ASTM D4982-95(2001)
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Flammability Potential Screening Analysis of Waste
Standard Test Methods for Flammability Potential Screening Analysis of Waste
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods are used to indicate the fire-producing or fire-sustaining potential of wastes. The following test methods can be applied to waste liquids, sludges, or solids: SectionsTest Method A--Test Sample Exposed to Heat and Flame7-9Test Method B--Test Sample Exposed to Spark Source10 and 11
1.2 These test methods should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials under actual fire conditions. However, results of these tests may be used in addition to all other factors that are pertinent to a fire hazard assessment of a particular end use.
1.3 These test methods are designed and intended as preliminary tests to complement quantitative analytical techniques that may be used to determine flammability. These test methods offer the option and the ability to screen waste for hazardous flammability potential when the analytical techniques are not available or the total waste composition is unknown.
1.4 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 hazard information is given in Section 5 and Note 2.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:D4982–95 (Reapproved 2001)
Standard Test Methods for
Flammability Potential Screening Analysis of Waste
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 4982; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.2 Method B—Sparks from a flint lighter are introduced to
the vapor space immediately above a representative sample of
1.1 These test methods are used to indicate the fire-
a waste, and observation is made for a flash in the vapor space
producing or fire-sustaining potential of wastes. The following
or ignition of the sample.Aflash in the vapor space or ignition
test methods can be applied to waste liquids, sludges, or solids:
and burning of the waste indicates a positive flammability
Sections
potential at ambient temperature.
Test Method A—Test Sample Exposed to Heat and Flame 7-9
Test Method B—Test Sample Exposed to Spark Source 10 and 11
4. Significance and Use
1.2 These test methods should be used to measure and
4.1 These test methods are intended for use by those in the
describe the properties of materials, in response to heat and
waste management industries to aid in identifying the flamma-
flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be
bility potential or waste materials.
used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of
materials under actual fire conditions. However, results of
5. Hazards
these tests may be used in addition to all other factors that are
5.1 Avoid inhalation and skin or eye contact, or both, of any
pertinent to a fire hazard assessment of a particular end use.
hazardous materials.
1.3 These test methods are designed and intended as pre-
5.2 Standard laboratory hygiene practices should be fol-
liminary tests to complement quantitative analytical techniques
lowed when conducting these tests.
thatmaybeusedtodetermineflammability.Thesetestmethods
5.3 All tests must be performed in a laboratory hood.
offer the option and the ability to screen waste for hazardous
5.4 Waste containing or suspected of containing highly
flammability potential when the analytical techniques are not
volatile organics or peroxides should be tested using a much
available or the total waste composition is unknown.
smaller sample than that used in 9.2.
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
5.5 The aluminum weighing boat should be placed on an
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
inert, nonflammable surface.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
6. Sampling
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific hazard
6.1 Sample containers must be kept tightly sealed until
information is given in Section 5 and Note 2.
tested.
2. Terminology 6.2 Samples should be analyzed as soon as possible after
collection.
2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
6.3 If necessary, allow the sample to come to room tem-
2.1.1 screening analysis—a preliminary qualitative or semi-
perature in a tightly sealed container. For example, frozen
quantitative test that is designed to efficiently give the user
material should be allowed to thaw completely.
specific information about a waste that will aid in determining
waste identification, process compatibility, and safety in han-
TEST METHOD A—EXPOSURE TO HEAT AND
dling.
FLAME
3. Summary of Test Methods
7. Interferences
3.1 Method A—A test sample is exposed to heat and flame.
7.1 Drafts in the laboratory fume hood where the test is
The sample is reported as having a positive or negative
performed could cause excessive cooling and false negative
flammability potential as described in the test procedure.
results.Aproperly operating fume hood with a face velocity of
100 ft/min should provide consistent, usable results.
7.2 Ignition sources that provide excessive heating rates
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on
Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.05 on
alone or combined with a very small test portion may obscure
Screening Methods.
results. That is, the sample may be decomposed, sintered,
Current edition approved Oct. 10, 1995. Published December 1995. Originally
fused, evaporated, or otherwise consumed before positive or
published as D 4982 – 89. Last previous edition D 4982 – 89.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D4982
negative evidence of flammability is observed. The use of removed, the sample is said to have a positive flammability
sufficiently large test portions and of heating rates typical of a potential. A positive result may require further investigation
bunsen burner should resolve this problem. (see 9.4.1).
7.3 An inadequate source of heating could limit the volatil- 9.3.2 The confirmation of flammability may require the use
ization of flammable components and provide false negative of a watchglass (see 7.4).
results. 9.3.3 If there is no ignition, proceed to 9.4.
7.4 Difficult-to-observe flames resulting from the burning of 9.4 Using a gas burner, briefly (for at least 10 s) apply the
certain compounds (for example, methanol) could provide flame to the sample in an attempt to ignite the sample.
false negative results. If the presence of these compounds is 9.4.1 If the sample ignites, the sample is said to have a
suspected, the presence of flammability might be confirmed by positive flammability potential.
the insertion of a watchglass just above the test material. The 9.4.1.1 When more accurate waste characterization is nec-
watchglass is then examined for products of combustion (for essary, liquid samples may be quantified using a closed-cup
example, moisture and soot). flash point tester.
9.4.1.2 Solids with a positive flammability potential should
NOTE 1—The watchglass method cannot distinguish between vaporized
be further investigated.
water or water produced by combustion.
9.4.2 If the sample decomposes, boils (if a liquid), or
7.5 An improperly
...
Questions, Comments and Discussion
Ask us and Technical Secretary will try to provide an answer. You can facilitate discussion about the standard in here.