Inside EMA’s laboratory

What is it?
It is a national institute built for support and advice on all aspects of environmental quality, research, treatment studies, training and environmental quality information.
The laboratory provides analysis on: Industrial, domestic, mining, agricultural wastewater and drinking, surface, borehole and mineral water. It also analyses soil, hazardous substances and consultancy services.

Where is it?
The EMAL is located at No. 6 off Pauling Drive, King George VI (KG VI) Borrowdale in Harare.
What are the sampling procedures?

Follow the procedure on how to properly collect the water sample:
A. For physical – chemical testing
1. Collect the water sample into 2-litre clean plastic containers
2. For cyanide, collect the water in a clean 500ml glass container. Preserve with 0,5 ml, 50 percent NaOH per 250ml of sample.
3. For oil and grease, collect the water into a 1 litre clean, glass amber container.

B. Bacteriological testing
Sampling preparation
For metal taps, use a propane or butane burner to disinfect by flaming

•  Turn tap on and leave it to run for 2-3 minutes. Then turn it off.

• Flame thoroughly staring at the top nozzle end working backwards. Water in spout should boil.

• Methylated spirit flames are not hot enough and are difficult to control.

• After flaming, turn tap on and leave to run for 2-3 minutes until water is cool.

Collecting the water in a sterilised bottle

• Adjust flow to generate steam. Hold in hand and remove bottle cap with another hand. Do not put cap down. Allow bottle to fill to shoulder.

• Never rinse out the bottle

• Replace cap tightly and shake the bottle

• Place the bottle in a cool box and deliver to the laboratory promptly (within 4hrs)

For plastic taps or where flaming is not permitted, use 10 percent sodium hypochlorite solution, Waterguard or JIK solution (1 percent available chlorine).

• Remove any external fittings, grease or slim with a clean swab.

• Turn tap on and leave it to run for 2-3 minutes.

• Disinfect inside and outside of tap by swabbing with 10 percent sodium hypochlorite solution

• Alternatively use a wash bottle filled some sodium hypochlorite, spray the outside and inside of the tap spout

• Wait for 2-3 minutes to allow sodium hypochlorite or disinfectant.

• Turn tap on and leave to run for five minutes to remove all disinfectant.

• Collect sample as outlined in steps 1 to 4 under “Collecting the water in a sterilised bottle”

How do I label my sample?
Label the sample bottle with the following information:
– Name and address of the client.
– Date and time of sampling.
– Reason for wanting the test done.

How can l send my samples to the laboratory?
The client may bring the samples to the laboratory in person or use courier service. The sample must be secure to avoid breakage and spillage during transit.

The laboratory can also provide an additional service of sampling and then transports the samples to the laboratory. A fee is charged and is available upon request.

What International standards has the EMAL acquired?
The EMAL is pleased to inform the nation that the laboratory has been accredited by the Southern African Development Community Accreditation Services (SADCAS) to ISO/IEC 17025, 2005. This has enabled the laboratory to offer reliable laboratory testing services. The laboratory developed a policy statement to guide it.

POLICY STATEMENT
Management at EMAL is committed to continuous improvement of the effectiveness of the management system based on ISO 17025 requirements, making the laboratory a reliable destination for analysis of a wide range of environmental samples with the overall objective of providing quality services to all customers.

To achieve this, EMAL uses state-of-the-art equipment, validated test methods, trained and competent staff and ensures that all personnel practise good professionalism by adhering to, familiarising with and implementing the management system on a day to day basis.
Environmental Management Agency is therefore cordially inviting you to the EMAL Open Day, to be held on November 1, 2013 at EMA KGVI Offices starting at 1000 hours.

Please talk to us. We are always ready to listen. Email: [email protected]; Tel: 04 305543; Tollfree 08080028.