5.1 These guidelines provide procedures for manually collecting gross samples from beneath the exposed surface of coal in railroad cars, barges, trucks, or stockpiles taking into account the wide variety of conditions that may be encountered. The samples are further processed for the laboratory to provide estimations of the coal quality. The use of this practice is conditional upon agreement among all interested parties concerning all relevant details of sample collection before sampling begins. These details include, but are not limited to: lot size; number and mass of increments; the size, shape, and manipulation of the increment collection devices; location of increment collection site or sites; circumstances under which increments are not to be collected or suspended; and safety precautions. It is preferable that such agreements be in writing. The user is cautioned that samples so obtained do not represent material below the point of penetration.

1.1 This practice covers procedures for obtaining a manual gross sample from beneath the surface of coal in railroad cars, barges, trucks, or stockpiles. These procedures are to be used to provide gross samples for estimating the quality of the coal. The gross samples are to be crushed, divided, and further prepared for analysis in accordance with Practice D2013/D2013M.

1.2 This practice provides instruction for sampling beneath the exposed surface coal to a depth of approximately 61 cm [24 in.]. Collect samples at this depth to get below the surface of the material, since drying and oxidation may have occurred at, or near the surface. Changes in moisture, in particle size, and in other properties may continue to occur deeper in the coal, although not as drastic as near the surface. The user should review the conditions of the coal (weather conditions, prior transport, settling time, and so forth, see 8.1) so that the interested parties can agree on the magnitude of the potential variation introduced by external conditions and coal handling. Sample increments collected from the surface layer(s) of coal in railroad cars, barges, or stockpiles are classified condition D (see Practice D2234/D2234M, Increment Collection Classification). Details of sampling procedure shall be agreed upon in advance by all parties concerned whenever collection of sample increments falls under condition D. This practice offers a sampling procedure that parties may use to meet requirements of Practice D2234/D2234M for condition D but does not produce samples that satisfy precision requirements of either General-Purpose Sampling or Special-Purpose Sampling as described in Practice D2234/D2234M.

1.3 The user is cautioned that samples of this type do not satisfy the minimum requirements for probability sampling and as such cannot be used to draw statistical inferences such as precision, standard error, or bias.

1.4 This sampling method is intended for use only when sampling by more reliable methods that provide a probability sample is not possible.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or non-SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.

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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.