ASTM D5680-14(2022)

Standard Practice for Sampling Unconsolidated Solids in Drums or Similar Containers

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This practice is intended for use in collecting samples of unconsolidated solid materials from drums or similar containers, including those that are unstable, ruptured, or compromised otherwise. Special handling procedures (for example, remote drum opening, overpressurized drum opening, drum deheading, etc.) are described in EPA/600/2-86/013, Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice covers typical equipment and methods for collecting samples of unconsolidated 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 standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 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.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 30-Apr-2022
• 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

• Refers: ASTM D5088-20 - Standard Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM D6009-19 - Standard Guide for Sampling Waste Piles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6323-19 - Standard Guide for Laboratory Subsampling of Media Related to Waste Management Activities
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM D6063-11(2018) - Standard Guide for Sampling of Drums and Similar Containers by Field Personnel
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2018
• 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 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 D6323-12 - Standard Guide for Laboratory Subsampling of Media Related to Waste Management Activities
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6323-12e1 - Standard Guide for Laboratory Subsampling of Media Related to Waste Management Activities (Withdrawn 2018)
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5633-04(2012) - Standard Practice for Sampling with a Scoop
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM D5451-93(2012) - Standard Practice for Sampling Using a Trier Sampler
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6009-12 - Standard Guide for Sampling Waste Piles
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2012
• Refers: ASTM D6063-11 - Standard Guide for Sampling of Drums and Similar Containers by Field Personnel
• Effective Date: 15-Nov-2011

Overview

ASTM D5680-14(2022), "Standard Practice for Sampling Unconsolidated Solids in Drums or Similar Containers," is a widely recognized standard published by ASTM International. The standard provides guidelines for the collection of representative samples from drums or similar containers holding unconsolidated solids, such as hazardous materials, products, or waste. It applies to containers with a capacity of 110 U.S. gallons (416 liters) or less, including those that may be unstable, ruptured, or otherwise compromised.

This practice is essential for organizations involved in waste management, environmental site assessments, and hazardous materials handling. It details typical equipment, sampling methods, and the critical health and safety considerations necessary when collecting solid samples for environmental analysis or compliance.

Key Topics

• Scope of Application
  The standard covers methods for collecting samples from drums and similar containers. It highlights the need for a well-defined, site-specific sampling plan that addresses safety, health, and environmental concerns.

• Sampling Equipment and Techniques
  Various sampling tools are recommended, including:

  • Scoops and shovels
  • Augers
  • Trier samplers
  • Thin-walled tubes
  • Concentric tube thiefs
  • Scissors and tongs

  Equipment selection depends on the nature and physical state of the solid material.

• Safety and Handling Procedures
  Special precautions are provided for handling and opening overpressurized, unstable, or hazardous containers. The use of non-sparking tools, proper grounding and bonding of sampling equipment, and adherence to health and safety plans are emphasized.

• Quality Assurance
  The standard highlights the importance of collecting quality control samples-such as equipment blanks, trip blanks, and duplicates-to ensure reliability and accuracy of environmental data.

• Documentation and Recordkeeping
  Completing all site paperwork, accurate labeling, and chain-of-custody procedures are integral to the sampling process.

Applications

ASTM D5680-14(2022) is used by a range of professionals and organizations, including:

• Environmental Consultants and Laboratories
  For site assessments, waste characterization, and regulatory compliance sampling.

• Waste Management Companies
  Ensuring safe and representative sampling of drums containing potentially hazardous or unknown solid waste.

• Industrial Operations
  When product or by-product sampling is required for quality control or environmental reporting.

• Regulatory Authorities
  To verify proper sampling procedures are followed at hazardous waste sites or during remediation projects.

The standard is suitable for both routine and emergency sampling situations and allows adaptability in methods depending on site-specific risks and material characteristics.

Related Standards

ASTM D5680-14(2022) references and complements several other ASTM and regulatory standards, including:

• ASTM D4547: Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds
• ASTM D5451: Sampling Using a Trier Sampler
• ASTM D5633: Sampling with a Scoop
• ASTM D4700: Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
• ASTM D5088: Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites
• ASTM D6009, D6044, D6051, D6063, D6311, D6323: Related to sampling and data quality for waste and contaminated media
• EPA/600/2-86/013: Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites
• Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual: For hazardous waste site activities

Practical Value

Implementing ASTM D5680-14(2022) enables organizations to:

• Meet regulatory and safety requirements for sampling hazardous or unknown solids in drums.
• Reduce error, sampling bias, and safety risks.
• Ensure collection of representative samples for laboratory analysis and data quality objectives.
• Document procedures and maintain traceability, supporting legal and environmental compliance.

Using this standard supports consistent, reliable handling and sampling practices for unconsolidated solids, contributing to safer, more effective management of hazardous materials and waste.

