What information should be included in your Certificate of Analysis (COA)?

A quick check of your COA can save you fines and aggravation. The following are the minimum requirements for information on a COA for an EPA protocol gas.

1. Cylinder identification number (e.g. stamped cylinder number)
2. The certified concentrations for the assayed components of the EPA protocol gas, with values provided to at least three significant figures, and the balance gas
3. The calculated estimate of 95% uncertainty for each named component
4. Cylinder pressure at certification and statement that the EPA protocol gas cannot be used below 100 psig (0.7 megapascals)
5. Dates of the assays and certification. The certification date is the date of the last assay
6. Certification expiration date
7. Information about each reference standard used in the assay:
• For an NTRM, RGM or PRM: standard type, cylinder number, certified concentration, expanded uncertainty, certification expiration date
• For a GMIS: cylinder number, certified concentration, expanded uncertainty, expiration date – plus information (7.a.) about the reference material used in certifying the GMIS
8. Statement that the assay/certification was performed according to EPA protocol document EPA 600/R-12/531–plus the Procedure used: G1 or G2
9. The analytical method(s) used in the assays and date of the most recent multipoint calibration for each instrument used in the assays
10. Identification of the specialty gas producer: Company, laboratory name, city and state, PGVP vendor ID
11. Chronological record of all certifications for the standard

As required by EPA Traceability Protocol Assay and Certification of Gaseous Calibration Standards (EPA 600/R-12/531 May 2012) documentation.

In some cases, state and local air agencies can ask for more information on a Certificate of Analysis.