Standard Practice for Sampling, Sample Preparation, Packaging, and Marking of Lime and Limestone Products

4.1 The following practices are to be used in obtaining samples that are representative of the lot being sampled. The methodology used will be dependent upon the size and type of material sampled and testing requirements.

4.2 The following practices are intended for use in obtaining samples from material that is ready for sale and are not intended as sampling procedures for quality control purposes. These practices are to be used in obtaining a laboratory sample that will yield results serving as a basis for acceptance or rejection of the lot of material sampled. This does not preclude the use of these practices for quality control purposes.

4.3 The following practices can be used to eliminate bias in sampling. The person or persons responsible for using these practices must be trained and they will be conscientious and timely in their use.

4.4 An agreement between the producer and the consumer on location of sampling, either at the producer's plant or at the destination, is encouraged. Product quality can be affected through careless handling, improper protection, and delayed shipment. It is preferable to sample at the point of loading. The consumer has the right to witness the sampling practices being used.

4.5 This practice may be used to provide a representative sample of lime or limestone products. Due to the variability of limestone and lime and the wide variety of sampling equipment, caution must be exercised in all stages of sampling, from system specification and equipment procurement to equipment acceptance testing and actually taking the final sample.