Quality Control (QC) is a system of routine technical activities, to measure and control the quality of the inventory as it is being developed. The QC system is designed to:
(a) Provide routine and consistent checks to ensure data integrity, correctness, and completeness;
(b) Identify and address errors and omissions;
(c) Document and archive inventory material and record all QC activities.
QC activities include general methods such as :
(a) accuracy checks on data acquisition and calculations
(b) the use of approved standardized procedures for emission calculations, measurements, estimating uncertainties, archiving information and reporting. Higher tier QC activities include technical reviews of source categories, activity and emission factor data, and methods.
While
Quality Assurance (QA) activities include:
(a) a planned system of review procedures conducted by personnel not directly involved in the inventory compilation/development process.
(b) Reviews,preferably by independent third parties, should be performed upon a finalized inventory following the implementation of QC procedures.
(c) Reviews verify that data quality objectives were met,
(d) ensure that the inventory represents the best possible estimates of emissions and sinks given the current state of scientific knowledge and data available, and
(e) support the effectiveness of the QC programme.
Before implementing QA/QC activities, it is necessary to determine which techniques should be used, and where and when they will be applied.
