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SAM-202

Chemicals, solid
Sampling

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Chemicals, solid
Definition

(list of HS codes covered by this card)		 Miscellaneous chemicals, chemical products and preparations in solid form, including fertilisers, organic and inorganic compounds; colorants and pigments; surface-active agents, washing and lubricating preparations, plastic and rubber in primary form, etc.

For products in individual packs see specific card for ‘Retail packages and finished articles’.

For pastes see specific card for ‘Wax’.

For liquids see specific cards for ‘Chemicals liquids’ and ‘Petroleum liquids’.

For waste chemicals see specific card for ‘Waste’.

Certain chemicals should not be sampled because of their highly dangerous properties; see chapter Sampling of dangerous goods. If in doubt consult your laboratory.


Chemicals, solid
Recommended minimum quantity for each final sample 0,1 kg

In the case of rubber in primary form: 0,5 kg

Applicable standards (ISO and EU Norms) and relevant legislation
  • ISO 3165 Sampling of chemical products for industrial use — Safety in sampling.
You should also refer to your national legislation and national guidelines regarding sampling.


Equipment needed
Suggested sampling tool depending on the method used Before use you should ensure that any equipment will not react with the chemical being sampled – see the SDS and/or ADR.

  • Probe with cylindrical closed shape with holes, special for bulk quantities (S01-01)
  • Probe with open shape subdivided into sections (S02-01)
  • Shovels, blades with handles (S03-01)
  • Sample dividing equipment (D01-01)
Containers to be used for the sampling Before use you should ensure that any storage containers will not react with the chemical being sampled – see the SDS and/or ADR.

The containers must be made of a material suitable for the safe storage of chemicals, and should be sealed to prevent leakage or the absorption of moisture.
  • Plastic bags, different sizes, with or without pre-printed label (P00)
  • Plastic bottles, various sizes (P01), (P03), (P04)
Sample containers must be clean and free from all substances which might contaminate the material being sampled (such as water, dirt, lint, washing compounds, naphtha and other solvents, soldering fluxes, acids, rust, and oil).

Samples where the moisture content may affect the analysis, e.g. hygroscopic substances, must be packed in moisture-tight containers with an air-tight closure. The container must be filled completely and sealed afterwards to prevent any change in the moisture content.

Safety precautions and risk assessment Please refer to your national legislation and guidelines on health and safety.

Remember
  • Some products must not be sampled because of their extremely hazardous properties; (link).
  • Some products (listed here) should only be sampled by authorised personnel (e.g. a contractor).

  • See SDS or ADR if available.
  • Pay attention to safety and warning signs.
  • Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
  • You should be aware of and follow any health and safety instructions in the local risk assessment and/or safe working practices for the location where the sampling is to take place.
Hazardous situations may occur when:
  • Sampling moving goods — loading equipment, conveyors, trucks, and other equipment may pose a hazard during sample collection.
  • Opening pressurised containers (the pressure must be safely relieved).
    • You must not attempt to open pressurised containers that may explode if opened incorrectly.
    • During routine examination, ask the declarant to open the kegs and draw the sample.
    • The opening should be loosened slowly with a non-sparking tool.
  • Entering hazardous (inaccessible or confined) areas.
  • Handling with the hazardous materials, e.g.:
    • Flammable substances (e.g. coal, some organic compounds).
    • Oxidizing substances (e.g. oxidising acids and their salts).
    • Toxic substances (e.g. cyanides, mercury-containing compounds, nitrates).
    • Corrosive substances and irritants (e.g. strong acids and alkalis, their salts).
For general information see Chapter Health and Safety and EN ISO 3165.

Personal protective equipment:

Sampling plan
Type of consignment Procedure
Consignment for Customs clearance The aggregate sample consists of an appropriate number of incremental samples. When you are satisfied the consignment is homogeneous, one incremental sample is usually taken as representing the goods covered by the same customs declaration.

