This test method may be used for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of bulk plumage. Acceptance tolerances of content must be established between the purchaser and seller of bulk shipments of plumage, which also must comply with state and federal agency regulations, as appropriate.

In case of a dispute arising from differences in reported test results when using Test Method D4524 for acceptance testing of commercial shipments, the purchaser and the supplier should conduct comparative tests to determine if there is a statistical bias between their laboratories. Competent statistical assistance is recommended for the investigation of bias. As a minimum, the two parties should take a group of test specimens that are as homogeneous as possible and that are from a lot of material of the type in question. The test specimens should then be randomly assigned in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. The average results from the two laboratories should be compared using Student's t-test for unpaired data and an acceptable probability level chosen by the two parties before the testing is begun. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected or the purchaser and the supplier must agree to interpret test results in the light of the known bias.

This test method may also be applicable to the acceptance of consumer products that use plumage as a filling material. Such consumer products include pillows, comforters, sleeping bags, garments, furniture, and mattresses. Acceptance tolerances of content are established by distributors, importers, state or federal regulatory agencies. See 5.1.1.

1.1 This test method covers the quantitative determination of the components found in plumage. The test method is applicable for plumage found in bulk form or in finished consumer products.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 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.