5.1 Representative samples of industrial chemicals are required for the determination of chemical and physical properties which are used to establish standard volumes, prices, and compliance with commercial and regulatory specifications.

5.2 The objective of sampling is to obtain a small portion (spot sample) of material from a selected area within a container which is representative of the material in the area or, in the case of running or all-level samples, a sample whose composition is representative of the total material in the container. A series of spot samples may be combined to create a representative sample.

5.3 Manual and Automatic Sampling Considerations—The selection of manual or automatic sampling devices is part of establishing a sampling plan applied under all conditions within the scope of this practice provided that the proper sampling procedures are followed. Both types of sampling are commonly used for liquid, solid, and slurry sampling and require adherence to the following:

1.1 This practice covers procedures for sampling several classes of industrial chemicals. It also includes recommendations for determining the number and location of such samples, to ensure their being representative of the lot in accordance with accepted probability sampling principles.

1.2 Although this practice describes specific procedures for sampling various liquids, solids, and slurries, in bulk or in packages, these recommendations only outline the principles to be observed. They should not take precedence over specific sampling instructions contained in other ASTM product or method standards.

1.3 These procedures are covered as follows:

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in Sections 6, 19, 20, 30, 34 and 37.

1.5 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.