Bulk products In the case of bulk products transported (or stored) loose, equal quantities of incremental samples are taken from five or more positions throughout the bulk consignment by random selection or systematically, see Sampling of bulk products.

Check the homogeneity of the lot — if the homogeneity is in doubt, take more incremental samples. Separate aggregate samples should be created from tanks containing different products or lots.
  • Horizontal probes: The probes are inserted into the load with the opening facing the bottom, then rotated 180° and withdrawn slowly in order to collect a uniform sample from the whole section. In each lot, the sample must be collected at three heights (upper, middle, and lower levels) and at various points to ensure the aggregate sample is representative.
  • Vertical probes: Vertical probes should be inserted with the sampling chamber(s) closed. When the probe has reached the required depth, the chambers should be opened and the probe twisted to ensure the chambers are filled. Close the chambers and withdraw the probe. In each lot, the sample must be collected at various points across the surface and at various depths to ensure the aggregate sample is representative.
Chemicals being moved One aggregate sample: from incremental samples throughout the whole diameter of the stream, with intervals determined by the moving speed, see Sampling from moving cargo.

Where the product is being mechanically moved using conveyors or other equipment there may be diverter valves or chutes that allow samples to be drawn at regular intervals from the moving stream. If these are not present it may be necessary for health and safety reasons to stop the flow and use a shovel or scoop to draw samples from the conveyor. In some cases samples may be collected by passing a pelican collector through the moving stream of chemical product at regular intervals. In each case samples must be drawn during the whole time the lot is flowing past the sampling point to ensure that the aggregate sample is representative.

Bulk products in packages, such as barrels, drums, cans, and similar transport containers One or more aggregate samples: from incremental samples (one or more depending on the product homogeneity, number of containers) drawn from the middle of each container chosen randomly or systematically throughout the consignment, see “sampling of Solids – sampling of bulk products in transport packages” in the General part.

An aggregate sample may be formed only from containers from the same lot contained in the same consignment. If there are several lots, they should be identified and sampled separately.

If a sample is taken from only one container (e.g. barrel), it is poured directly from the sampler into the sample container.


Handling of samples
General comments
  • Where the product is transported loose in bulk, the load must be considered as a whole and the samples must be taken from all parts of the load.
  • Continuous automatic sampling is always the preferred method as opposed to manual sampling.
  • If a mixing vessel is used, all incremental samples from all sampling spots are collected and after they have been thoroughly mixed an aggregate sample is created. The mixing vessel must be pre-washed with the sampled product.
  • The handling and packaging of samples should be carried out in a well-ventilated place or outdoor.
  • When no information is available or the information (labelling, danger symbols, documents) diverges from what you would expect you should treat the goods as dangerous.
  • Goods in special atmospheres, e.g. nitrogen, or medically sterile conditions should be sampled at the recipient’s premises under official supervision.
  • The size of an aggregated sample may be large. It may be necessary to reduce this to obtain the final samples. Refer to the Sample Division System.
Sampling form
  • Fill in the sampling form. One copy should be attached to the samples and one copy should be kept for the record.
Transport
  • Samples must be labelled to indicate the specific nature of their hazard (symbols or code letters).
  • The sample may be a hazardous material the transport of which is governed by ADR rules. Exemptions related to dangerous goods packed in limited quantities can be applied when combination packages are used (consisting of an inner and outer packaging not liable to break or easily punctured); see Transport in the General section.
  • A copy of the SDS should always be kept with the sample.
  • The transport vehicle must carry a suitable fire extinguisher.
Storage
  • Store in a cool, dark, dry and well-ventilated place away from heat sources.
  • Keep the container tightly closed in order to prevent loss of light components.
  • Use a ventilated cabinet for flammables if available.
  • Appropriate warning signs should be displayed.

Chemicals, Solid (expand list)
HS number Decription


Revisions
Version Date Changes
1.0 12.10.2012 First version
1.1 30.03.2019 Update - "Headings", recommended minimum quantity for sampling changed, text correction
1.2 10.02.2021 Update - New template and text modifications