ASTM D5679-16

Standard Practice for Sampling Consolidated Solids in Drums or Similar Containers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is intended for use in collecting samples of consolidated or compacted materials from drums or similar containers, but only in compliance with a suitable work plan prepared according to Practice D5283 and Guide D4687. If the plan so provides, samples may be collected from drums not intended to be opened and from drums that are unstable, ruptured or otherwise compromised. Special handling procedures (for example, remote drum opening, overpressurized drum opening, drum deheading, etc.) are described in Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers typical equipment and methods for collecting samples of consolidated solids in drums or similar containers. These methods are adapted specifically for sampling drums having a volume of 110 U.S. gal (416 L) or less. These methods are applicable to hazardous material, product, or waste. Specific sample collection and handling requirements should be described in the site-specific work plan.  
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2016
• ICS: 13.030.40 - Installations and equipment for waste disposal and treatment
• Technical Committee: D34 - Waste Management
• Drafting Committee: D34.01.02 - Sampling Techniques

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM D5679-95a(2012) - Standard Practice for Sampling Consolidated Solids in Drums or Similar Containers
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2016
• Refers: ASTM C783-85(2020) - Standard Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5088-20 - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5283-18 - Standard Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
• Effective Date: 01-May-2018
• Refers: ASTM C783-85(2015) - Standard Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4547-15 - Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D5088-15a - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM D4700-15 - Standard Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone (Withdrawn 2024)
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM D5088-15 - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 15-Jan-2015
• Refers: ASTM C783-85(2010)e1 - Standard Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2010
• Refers: ASTM D4547-09 - Standard Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5283-92(2009) - Standard Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2009
• Refers: ASTM D5088-02(2008) - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2008
• Refers: ASTM D4700-91(2006) - Standard Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2006
• Refers: ASTM D4687-95(2006) - Standard Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2006

Overview

ASTM D5679-16: Standard Practice for Sampling Consolidated Solids in Drums or Similar Containers specifies procedures for collecting representative samples from consolidated or compacted solids stored in drums or similar containers with a capacity of 110 U.S. gallons (416 liters) or less. Developed by ASTM International, this standard is especially relevant for handling hazardous materials, products, or waste, supporting safe and reliable waste characterization and environmental compliance.

Sampling consolidated solids, especially those within drums that may be unstable or compromised, requires adherence to an approved site-specific work plan to ensure worker safety, data accuracy, and regulatory compliance. ASTM D5679-16 outlines the recommended equipment, pre-sampling preparations, sampling techniques, quality assurance, and post-sampling practices.

Key Topics

• Applicability

  • Suitable for drums and containers up to 110 U.S. gallons
  • Used for hazardous materials, waste, or products
  • Must be performed under an approved work plan in accordance with ASTM D5283 and D4687

• Equipment and Methods

  • Recommended equipment: augers, chippers, rotating corers, thin-wall tube samplers, hammers, chisels, and non-sparking tools
  • Equipment material options include stainless steel, brass, aluminum, or plastic
  • Devices must be selected to minimize contamination and ensure safety

• Sampling Process

  • Visual inspection and identification of drums
  • Controlled opening of drums, with attention to abnormal conditions (pressure, bulges, leaks)
  • Use of clean, decontaminated sampling equipment
  • Appropriate labeling and documentation for each sample
  • Special handling procedures for compromised or overpressurized drums

• Safety and Quality Control

  • Emphasis on implementing appropriate health and safety protocols
  • Collection of quality control (QC) samples such as equipment blanks, trip blanks, and duplicates
  • Cleaning or proper disposal of all equipment post-sampling

Applications

ASTM D5679-16 is widely used in environmental site investigations, waste disposal site management, hazardous material handling, and regulatory compliance efforts, especially where robust, reproducible solid sampling from drums is required. Specific application examples include:

• Hazardous Waste Characterization
  Sampling consolidated solids from waste storage drums to determine chemical composition and guide remediation, disposal, or treatment

• Site Remediation Projects
  Collecting representative samples for analysis at hazardous waste sites during site assessments or cleanup operations

• Regulatory Compliance Testing
  Implementing sampling protocols for materials subject to environmental regulations, prior to transportation or disposal

• Industrial Operations
  Quality assurance of stored solid products, process byproducts, or waste streams

Organizations following ASTM D5679-16 benefit from standardized procedures that minimize sampling error, support worker safety, and generate reliable results needed for data-driven decisions.

