OSART Good Practices

Application of a Laboratory Information and Management System called MERLIN for the diverse jobs of a laboratory from taking samples to data evaluation. With the MERLIN application the plant has:-easily integrated corporate chemistry specifications-adjusted them to plant specifics, setting of more restrictive thresholds, setting specifications per type, date and frequency-adjusted them to the laboratory organization and job rotation system-Custom made work schedules (including analysis, samples and readings), based on workstation-scheduled analyses to be carried out-unscheduled requests from operations-keyed in, check and validate data-some considerable time thanks to the use of remote computer terminal for readings-Improved its trend analysis process-easy creation of charts, reports and curves for any chemical data-instant access to older plant data (historical records since commissioning)-Improved its QA system-track measuring instruments-enhanced first level check: display of chemical specifications when keying in results, display of 10 latest values, red marking of any deviation-display and use on-line instrument data (control charts)-enhanced supervision based on the existence of lines of defense: deviation report issued every night and immediate treatment by foremen-one single computer application for all section activities-An integrated experience feedback system to corporate level-efficient communication with corporate level: improved corporate experience feedback with instant display the data relating to all French plants in real time A risk analysis was carried out jointly with the plant computer deputy prior to the actual implementation of MERLIN. This analysis list risk of and barriers to any deficiency in the software. MERLIN has a custom made work schedule for the plant and each work station. The data input is checked with the chemistry specifications and validated or red marked for any deviation. With MERLIN the plant has a quick tool to created any kind of reports or trends with instant access to historical records since commissioning. Furthermore, MERLIN has an integrated quality assurance system and experience feedback system to corporate level. Operations and Safety & Quality departments may display MERLIN data after they have been validated by the chemistry section. The MERLIN system is one single tool for all chemistry jobs.