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: D5680 − 14 (Reapproved 2022)
Standard Practice for
Sampling Unconsolidated Solids in Drums or Similar
Containers
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5680; 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 D5088 Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment
Used at Waste Sites
1.1 This practice covers typical equipment and methods for
D5283 Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Re-
collecting samples of unconsolidated solids in drums or similar
lated to Waste ManagementActivities: QualityAssurance
containers. These methods are adapted specifically for sam-
and Quality Control Planning and Implementation
pling drums having a volume of 110 U.S. gal (416 L) or less.
D5451 Practice for Sampling Using a Trier Sampler
These methods are applicable to hazardous material, product,
D5633 Practice for Sampling with a Scoop
or waste. Specific sample collection and handling requirements
D6009 Guide for Sampling Waste Piles
should be described in the site-specific work plan.
D6044 Guide for Representative Sampling for Management
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
of Waste and Contaminated Media
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
D6051 Guide for Composite Sampling and Field Subsam-
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only
pling for Environmental Waste Management Activities
and are not considered standard.
D6063 GuideforSamplingofDrumsandSimilarContainers
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the by Field Personnel
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
D6311 Guide for Generation of Environmental Data Related
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- to Waste ManagementActivities: Selection and Optimiza-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
tion of Sampling Design
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. D6323 Guide for Laboratory Subsampling of Media Related
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
to Waste Management Activities
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- E300 Practice for Sampling Industrial Chemicals
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
2.2 NSC Document:
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
AccidentPreventionManualforIndustrialOperations,1992
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
2.3 Government Documents:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
EPA/600/2-86/013 Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous
Waste Sites, January 1986
2. Referenced Documents
EPA/540/4-91/001 Soil Sampling and Analysis for Volatile
Compounds, February 1991
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for
C702/C702M Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate
Hazardous Waste Site Activities, National Institute for
to Testing Size
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational
D4547 Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Coast
Organic Compounds
Guard (USCG), and U.S Environmental Protection
D4687 Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling
Agency (EPA), October 1985
D4700 Guide for Soil Sampling from the Vadose Zone
3. Terminology
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste
3.1 Definitions:
Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.02 on
3.1.1 bonding—touching the sample equipment to the drum
Sampling Techniques.
to form an electrically conductive path to minimize potential
Current edition approved May 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally
approved in 1995. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as D5680 – 14. DOI:
10.1520/D5680-14R22.
2 3
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or Available from National Safety Council, P.O. Box 558, Itasca, IL 60143-0558.
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing
the ASTM website. Office, Washington, DC 20402.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D5680 − 14 (2022)
electrical differences between the sampling equipment and the hazards associated with opening drums as well as potentially
drum, reducing the buildup of static electricity. hazardous contents. See Occupational Safety and Health Guid-
ance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities for informa-
3.1.2 bung—usually a 2-in. (5.1-cm) or ⁄4-in. (1.3-cm)
tion on health and safety at hazardous waste sites.
diameter threaded plug designed specifically to close a bung
7.1.2 Correct sampling procedures must be applied to the
hole.
conditions as they are encountered. It is impossible to specify
3.1.3 bung hole—an opening in a barrel or drum through
rigid rules describing the exact manner of sample collection
which it can be filled, emptied, or vented.
because of unknowns associated with each solid sampling
3.1.4 deheading—removal of the lid of a closed-head drum;
situation. It is essential that the samples be collected by a
usually accomplished with a drum deheader.
trained and experienced sampler because of the various con-
3.1.5 drum—a cylindrical non-bulk container of 5 to 110 ditions under which drummed solids must be sampled.
U.S. gal (19 to 416 L) capacity.
7.1.3 To be able to make probability or confidence state-
ments concerning the properties of a sampled lot, the sampling
3.1.6 pail—a small container, usually with a capacity of 5
procedure must allow for some element of randomness in
U.S. gal. Pails typically have bungs or spouts, or the entire lid
selection because of the possible variations in the material.The
can be removed.
sampler should always be on the alert for possible biases
3.1.7 paperwork—all required site documentation, which
arising from the use of a particular sampling device or from
may include the manifests, waste profiles, material safety data
unexpected segregation within the material.
sheets (MSDS), site forms, sample labels, custody seals, and
7.1.4 All auger, trier, thief, shovel, and scoop methods may
chain-of-custody forms.
fail a prime sampling requirement: that of random selection of
3.1.8 unconsolidated—for solid material, the characteristic
sample fractions. Scoops and shovels are limited to use at or
of being uncemented or uncompacted, or both, and separated
near the top surface. Augers, triers, and thiefs are normally
easily into smaller particles.
inserted in a preset pattern. Particles on the bottom or along the
3.1.9 work plan—a plan specific to a particular site, for
sides of the drum may consequently never have an opportunity
conducting activities specified in the plan.