Related Standards

Several ASTM and government standards complement or reference ASTM D5679-16, providing additional guidance on sampling techniques, safety, and data quality:

• ASTM D5283 - Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
• ASTM D4687 - Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
• ASTM D4547 - Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• ASTM D4700 - Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
• ASTM D5088 - Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• EPA/600/2-86/013 - Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites
• NSC Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations
• Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities (NIOSH, OSHA, USCG, EPA)

Adopting ASTM D5679-16 along with these related documents ensures best practices in the sampling and handling of consolidated solids in drums, supporting environmental protection and workplace safety.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D5679 − 16
Standard Practice for
Sampling Consolidated Solids in Drums or Similar
Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5679; 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 2.2 NSC Document:
Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations,
1.1 This practice covers typical equipment and methods for
collecting samples of consolidated solids in drums or similar
2.3 Government Documents:
containers. These methods are adapted specifically for sam-
Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites,EPA/
pling drums having a volume of 110 U.S. gal (416 L) or less.
600/2-86/013, January 1986
These methods are applicable to hazardous material, product,
Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for
or waste. Specific sample collection and handling requirements
Hazardous Waste Site Activities, National Institute for
should be described in the site-specific work plan.
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Coast
as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for
Guard (USCG), and U.S. Environmental Protection
information only.
Agency (EPA), October 1985
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3. Terminology
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1 Definitions:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3.1.1 bonding—touching the sampling equipment to the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
drum to form an electrically conductive path to minimize
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
potential electrical differences between the sampling equip-
ment and the drum, reducing the buildup of static electricity.
2. Referenced Documents
2 3.1.2 bung—usually a 2-in. (5.1-cm) or ⁄4-in. (1.3-cm)
2.1 ASTM Standards:
diameter threaded plug designed specifically to close a bung
C702 PracticeforReducingSamplesofAggregatetoTesting
hole.
Size
3.1.3 bung hole—an opening in a barrel or drum through
C783 Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes
which it can be filled, emptied, or vented.
D4547 Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile
Organic Compounds
3.1.4 consolidated—the characteristic of being cemented or
D4687 Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
compacted, or both, and not separated easily into smaller
D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
particles.
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
3.1.5 deheading—removal of the lid of a closed-head drum;
Used at Waste Sites
usually accomplished with a drum deheader.
D5283 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Re-
3.1.6 drum—implies any drum, barrel, or non-bulk con-
lated to Waste ManagementActivities: QualityAssurance
tainer of 5 to 110 U.S. gal (19 to 416 L) capacity.
and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
3.1.7 pail—a small container, usually with a capacity of 5
U.S. gal (19 L). Pails typically have bungs or spouts, or the
entire lid can be removed.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.02 on
3.1.8 paperwork—all required site documentation, which
Sampling Techniques.
may include the manifests, waste profiles, material safety data
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2016. Published September 2016. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D5679 – 95a (2012).
DOI: 10.1520/D5679-16. Available from National Safety Council (NSC), 1121 Spring Lake Dr., Itasca,
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or IL 60143-3201, http://www.nsc.org.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM AvailablefromU.S.GovernmentPrintingOfficeSuperintendentofDocuments,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
the ASTM website. www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5679 − 16
sheets (MSDS), site forms, sample labels, custody seals, and opportunitytobeincludedinasample.Sampleparticlesshould
chain of custody forms. be selected by techniques that will minimize variation in
measured characteristics between the available fractions and
3.1.9 work plan—a plan, specific to a particular site, for
the resulting sample (Practice C702).
conducting activities specified in the plan.
7.1.5 The sampling equipment, sample preparation
4. Summary of Practice
equipment,samplecontainers,etc.mustbeclean,dry,andinert
tothematerialbeingsampled.Allequipment,includingsample
4.1 Thedrumanditscontentsareinspected,andappropriate
