ASTM E3197-23
(Terminology)Standard Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris
Standard Terminology Relating to Examination of Fire Debris
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
3.1 These terms have particular application to fire debris analysis. In addition, several sources of definitions were used in the development of this terminology: Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Fifteenth Edition (1);4 Kirk’s Fire Investigation, Fifth Edition (2); The Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum, Third Edition (3); Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition (4); and Fire Debris Analysis (5). A suitable definition was developed after all of the sources were found wanting.
SCOPE
1.1 This terminology standard is a compilation of terms and corresponding definitions that are used in fire debris analysis. Some legal or scientific terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other readily available sources are included.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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
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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: E3197 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Terminology Relating to
1
Examination of Fire Debris
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3197; 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 sive Headspace Concentration with Solid Phase Microex-
traction (SPME)
1.1 This terminology standard is a compilation of terms and
E3189 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
corresponding definitions that are used in fire debris analysis.
from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concen-
Some legal or scientific terms that are generally understood or
tration onto an Adsorbent Tube
defined adequately in other readily available sources are
2.2 Other Standards:
included.
NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations,
3
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
2021 Edition
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
3. Significance and Use
standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
3.1 These terms have particular application to fire debris
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- analysis. In addition, several sources of definitions were used
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
in the development of this terminology: Hawley’s Condensed
4
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- Chemical Dictionary, Fifteenth Edition (1); Kirk’s Fire
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Investigation, Fifth Edition (2); The Chemistry and Technology
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. of Petroleum, Third Edition (3); Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate
Dictionary, Tenth Edition (4); and Fire Debris Analysis (5). A
2. Referenced Documents
suitable definition was developed after all of the sources were
2
found wanting.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
4. Terminology
E1388 Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors
4.1 Definitions:
from Fire Debris Samples
absorption, n—the penetration of one substance into the inner
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
structure of another, as distinguished from adsorption, in
from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concen-
which one substance is attracted to and held on the surface
tration with Activated Charcoal
5
of another. Hawley’s
E1413 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues
from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Con- absorbent, n—any substance exhibiting the property of
6
centration onto an Adsorbent Tube absorption. Hawley’s
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts
accelerant, n—a fuel or oxidizer, often an ignitable liquid,
from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass
intentionally used to initiate a fire or increase the rate of
Spectrometry
growth or spread of fire. NFPA 921, 3.3.2
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
DISCUSSION—(1) Whether a substance is an accelerant depends not on
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignit-
its chemical structure but on its use. (2) This term is not used in fire
able Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Pas-
debris analysis but is included in this standard for historical purposes
and for clarity of meaning when used by stakeholders.
1
activated carbon, n—a form of carbon characterized by high
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on
Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on
adsorptivity for many gases, vapors, and colloidal solids that
Criminalistics.
Current edition approved June 1, 2023. Published June 2023. Originally
3
approved in 2020. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E3197 – 20. DOI: Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
10.1520/E3197-23. Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
2 4
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM this standard.
5
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary (1), 2007, s.v. “absorption.”
6
the ASTM website. Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary (1), 2007, s.v. “absorbent.”
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428
...
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: E3197 − 20 E3197 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Terminology Relating to
1
Examination of Fire Debris
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3197; 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 terminology standard is a compilation of terms and corresponding definitions that are used in fire debris analysis. Some
legal or scientific terms that are generally understood or defined adequately in other readily available sources are included.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D56 Test Method for Flash Point by Tag Closed Cup Tester
E1388 Practice for Static Headspace Sampling of Vapors from Fire Debris Samples
E1412 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace Concentration with
Activated Charcoal
E1413 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Dynamic Headspace Concentration
onto an Adsorbent Tube
E1618 Test Method for Ignitable Liquid Residues in Extracts from Fire Debris Samples by Gas Chromatography-Mass
Spectrometry
E1732 Terminology Relating to Forensic Science
E2154 Practice for Separation and Concentration of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Passive Headspace
Concentration with Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME)
E3189 Practice for Separation of Ignitable Liquid Residues from Fire Debris Samples by Static Headspace Concentration onto
an Adsorbent Tube
2.2 Other Standards:
3
NFPA 921 Guide for Fire and Explosion Investigations, 20172021 Edition
3. Significance and Use
3.1 These terms have particular application to fire debris analysis. In addition, several sources of definitions were used in the
1
This terminology is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E30 on Forensic Sciences and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E30.01 on Criminalistics.
Current edition approved July 15, 2020June 1, 2023. Published July 2020June 2023. Originally approved in 2020. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E3197 – 20.
DOI: 10.1520/E3197-20.10.1520/E3197-23.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
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E3197 − 23
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development of this terminology: Hawley’s Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Fifteenth Edition (1); Kirk’s Fire Investigation, Fifth
Edition (2); The Chemistry and Technology of Petroleum, Third Edition (3); Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth
Edition (4); and Fire Debris Analysis (5). A suitable definition was developed after all of the sources were found wanting.
4. Terminology
4.1 Definitions:
absorption, n—the penetration of one substance into the inner structure of another, as distinguished from adsorption, in which
5
one substance is attracted to and held on the surface of another. Hawley’s
6
absorbent, n—any substance exhibiting the property of absorption. Hawley’s
accelerant, n—a fuel or oxidizer, often an ignitable liquid, intentionally used to initiate a fire or increase the rate of growth or
spread of fire. NFPA 921, 3.3.2
DISCUSSION—
(1) Whether a substance is an accelerant depends not on its chemical structure but on its use. (2) This term is not used in fire debris analysis but is
included in this standard for historical purposes and for clarity of meaning when used by stakeholders.
activated carbon, n—a form of carbon characterized by high adsorptivity for many gases, vapors, and colloidal
...
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