In part 1 we looked at the first 3 steps (the What, Where and How) of environmental compliance monitoring. In this part 2 we look at the last 3 steps.
1. What sort of reporting do you require?
Digital dashboards are increasingly popular as a concise way to display lots of data. Dashboards can be configured to display different data sets in different ways, so your specific requirements can be usually be met.
You may, however, prefer to see your data in more traditional ways – spreadsheet presentations, waveform reports, etc. Most requirements can be readily met through this type of reporting too.
These two methodologies are not mutually exclusive – for example, dashboards can give access to other types of reports too.
You may also want to receive notification of exceedances by SMS or email – these notifications can be configured to include other appropriate people.
Finally, if you need data that can stand up in a court, you will need waveform reports that comply with appropriate standards such as AS 2187.2, DIN 4150.3, etc.
2. Making sure all your monitors remain functional
The three major concerns here are:
- Ensuring you are collecting all the data all the time
- Ensuring all monitors are in calibration
- Ensuring critical monitor parameters are within spec – for example, battery voltage, signal strength.
If you are on a turnkey service agreement, these issues all become the responsibility of the service provider.
If you like the more traditional approach, then the key things to consider are:
- Ensure data downloads occur on schedule at all times – dropouts happen from time to time, so knowing when data recovery is needed is essential.
- Establish a schedule for the regular calibration of each monitor type – for example, sound level meters need to be recalibrated every 2 years, but vibration monitors need to be done every year.
- Ensure you get regular reports on the basic status of each monitor. The most common causes of issues are battery voltage and signal strength.
- Ensure you cover your monitoring obligations while each monitor is being recalibrated – for example, the most common solution is to have the recalibrations done in the field rather than returning each unit to the supplier.
- Similarly, ensure you are covered if one of the monitors goes down. Easy access to expert assistance is usually the answer here.
3. What happens to all the equipment when the project finishes?
If you are on a turnkey service agreement, the provider will simply de-commission all the equipment and remove it from site at the end of the project or the agreement.
If you have taken the approach whereby you own the equipment, then you may look to store it for use on the next project. Just bear in mind that it will all need to be checked out before it is used again – for example, batteries deteriorate very quickly when not being used.
As with many issues, a few hours of planning before getting started will save many hours of frustration further down the track. If you’re not familiar with the all the parts of this type of project, seek expert assistance.
Texcel is your expert, independent service provider. Let us assist you
