3.1 Prior to beginning a project that involves the removal, cutting, grinding, or burning of paint, it is necessary to determine if the coating contains hazardous materials, such as lead, as certain requirements for worker and environmental protection may need to be imposed. The presence and quantity of hazardous materials in a paint can be determined through laboratory analysis; however, since the analysis is based on the weight of the specimen, the removal of the sample must be properly controlled to improve the reliability of the test results. The number and location of samples to be removed must also be determined to characterize properly the extent of the presence of hazardous materials, if any, on a structure.

1.1 This practice covers a method to control the removal of samples of coating films from substrates for subsequent laboratory analysis for heavy metal content on a mass basis. This technique can be used in the field, the fabricating shop, or laboratory.

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

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. For specific hazard information, see Section 5, Note 1 and Note 3.