1.1 These practices described herein cover the preparation of milled refuse-derived fuel (RDF) sample for analyses of metals by atomic absorption spectroscopy or inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (see Appendix X1), or both.

1.2 These practices may be applicable to any waste material from which a laboratory analysis sample can be prepared.

1.3 The following four practices are described in this standard:

1.3.1 Practice A -Nitric-Hydrofluoric-Perchloric Acid Digestion.

1.3.2 Practice B -Nitric-Sulfuric-Hydrofluoric Acid Digestion.

1.3.3 Practice C -Bomb, Acid Digestion Method.

1.3.4 Practice D -Oxygen Bomb Combustion Method.

1.4 The four practices will cover the scope of preparing most RDF samples for subsequent analyses of most metals. Many times the nature of the sample and the metal in question will dictate the sample preparation technique. In such cases, modifications of these practices may be made with care as to not alter the integrity of the analyte in question.

1.5 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. For hazard statements, see Sections 9, 10.6, 14, 19, and 24.