to be included in a sample. Sample particles should be selected
by techniques that will minimize variation in measured char-
4. Summary of Practice
acteristics between the available fractions and the resulting
4.1 Thedrumanditscontentsareinspected,andappropriate sample (Practice C702/C702M). Many of these disadvantages
sampling equipment is selected. A clean sampling device is
may be eliminated if the drum contents can be emptied onto a
then used to auger, shovel, scoop, or core into the unconsoli- protected flat surface, allowing representative sampling of the
dated solid material to be sampled.The sample is collected and
disturbed pile using techniques described in Guides D6009 and
placed in a sample container. After use the sampling device is D6323.
then either disposed of or cleaned and decontaminated before
7.1.5 The “Degenerative Fractional Shoveling Technique”
re-use.
may be considered for representative sampling of the uncon-
solidated contents of drums or similar containers. If the
5. Significance and Use
investigation objectives require statistically representative data
5.1 This practice is intended for use in collecting samples of
to define the average properties of drummed contents, the
unconsolidated solid materials from drums or similar
sampling technique used should ensure that every particle size
containers, including those that are unstable, ruptured, or
and type is available for sampling. In the case of an open-
compromised otherwise. Special handling procedures (for
headed drum of unconsolidated solid materials, the total
example, remote drum opening, overpressurized drum
number of scoops or shovelfuls should be estimated for the
opening, drum deheading, etc.) are described in EPA/600/2-86/
materials based upon the volume of the loaded scoop or shovel
013, Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites.
being used, or the materials from the drum should be removed
completely using a scoop or shovel, counting the number of
6. Interferences
scoop or shovelfuls required to do so. Material from the drum
6.1 The condition of the materials to be sampled and the
should be placed either on plastic sheeting or into another
condition and accessibility of the drums will have a significant comparably sized clean drum. Based on the total number of
impact on the selection of sampling equipment and techniques
scoopsorshovelfulsremoved,variousscoop/shovelsshouldbe
used to recover representative samples. selected systematically or randomly to sample as the material
is being returned to the original container. These sample
7. Pre-Sampling
portions/aliquots from the scoops or shovels, corresponding to
7.1 General Principles and Precautions: the systematic or random numbers, should be placed into the
7.1.1 Samples should be collected in accordance with an sample containers prior to homogenizing and subsampling the
appropriate work plan (Practice D5283, and Guides D4687, sample either in the field or laboratory. The number of
D6044, D6051, D6063, and D6311). This plan must include a portions/aliquots needed is a function of the container size,
worker health and safety section because there are potential particle size, and sample size.
D5680 − 14 (2022)
7.1.5.1 Alternate shoveling and fractional shoveling tech- (2) If the top of the drum is dished inward (dimpled), it
niques are fully described in Francis Pitard, “Pierre Gy’s may “pop” when equalizing pressure, spraying the sampler
Sampling Theory & Sampling Practice—Heterogeneity, Sam- with any material that is sitting on top of the drum.
nd
pling Correctness and Statistical Process Control,” 2 Ed., (3) If there is evidence of a chemical reaction or sudden
pressure buildup, the sampler should leave the area immedi-
CRC Press, 1993.
ately and evaluate whether remote drum opening equipment
7.1.6 The sampling equipment, sample preparation
should be used.
equipment,samplecontainers,etc.mustbeclean,dry,andinert
(4) For flammable or explosive materials, the drum and
tothematerialbeingsampled.Allequipmentshallbeinspected
sampling equipment should be grounded if the generation of
before use to ensure that they are clear of obvious dirt and
static electricity while opening or sampling the drum is a
contamination and are in good working condition. Visible
possibility. The drum and sampling equipment should be
contamination shall be removed, and the equipment shall be
grounded to a ground stake or to an existing ground (building
decontaminated with the appropriate rinse materials. Decon-
ground, grounded water pipes, etc.). New sampling equipment
taminated sampling equipment should be protected from con-
may have some residual static electrical charge due to the
tamination. This may include, but not be limited to, storage in
materials in which they are packed and shipped.The work plan
aluminum foil, plastic bags, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)
should specify whether grounding is necessary. See Accident
film, or other means of protection that will not impact the
PreventionManualforIndustrialOperationsforinformationon
sample quality of intended analysis.
grounding and bonding.
7.2 Basic Pre-Sampling Practices:
7.2.7.2 Drums should be opened, sampled, and closed
7.2.1 Review all paperwork.
individually to minimize the risk of exposure.
7.2.7.3 Drums (or Pails) with Bungs—Loosen the large
7.2.2 Select the sampling equipment and sample containers
bung slowly. Use non-sparking tools.
appropriateforthematerialinthedrum,asdetailedinthework
7.2.7.4 Drums with Removable Lids—Loosen the ring
plan.
slowly with a manual wrench or air impact wrench. Use
7.2.3 Enter the work zone.
non-sparking tools.
7.2.4 Inspect all drums to be sampled visually. Note any
7.2.7.5 PailswithRemovableLids(Side-LeverLockRing)—
abnormal conditions, including rust marks, stains, bulges, or
Release the lever slowly.
other signs of pressurization or leaks that may require special
7.2.7.6 Pails with Removable Lids (Snap-On)—Pry the lid
handling. The work plan should define clearly the limiting
loose slowly with a pail lid opener.
condition under which special handling procedures shall be
7.2.8 Manual or remote puncturing or deheading will be
initiated. See EPA/600/2-86/013, Drum Handling Practices at
required if the drum (or pail) has a stuck bung or the lid cannot
Hazardous Waste Sites for information on opening overpres-
be removed. See EPA/600/2-86/013, Drum Handling Practices
surized drums and the use of remotely operated drum opening
at Hazardous Waste Sites for further information on manual or
equipment.
remote drum opening.
7.2.5 Stage the drums to be sampled in a d
...