Pollack Laboratory Manager (916) 366-1701

Internal Test Method No. 5

11/2/10

CEL Consulting 534-23rd Avenue Oakland, CA 94606

James Powers Senior Engineer (510) 436-7626

Internal Test Method No. 5

11/16/10

4.6. PURCHASING SERVICES AND SUPPLIES

4.6.1. Definition and Policy For this QSM, “services and supplies” are defined as those services and supplies (including reagents and consumable materials) that affect the quality of tests or Lab output. These are listed in Table 4.6.1.

The Lab’s policy for purchasing services and supplies is to ensure that they meet the requirements specified in applicable Test Methods or Standard Methods. The reagents and consumable materials that affect the quality of tests or Lab output do not require special storage. They are stored in open-shelf and cabinets at the Lab. Sections 4.6.2 to 4.6.4 provide the procedures for implementing this policy.







TABLE 4.6.1 Services & Supplies

Service/Supply Purpose Provider/Supplies

ASTM standards Provide standard methods IHS Global Engineering* 15 Inverness Way East Englewood, CO 80112

Calibrated shims Epoxy-coating thickness test UPA Technology* 8963 Cincinnatti-Columbus Road West Chester, OH 45069

Calibration blocks Hardness test Instron Corporation* 100 Royall Street Canton, MA 02021

Chemistry analysis Determine chemical composition of material

METS Translab* Chemistry Dept. 5900 Folsom