containers, must be inspected before use to ensure that they are
sampling equipment is selected.Aclean device is then used to
clear of obvious dirt and contamination and in good working
auger, chisel, chip, or core into the consolidated solid material
condition. Visible contamination must be removed, and the
to be sampled. The sample is collected and placed in a sample
equipment must be decontaminated with the appropriate rinse
container. The sampling device is then cleaned and decontami-
materials. Decontaminated sampling equipment should be
nated or disposed of.
protected from contamination. This may include, but not be
limited to, storage in aluminum foil, plastic bags, polytetra-
5. Significance and Use
fluoroethylene (PTFE) film, or other means of protection that
5.1 This practice is intended for use in collecting samples of
will not impact the sample quality or intended analysis.
consolidated or compacted materials from drums or similar
containers, but only in compliance with a suitable work plan 7.2 Basic Pre-Sampling Practices:
prepared according to Practice D5283 and Guide D4687.Ifthe
7.2.1 Review all paperwork.
plan so provides, samples may be collected from drums not
7.2.2 Select the sampling equipment and sample containers
intended to be opened and from drums that are unstable,
appropriateforthematerialinthedrum,asdetailedinthework
ruptured or otherwise compromised. Special handling proce-
plan.
dures (for example, remote drum opening, overpressurized
7.2.3 Enter the work zone.
drum opening, drum deheading, etc.) are described in Drum
7.2.4 Inspect all drums to be sampled visually. Note any
Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites.
abnormal conditions, including rust marks, stains, bulges, or
other signs of pressurization or leaks that may require special
6. Interferences
handling. The work plan should define clearly the limiting
6.1 The condition of the materials to be sampled and the
conditions under which special handling procedures shall be
condition and accessibility of the drums will have a significant
initiated. See Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste
impact on the selection of sampling equipment.
Sites for information on opening overpressurized drums and
the use of remotely operated drum opening equipment.
7. Pre-Sampling
7.2.5 Stage the drums to be sampled in a designated work
7.1 General Principles and Precautions:
area if they cannot be sampled in their current location. See
7.1.1 Samples should be collected in accordance with an
Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites for further
appropriate work plan (Practice D5283 and Guide D4687).
information on staging drums.
This plan must include a worker health and safety section
7.2.5.1 Move the drums to upright stable positions if nec-
because there are potential hazards associated with opening
essary. Sufficient space shall be left between drums to prevent
drums as well as potentially hazardous contents. See Occupa-
movement hazards.
tional Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous
7.2.5.2 Number or identify uniquely all drums to be
Waste Site Activities for information on health and safety at
sampled.
hazardous waste sites.
7.2.6 Perform a detailed inspection of individual drums.
7.1.2 Correct sampling procedures must be applied to the
7.2.6.1 Record all relevant information from the drum
conditions as they are encountered. It is impossible to specify
labels, markings, data sheets, etc. in the field log book or on
rigid rules describing the exact manner of sample collection
forms specified in the work plan.
because of unknowns associated with each solid sampling
7.2.6.2 Make sure there are no discrepancies with existing
situation. It is essential that the samples be collected by a
paperwork.
trained and experienced sampler because the various condi-
7.2.7 Slowly loosen the ring that secures the lid or loosen
tions under which drummed solids must be sampled.
the bung, allowing any pressure or vacuum to equalize.
7.1.3 To be able to make probability or confidence state-
ments concerning the properties of a sampled lot, the sampling 7.2.7.1 Precautionary Notes:
procedure must allow for some element of randomness in (1) If the drum or pail appears to be under positive or
selection because of the possible variations in the material.The negative pressure (that is, a slight lid bulge or dimple), control
sampler should always be on the alert for possible biases the release of pressure until it has equalized. For example, if
arising from the use of a particular sampling device or from the drum or pail is equipped with bungs, loosen the smaller
unexpected segregation within the material. bung first since doing so will make it easier to control the
7.1.4 All augering, chipping, or flaking sampling methods release of pressure.
may fail a prime sampling requirement: that of random (2) If the top of the drum is dished inward (dimpled), it
selection of sample fractions. Particles on the bottom or along may “pop” when equalizing pressure, spraying the sampler
the sides of the drum may consequently never have an with any material that is sitting on top of the drum.
D5679 − 16
(3) If there is evidence of a chemical reaction or sudden 7.3.3.5 Hammer and chisel.
pressure buildup, the sampler should leave the area immedi- 7.3.3.6 Auger.
ately and evaluate whether remote drum opening equipment 7.3.3.7 Pry bars.
should be used. 7.3.3.8 Wipes or cloths, or both.
