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.

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

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

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

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

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 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 , , and Section .