1.1 This guide provides personnel who have a limited microbiological background with an understanding of the symptoms, occurrence, and consequences of chronic microbial and control of microbial contamination in fuels and fuel systems. This guide applies primarily to gasoline, aviation, boiler, industrial gas turbine, diesel, marine, and furnace fuels (see Specifications D 396, D 910, D 975, D 1655, D 2069, D 2880, D 3699, D 4814, and D 6227) and fuel systems. However, the principals discussed herein also apply generally to crude oil and all liquid petroleum fuels.

1.2 This guide is not a compilation of all of the concepts and terminology used by microbiologists, but it does provide a general understanding of microbial fuel contamination.

1.3 The values in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

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.