(4) For flammable or explosive materials, the drum and
7.3.3.9 Spatula.
sampling equipment should be grounded if the generation of 7.3.3.10 Sample containers, lids, and liners.
static electricity while opening or sampling the drum is a
7.3.3.11 Sample labels.
possibility. The drum and sampling equipment should be 7.3.3.12 Chain of custody forms.
grounded to a ground stake or to an existing ground (building
7.3.3.13 Field log books.
ground, grounded water pipes, etc.). New sampling equipment 7.3.3.14 Sample cooler.
may have some residual static electrical charge due to the
7.3.3.15 Ice or gel ice.
materials in which they are packed and shipped.The work plan
7.3.3.16 Grounding c
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: D5679 − 95a (Reapproved 2012) D5679 − 16
Standard Practice for
Sampling Consolidated Solids in Drums or Similar
Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5679; 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
1.1 This practice covers typical equipment and methods for collecting samples of consolidated solids in drums or similar
containers. These methods are adapted specifically for sampling drums having a volume of 110 U.S. gal (416 L) or less. These
methods are applicable to hazardous material, product, or waste. Specific sample collection and handling requirements should be
described in the site-specific work plan.
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C702 Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size
C783 Practice for Core Sampling of Graphite Electrodes
D4547 Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
D4687 Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
D5283 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management Activities: Quality Assurance and Quality
Control Planning and Implementation
2.2 NSC Document:
Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations, 1985
2.3 Government Documents:
Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites, EPA/600/2-86/013, January 1986
Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities, National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), October 1985
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 bonding—touching the sampling equipment to the drum to form an electrically conductive path to minimize potential
electrical differences between the sampling equipment and the drum, reducing the buildup of static electricity.
3.1.2 bung—usually a 2-in. (5.1-cm) or ⁄4-in. (1.3-cm) diameter threaded plug designed specifically to close a bung hole.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.02 on Sampling
Techniques.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2012Sept. 1, 2016. Published November 2012September 2016. Originally approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 20062012
as D5679 – 95a (2006). (2012). DOI: 10.1520/D5679-95AR12.10.1520/D5679-16.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from National Safety Council (NSC), 1121 Spring Lake Dr., Itasca, IL 60143-3201, http://www.nsc.org.
Available from U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, 732 N. Capitol St., NW, Mail Stop: SDE, Washington, DC 20401, http://
www.access.gpo.gov.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5679 − 16
3.1.3 bung hole—an opening in a barrel or drum through which it can be filled, emptied, or vented.
3.1.4 consolidated—the characteristic of being cemented or compacted, or both, and not separated easily into smaller particles.
3.1.5 deheading—removal of the lid of a closed-head drum; usually accomplished with a drum deheader.
3.1.6 drum—implies any drum, barrel, or non-bulk container of 5 to 110 U.S. gal (19 to 416 L) capacity.
3.1.7 pail—a small container, usually with a capacity of 5 U.S. gal (19 L). Pails typically have bungs or spouts, or the entire
lid can be removed.
3.1.8 paperwork—all required site documentation, which may include the manifests, waste profiles, material safety data sheets
(MSDS), site forms, sample labels, custody seals, and chain of custody forms.
3.1.9 work plan—a plan, specific to a particular site, for conducting activities specified in the plan.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 The drum and its contents are inspected, and appropriate sampling equipment is selected. A clean device is then used to
auger, chisel, chip, or core into the consolidated solid material to be sampled. The sample is collected and placed in a sample
container. The sampling device is then cleaned and decontaminated or disposed of.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This practice is intended for use in collecting samples of consolidated or compacted materials from drums or similar
containers, including those but only in compliance with a suitable work plan prepared according to Practice D5283 and Guide
D4687. If the plan so provides, samples may be collected from drums not intended to be opened and from drums that are unstable,
ruptured,ruptured or compromised otherwise.otherwise compromised. Special handling procedures (for example, remote drum
opening, overpressurized drum opening, drum deheading, etc.) are described in Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste
Sites.
6. Interferences
6.1 The condition of the materials to be sampled and the condition and accessibility of the drums will have a significant impact
on the selection of sampling equipment.
