3.1 The procedures covered in this guide are general and provide the user with information helpful for writing sampling plans, safety plans, labeling and shipping procedures, chain-of-custody procedures, general sampling procedures, general cleaning procedures, and general preservation procedures.

3.2 For purposes of this guide, it is assumed that the user has knowledge of the waste being sampled and the possible safety hazards.

3.3 This guide is not to be used when sampling sites or wastes when safety hazards are unknown. In such cases, the user shall use other more appropriate procedures.

1.1 This guide provides information for formulating and planning the many aspects of waste sampling (see 1.2) that are common to most waste sampling situations.

1.2 The aspects of sampling that this guide addresses are as follows:

Section

Safety plans

 4

Sampling plans

 5

Quality assurance considerations

 6

General sampling considerations

 7

Preservation and containerization

 8

Cleaning equipment

 9

Packaging, labeling, and shipping procedures

10

Chain-of-custody procedure

11

1.3 This guide does not provide comprehensive sampling procedures for these aspects, nor does it serve as a guide to any specific application. It is the responsibility of the user to assure that the procedures used are proper and adequate.

1.4 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.5 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. For more specific precautionary statements see 3.2, 3.3, and Section 4.