1.1 This guide describes manual sampling procedures for coal contained in railroad cars. These procedures are used to provide samples for general analysis and for the determination of total moisture. The gross sample is to be crushed and further prepared for analysis in accordance with Method D 2013 and Test Methods D 2234.

1.2 This guide provides instructions for sampling only the top 18 to 24 in. of a railcar. The user is cautioned that samples so obtained do not represent material below the point of penetration.

1.3 The user is cautioned that, during the removal of increments, spillage of coal from the sampling device is to be avoided. Spillage can result in a size biasing of the various sizes in the coal.

1.4 The samples obtained by this guide under Condition D (from stationary sources, see Test Methods D 2234), shall be considered less representative than samples taken from the same lot under Conditions A, B, or C (Test Methods D 2234).

1.5 The quantities stated in either acceptable SI units or in inch-pound units shall be regarded separately as standard. The quantities stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system must be used independently of the other, without combining quantities in any way.

1.6 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.