ASTM E1387-01

Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography (Withdrawn 2010)

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in samples from a fire scene can support a field investigator’opinion regarding the origin, fuel load, and incendiary nature of a fire.
4.1.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in a fire scene does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that a fire was incendiary in nature. Further investigation may reveal a legitimate reason for the presence of ignitable liquid residues.
4.1.2 Due to the volatility of ignitable liquids and to variations in sampling techniques, the absence of detectable quantities of ignitable liquid residues does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that ignitable liquids were not present at the fire scene.
When the gas chromatographic pattern is not sufficiently complex, as described in 9.3, additional analytical techniques are required.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the identification of residues of ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extraction procedures are described in the referenced documents.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.3 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 a specific precautionary statement, see 6.3.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method covers the identification of residues of ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extraction procedures are described in the referenced documents.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences, this test method was withdrawn in February 2010 in accordance with section 10.5.3.1 of the Regulations Governing ASTM Technical Committees, which requires that standards shall be updated by the end of the eighth year since the last approval date.

General Information

• Status: Withdrawn
• Publication Date: 09-Sep-2001
• Withdrawal Date: 31-Jan-2010
• ICS: 71.040.50 - Physicochemical methods of analysis
• Technical Committee: E30 - Forensic Sciences
• Drafting Committee: E30.01 - Criminalistics

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E1387-95 - Standard Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography
• Effective Date: 10-Sep-2001

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: E1387 – 01
Standard Test Method for
Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris
1
Samples by Gas Chromatography
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1387; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope E1459 Guide for Physical Evidence Labeling and Related
Documentation
1.1 This test method covers the identification of residues of
E1492 Practice for Receiving, Documenting, Storing, and
ignitable liquids in extracts from fire debris samples. Extrac-
Retrieving Evidence in a Forensic Science Laboratory
tion procedures are described in the referenced documents.
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Ex-
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
tracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Mass Spectrometry
only.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Summary of Test Method
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 The sample extract or preparation is introduced into the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
gas chromatographic column containing a liquid phase suitable
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
for the separation of common ignitable liquid components.The
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For a specific
resulting chromatogram is interpreted by techniques of pattern
precautionary statement, see 6.3.
recognition and pattern comparison described in this test
2. Referenced Documents method. Ignitable liquids may fall into one of eight major
2
classifications, or into a “miscellaneous” category described in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
this test method.
E1385 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Steam
4. Significance and Use
3
Distillation
4.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in
E1386 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
samples from a fire scene can support a field investigator’s
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Solvent
opinion regarding the origin, fuel load, and incendiary nature
Extraction
of a fire.
E1388 Practice for Sampling of Headspace Vapors from
4.1.1 The identification of an ignitable liquid residue in a
Fire Debris Samples
fire scene does not necessarily lead to the conclusion that a fire
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
was incendiary in nature. Further investigation may reveal a
from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concen-
legitimate reason for the presence of ignitable liquid residues.
tration With Activated Charcoal
4.1.2 Due to the volatility of ignitable liquids and to
E1413 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
variations in sampling techniques, the absence of detectable
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dy-
quantities of ignitable liquid residues does not necessarily lead
namic Headspace Concentration
to the conclusion that ignitable liquids were not present at the
fire scene.
1
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeE30onForensic
4.2 Whenthegaschromatographicpatternisnotsufficiently
Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
complex, as described in 9.3, additional analytical techniques
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 2001. Published December, 2001. Originally
are required.
published as E1387 – 90. Last previous edition E1387 – 95. DOI: 10.1520/E1387-
01.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or 5. Apparatus
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
5.1 Gas Chromatograph—A chromatograph capable of us-
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
ing capillary columns and equipped with a flame ionization or
the ASTM website.
3
Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced
mass spectral detector.
on www.astm.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E1387 – 01
5.1.1 Sensitivity—The system shall be capable of detecting 6.2 Solvent/Diluent—Carbon disulfide, diethyl ether, pen-
each component of the test mixture referenced in 6.5. tane, or other solvent that will not interfere with the analysis.
5.1.2 Sample Inlet System—A sample inlet system that Itisgenerallydesirabletouseasolventwhosevolatilitygreatly
allows a reproducible volume of liquid to be injec
...