Thomas F. Mattei is the Quality Assurance Manager for Avogadro. In this capacity, Mr. Mattei has is responsible for administering Avogadro’s Quality Manual, which presents the principles, practices, guidelines, policies and procedures used by Avogadro to assure the integrity of data collected. The activities, procedures, and policies can be divided into quality control and quality assurance activities, and are distinguished by the two independent functions they serve.

By complying with their Quality Manual, Avogadro’s services comply with ASTM D 7036-04, Standard Practice for the Competence of Air Emission Testing Bodies. Avogadro is in the process of completing the application for accreditation by the Stack Testing Accreditation Council (STAC), which is the accrediting body for ASTM D 7036-04.

Quality control activities are a series of routine activities conducted to provide quality data. The quality control activities include the practices and procedures performed on a daily basis that directly affect the quality of the data collected.

Quality assurance activities are performed to determine if QC functions are effective in maintaining the collection of accurate data. Quality assurance procedures involve less frequent, external checks on data accuracy.

All activities follow USEPA and individual state QA/QC requirements, which include proficiency and audit testing. Avogadro maintains applicable state certifications, where necessary, to perform laboratory analysis and stationary source testing.

As part of the quality assurance procedures, all reports are subject to hierarchical review, starting with the preparer. After preparation and review by the author, the documents are submitted to the Quality Manager for review.

When appropriate, reports are certified by a staff licensed professional engineer (PE) or a staff certified industrial hygienist (CIH).