This practice is to be used for sampling and sample preparation of iron ores and related materials, prior to use of a referee method for testing for compliance with compositional specifications for metal content or physical properties. It is assumed that all who use this procedure will be trained analysts capable of performing common laboratory practices skillfully and safely. It is expected that work will be performed in a properly equipped laboratory and that proper waste disposal procedures will be followed. Appropriate quality control practices must be followed, such as those described in Guide E 882.

Adequate methods for obtaining representative samples for testing the chemical and physical properties of a consignment of iron ore are essential. The sale and use are dependent on the chemical or physical properties, or both, of an ore.

The criteria to prevent bias may be used for both design of a sampling system and in checking the design of an existing system.

1.1 This practice covers procedures for mechanical sampling of iron ores and related materials in a falling stream or stopped-belt sampling and preparing the gross sample to the various test samples required for each characteristic to be measured. Included as Annexes are (1) design criteria to prevent bias, (2) statistical methods to determine quality variation and precisions of sampling and division, and (3) a method for comparing two sampling procedures for possible systematic differences.

1.2 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in Section 8.