7. Pre-Sampling
7.1 General Principles and Precautions:
7.1.1 Samples should be collected in accordance with an appropriate work plan (Practice D5283 and Guide D4687). This plan
must include a worker health and safety section because there are potential hazards associated with opening drums as well as
potentially hazardous contents. See Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities for
information on health and safety at hazardous waste sites.
7.1.2 Correct sampling procedures must be applied to the conditions as they are encountered. It is impossible to specify rigid
rules describing the exact manner of sample collection because of unknowns associated with each solid sampling situation. It is
essential that the samples be collected by a trained and experienced sampler because the various conditions under which drummed
solids must be sampled.
7.1.3 To be able to make probability or confidence statements concerning the properties of a sampled lot, the sampling
procedure must allow for some element of randomness in selection because of the possible variations in the material. The sampler
should always be on the alert for possible biases arising from the use of a particular sampling device or from unexpected
segregation within the material.
7.1.4 All augering, chipping, or flaking sampling methods may fail a prime sampling requirement: that of random selection of
sample fractions. Particles on the bottom or along the sides of the drum may consequently never have an opportunity to be included
in a sample. Sample particles should be selected by techniques that will minimize variation in measured characteristics between
the available fractions and the resulting sample (Practice C702).
7.1.5 The sampling equipment, sample preparation equipment, sample containers, etc. must be clean, dry, and inert to the
material being sampled. All equipment, including sample containers, must be inspected before use to ensure that they are clear of
obvious dirt and contamination and in good working condition. Visible contamination must be removed, and the equipment must
be decontaminated with the appropriate rinse materials. Decontaminated sampling equipment should be protected from
contamination. This may include, but not be limited to, storage in aluminum foil, plastic bags, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) film,
or other means of protection that will not impact the sample quality or intended analysis.
7.2 Basic Pre-Sampling Practices:
7.2.1 Review all paperwork.
7.2.2 Select the sampling equipment and sample containers appropriate for the material in the drum, as detailed in the work plan.
7.2.3 Enter the work zone.
7.2.4 Inspect all drums to be sampled visually. Note any abnormal conditions, including rust marks, stains, bulges, or other signs
of pressurization or leaks that may require special handling. The work plan should define clearly the limiting conditions under
D5679 − 16
which special handling procedures shall be initiated. See Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites for information on
opening overpressurized drums and the use of remotely operated drum opening equipment.
7.2.5 Stage the drums to be sampled in a designated work area if they cannot be sampled in their current location. See Drum
Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites for further information on staging drums.
7.2.5.1 Move the drums to upright stable positions if necessary. Sufficient space shall be left between drums to prevent
movement hazards.
7.2.5.2 Number or identify uniquely all drums to be sampled.
7.2.6 Perform a detailed inspection of individual drums.
7.2.6.1 Record all relevant information from the drum labels, markings, data sheets, etc. in the field log book or on forms
specified in the work plan.
7.2.6.2 Make sure there are no discrepancies with existing paperwork.
7.2.7 Slowly loosen the ring that secures the lid or loosen the bung, allowing any pressure or vacuum to equalize.
7.2.7.1 Precautionary Notes:
(1) If the drum or pail appears to be under positive or negative pressure (that is, a slight lid bulge or dimple), control the release
of pressure until it has equalized. For example, if the drum or pail is equipped with bungs, loosen the smaller bung first since doing
so will make it easier to control the release of pressure.
(2) If the topetop of the drum is dished inward (dimpled), it may “pop” when equalizing pressure, spraying the sampler with
any material that is sitting on top of the drum.
(3) If there is evidence of a chemical reaction or sudden pressure buildup, the sampler should leave the area immediately and
evaluate whether remote drum opening equipment should be used.
(4) For flammable or explosive materials, the drum and sampling equipment should be grounded if the generation of static
electricity while opening or sampling the drum is a possibility. The drum and sampling equipment should be grounded to a ground
stake or to an existing ground (building ground, grounded water pipes, etc.). New sampling equipment may have some residual
static electrical charge due to the materials in which they are packed and shipped. The work plan should specify whether grounding
is necessary. See Accident Prevention Manual for Industrial Operations for information on grounding and bonding.
7.2.7.2 Drums should be opened, sampled, and closed individually to minimize the risk of exposure.
7.2.7.3 Drums (or
...