Using Logbooks
Field personnel should record all on-site activities and observations in a field logbook (a bound book with consecutively numbered pages). Entries should be made during or just after completing a task to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. Logbook entries include:
- date and time of entry; purpose of sampling
- name, address, and affiliation of personnel performing sampling
- name and address of the material's producer, if known
- type of material, e.g., sludge or wastewater
- description of material container
- description of sample
- chemical components and concentrations, if known
- number and size of samples taken
- description and location of the sampling point
- date and time of sample collection
- difficulties experienced in obtaining sample (e.g., is it representative of the bulk material?)
- visual references, such as maps or photographs of the sampling site
- field observations, such as weather conditions during sampling periods
- field measurements of the materials, e.g., explosiveness, flammability, or pH (measure of acidity/alkalinity)
- whether chain-of-custody forms have been filled out for the samples
Taking Photographs
Photographs can be an accurate, objective addition to a field worker's written observations. For each photograph taken, the following information should be recorded in the field logbook:
- date, time, and name of site
- name of the photographer
- location of the subject within the site
- general compass direction of the orientation of the photograph
- general description of the subject
- sequential number of the photograph
- camera, lens, and film type used for photography
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-9. When conducting an on-site survey, which is an accurate and objective tool to use in addition to written observations?
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