[Global] Benchmarking: Free Release of Items

[Kono, Krystyn M]

All items that are released, no matter if they fit in the TEM or not, we perform at least one disk smear to quantify for alpha.  Generally, we prefer to do a LAS on larger items (LAS's are supposed to be used on surface area of greater than 5 ft2)  because it covers more area than smears, but it is considered qualitative.  If it passes the TEM, then it is considered clean, if the LAS doesn't clear the TEM then investigate the cause.

From: Global <global-bounces at list.rpalara.org> On Behalf Of Amanda L Bastow via Global
Sent: Monday, November 17, 2025 10:41 AM
To: global at list.rpalara.org
Subject: [Global] Benchmarking: Free Release of Items

EXTERNAL - STOP & THINK before opening links and attachments.
Good morning,

I was hoping to do some quick benchmarking related to a recent observation.  During a TPE, a Technician was observed taking a masslinn of an item and surveying it with a frisker, prior to releasing it.  The RPM stopped the TPE because he believed that a quantifiable method, such as taking a disk smear and analyzing it should be required.  After further discussion, the Technician was using the same method she was taught to do during OJT. Our procedures are a little vague on what constitutes a disk smear that would give a quantitative result in dpm/100cm2, vs a qualitative method of taking a masslinn of the entire surface and using a frisker to check for contamination.  The NISP procedure (NISP-RP-007 Step 5.11) allows for the use of the TEM, but is a little vague on the requirements for items too big for the TEM.


For items that can fit in a tool and equipment monitor (TEM) / small article monitor (SAM), do you still require a disk smear that is analyzed prior to release?


For items that are too big to fit in a TEM, what are the requirements for releasing that item?

Thank you!
Amanda Bastow

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://list.rpalara.org/pipermail/global_list.rpalara.org/attachments/20251117/7a1afcb6/attachment.htm>