C&G Containers is dedicated to delivering products that consistently meet or exceed client expectations. Our Quality Assurance Program reflects this commitment, ensuring that every product adheres to rigorous quality standards. Our employees, management, and owners are all deeply invested in achieving this goal. We maintain quality through standardized procedures and continuous monitoring to align with the requirements of the EPA document, “Specifications and Guidance for Contaminant-Free Sample Containers” (December 1992), and to ensure customer satisfaction.
Quality Assurance & Quality Control Defined
Quality Assurance is a comprehensive system involving several components. It includes planning, reporting, and quality control. It also comprises assessment and improvement. These elements ensure products meet established quality standards.
Quality Control focuses on the reliability and continuous assessment of the products produced. Effective quality control ensures reproducibility. It involves applying sound practices and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the cleaning of sample containers.
The cornerstone of quality control is management’s commitment to producing high-quality products. C&G Containers’ Environmental Division implements robust quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure that clients receive superior products. Key components of our Quality Control Program include:
- Establishing standard operating procedures for monitoring product quality.
- Qualifying personnel through thorough training and experience.
- Monitoring and documenting the performance of personnel and equipment.
- Making necessary adjustments to equipment, procedures, or personnel to maintain product quality.
- Implementing and documenting corrective actions in response to quality issues.
At C&G Containers, we embrace a philosophy of continuous improvement. We benefit from documenting non-conforming materials, procedures, and products. These records help us develop corrective actions. This approach reduces or eliminates future issues.
EPA Cleaning Protocols
At C&G Containers, Inc., our Pre-Clean Division provides specialized cleaning services for containers, closures, and liners, ensuring the highest standards of cleanliness for a variety of applications. We offer three distinct cleaning protocols, each designed to meet the specific requirements of different analytes and testing methods.
Protocol A – Semi-Volatile Organics, Metals, & Inorganics
Our Protocol A utilizes automated cleaning systems with trace-grade nitric acid, ASTM Type I water, and a drying process to ensure containers are thoroughly cleaned for the analysis of semi-volatile organics, metals, and inorganics. Common analytes include:
- Semi-Volatile Organics: BNAs, TOC, O&G, DRO, TPH, Low-Level PAHs
- Organochlorine Pesticides (including alpha & gamma Chlordane)
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
- Metals (including Mercury)
- Inorganics: Fluoride, Cyanide, Sulfate, Sulfide, Chloride, Alkalinity, Phenolics
Common containers used: Clear and amber packers, Boston rounds, jugs, wide-mouth straight-sided soil jars, HDPE and LDPE plastics, cubitainers.
Protocol C – Inorganics
Protocol C is designed specifically for inorganics and uses a semi-automated cleaning process with trace-grade hydrochloric acid, ASTM Type I water, and drying. This protocol is ideal for analytes such as:
- Inorganics: BOD₅, TS, TSS, TDS, Ammonia, TKN, Nitrate, Nitrite, COD
- (Glass-only: TOC, O&G)
Common containers used: Glass cubitainers, HDPE modern rounds, cylinders, packers, Nalgene® containers, and straight-sided soil jars.
Protocol B – Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) & TICs
For testing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), Protocol B employs automated cleaning systems with ASTM Type I water and drying, ensuring pristine containers for VOC and TIC analysis. Common analytes include:
- Purgeable Volatile Organics
- Halogenated Volatile Hydrocarbons
- Aromatic Volatile Hydrocarbons
Common containers used: 20 mL, 40 mL, and 60 mL septa vials; 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz straight-sided jars with PTFE-lined septa.
Third-Party Validation
Each of our cleaning protocols—A, B, and C—has been rigorously tested and validated by a third-party laboratory. Detailed Certificates of Analysis are provided for each batch, ensuring compliance with the necessary reporting levels.
Pre-Clean Container Certifications
We provide detailed certification documentation for our pre-cleaned containers, ensuring they meet the highest standards for various testing protocols. Download the PDFs for each certification group below.
Group 1: Containers for Semi-Volatile Organics – Protocol A
This certification covers containers cleaned for the analysis of semi-volatile organics, including base neutrals, TOC, and other related analytes.
Group 2: Containers for Inorganics – Protocol A
Certified for containers used in the analysis of inorganics, such as fluoride, cyanide, sulfate, and more.
Group 3: Containers for Volatile Organics – Protocol B
This certification is for containers cleaned for volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis, including halogenated and aromatic hydrocarbons.
Group 4: Containers for Inorganics – Protocol C
Download the certification for containers cleaned specifically for inorganic analytes, ensuring compliance with environmental testing standards.