6.1 It is intended that this practice be used to provide a sample representative of the coal from which it is collected. Because of the variability of coal and the wide variety of mechanical sampling equipment available, caution should be used in all stages of the sample collection process, the design of sampling system specifications, the equipment procurement, and the acceptance testing of installed equipment.

6.2 After removal from the sampling system and further preparation (Practice D2013/D2013M), the sample may be analyzed for a number of different parameters. These parameters may define the lot's value, its ability to meet specifications, its environmental impact, as well as other properties.

1.1 This practice is divided into four parts: A, B, C, and D. These four parts represent the previous Practices D7256/D7256M, D4916, D4702, and D6518. These four standards are the four that govern the mechanical sampling of coal and have been combined into one document for the ease of reference of the users of these standards.

1.2 The scope of Part A can be found in Section 4.

1.3 The scope of Part B can be found in Section 13.

1.4 The scope of Part C can be found in Section 19.

1.5 The scope of Part D can be found in Section 32.

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. For specific hazard statements, see Sections 7, 16, 21, 35, and 38.1.1.

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.