This test method describes the procedure for taking a composite sample or a master composite sample (at the mine, at the factory, or from a consignment) from a lot of commercial milled amphibole fibers, conditioning the sample, and reducing it in quantity so as to provide a series of relatively small test specimens of loose asbestos fiber, each of which may be regarded as representative of the lot.

Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee C17 on Fiber-Reinforced Cement Products, this test method was withdrawn in November 2009 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

Sampling and conditioning are equally as important as testing. The reliability of the test results depends primarily upon how well the specimens tested represent the true character and condition of the lot of asbestos fiber. Much care and effort are required to be sure that all the sampling operations are systematic or at random, and are representative. Failure to provide a test specimen that accurately represents the lot from which it is drawn will produce misleading test results regardless of the accuracy and the precision of the test method.

1.1 This test method describes the procedure for taking a composite sample or a master composite sample (at the mine, at the factory, or from a consignment) from a lot of commercial milled amphibole fibers, conditioning the sample, and reducing it in quantity so as to provide a series of relatively small test specimens of loose asbestos fiber, each of which may be regarded as representative of the lot. (See for sampling strategy.)

1.2 This test method is suitable for taking test specimens of amphibole asbestos for the following test methods: C 1119, C 1120, C 1121, C 1122, C 1123, C 1124, C 1125, C 1162, D 1118, D 2589, D 2752, D 2947, D 2985, D 2987, D 3639, D 3752, and D 3880.

1.3 For sampling chrysotile asbestos, use Method D 2590.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 Warning-Breathing of asbestos dust is hazardous. Asbestos and asbestos products present demonstrated health risks for users and for those with whom they come into contact. In addition to other precautions, when working with asbestos-cement products, minimize the dust that results. For information on the safe use of chrysoltile asbestos, refer to "Safe Use of Chrysotile Asbestos: A Manual on Preventive and Control Measures."

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. See for a specific hazard warning.