1.1 These practices cover laboratory apparatus and reagents that are required for the chemical analysis of metals, ores and related materials by standard methods of ASTM. Detailed descriptions of recommended apparatus and detailed instructions for the preparation of standard solutions and certain nonstandardized reagents are included. An identifying number has been assigned each apparatus (see Section 8 ) and reagent (see Section 25) for convenience of reference in the analytical methods. Included also are general recommendations on the purity of reagents and protective measures for the use of hazardous reagents.

1.2 The aim of these recommendations is to present descriptions of such apparatus and reagents as are common to several ASTM methods, and thus avoid needless repetition. No attempt has been made to provide a description of every apparatus and reagent prescribed in ASTM methods for the chemical analysis of metals. Other apparatus and reagents that are required will be found listed or specified in the individual methods of analysis.

1.3 These recommendations are intended to apply to the ASTM methods of chemical analysis of metals when definite reference is made to these practices, as covered in Section 3.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of whoever uses this standard to consult and establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazards are given in Section 7 and Note 2.

Note 2--The use of the verb "shall" (with its obligatory third person meaning) in this standard has been confined to those aspects of laboratory safety where regulatory requirements are known to exist. Such regulations, however, are beyond the scope of these practices.