Air Monitoring Training Modules

This page last reviewed December 6, 2011


The Monitoring and Laboratory Division (MLD) has developed five air monitoring training modules to emphasize the key fundamentals of all aspects of ambient air monitoring. The training will be conducted by experienced staff from MLD with the exception of some individual instrument training, which may be conducted by instrument manufacturers, U.S. EPA, or both.  Training will be open to all ARB staff, staff of local air monitoring organizations, and staff of U.S. EPA. The training will be provided for initial hires as appropriate, and module four and five will be implemented on an on-going basis as needed.  The training modules are designed to last approximately one day each.

While the modules cover overall topics related to ambient air monitoring, the modules make reference to other relevant materials (i.e. 40 CFR Regulations, U.S. EPA Guidance Documents, ARB Quality Assurance Manual, ARB Standard Operating Procedures, Instrument Manuals and other related materials). The additional reference materials should be reviewed initially and periodically by appropriate personnel.

The training modules have been separated into five distinct modules identified below.

Module 1- Air Monitoring Fundamentals

This module introduces trainees to basic concepts of air monitoring, including why monitoring is performed, air monitoring terminology, network design, ARB Ambient Air Monitoring Program and basic operations of air monitoring instrumentation.

Module 2 - Station Operations

This module covers the basics of station operations. Trainees receive instruction on the use of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s), Quality Control (QC) forms, documentation, routine station checks, basic maintenance and troubleshooting, and data management.

Module 3 -  Calibration Principles

This module covers the calibration of ambient air monitoring instruments. Trainees receive instruction on concepts of calibrations, guidance related to calibrations, primary and transfer standards, flow calibrations and completion of calibration reports.

Module 4 -  Individual Instrument Training

This module consists of individual classes covering specific makes and models of instrument (i.e. API 400E). Trainees will receive instruction on the theory of operation, installation, operation and detailed maintenance and troubleshooting of the instrument. This module is designed to be hands-on.

If you would like to request training on a specific instrument, please contact Matthew Quok at (916) 445-2555.

Module 5 -  Quality Assurance

This module introduces trainees to quality assurance activities that are necessary to ensure a program, project, or both meets established data quality objectives. Topics covered in this module will vary year to year to address the various facets of quality assurance.

2011 Topic - How to Survive a Technical System Audit (TSA)

The Quality Assurance Section is pleased to announce its first ever training on "How to Survive a Technical System Audit."  The goal of the training is to prepare monitoirng organizations for a technical system audit (TSA).  A TSA is a review and evaluation of a monitoring program to assess the compliance with established regulations governing the collection, analysis, validation, and reporting of ambient air quality data.  The training will be conducted from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Sacramento on December 7 and in El Monte on December 13.  Please see the training flyer for detailed information.  

For further information regarding Modules 1 - 4, contact: Matthew Quok at (916) 445-2555.
For further information regarding Module 5, contact Laura Niles at (916) 322-9192.

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