Sampling of chemical products for industrial use - Safety in sampling
1 Introduction
In some cases the act of taking a sample exposes the sampler to a risk of personal injury or may risk the creation of hazardous conditions endangering the safety of others. This standard is intended to assist those engaged in sampling or in directing the activities of samplers, and also those responsible for premises within which a sampling operation is performed, to ensure that sampling shall be a safe operation.
Attention is also directed to the existence of legislation regulating the carriage of dangerous goods, and users of this standard shall ensure compliance with these requirements and with those imposed by the carriers.
2 Scope
This standard specifies the requirements for the safety in sampling of chemical products for industrial use.
3 General
3.1 The following recommendations apply to all sampling operations whatever the nature of the material being sampled.
The operator should have: safe access to and from the place where the sample is taken, and a safe working place with adequate light and ventilation.
Sampling points in fixed installations should be arranged to satisfy these needs as well as any special conditions arising from the nature of the material being sampled. Precautions shall be taken against falls when the sample is withdrawn from the top of a tank or tank vehicle and against the collapse of stacked containers or solids in bulk.
3.2 If the material being sampled is itself hazardous, the following general requirements shall be met:
3.2.1 The sampling operation shall be carried out in such a manner as not to prejudice the security of the bulk.
This applies particularly to the sampling of fluids through cocks where the seizure of the cock in an open position could lead to the escape of large quantities of the fluid. The devices used for such sampling shall be arranged so as to limit the total quantity drawn at any time and to restrict the rate of flow to a convenient value.
In the case of liquids, it is reasonable to assume that spillages will occur and to provide both a drained trough and a tundish to trap spilt liquids safely and a permanent splash guard to protect the sampler.
For liquids and gases, provision shall be made whenever possible for isolating the sample point from the bulk or line by a valve near to, but not immediately adjacent to, the sample point so that in the event of an accident the flow may be controlled from a safe place.
In all cases it is part of the sampler’s task to ensure satisfactory re-closure by appropriate personnel of all opened packages and sample points.
3.2.2 When it is necessary to purge or rinse a sample container with the material to be sampled, and this material presents a hazard, then appropriate facilities shall be provided for the disposal of material used in purging. Gases shall be vented away from the vicinity of the sampler and other personnel.
3.2.3 The size of the sample and the frequency of sampling shall be determined according to the examination.
3.2.4 The sample in its container shall be carried in a suitable carrier designed and constructed to facilitate handling and to minimize the risk and consequences of breakage of the sample container.
3.2.5 The equipment, including all tools and containers, shall be compatible with the material being sampled and suitable for the intended purpose. For example, the sample container shall be capable of tight closure and shall be fitted with a pressure release. Samples shall be kept away from other chemical products liable to interact with them.
3.2.6 Before sampling, or as soon as possible, mark the container to indicate the nature of the material and the risks associated with it.
3.2.7 The person taking the sample shall be made fully aware of the nature of the hazards involved and the precautions to be taken. He shall be instructed in the use of all appliances provided for his safety, including fire extinguishers, protective goggles and clothing, etc. He shall be instructed to report to an appropriate supervisor before and after taking the sample and shall report, preferably to the same authority, any unusual happening or situation.
If toxic substances are being sampled, he shall be instructed that, in the event of feeling unwell, he should report immediately to his supervisor.
3.2.8 The sampler shall be accompanied by a second person whose task is to ensure the safety of the sampler. During the sampling operation, this observer shall remain well clear of the sampling point and observe the whole operation. He shall be given specific instructions as to the action he shall take in an emergency and such instructions should always require that he first raises an alarm and does not attempt a single-handed rescue, except in extreme circumstances.
3.2.9 These general requirements and the specific ones which follow shall be used as a guide to the precautions necessary in preparing all samples.
3.2.10 Eye protection equipment shall be used continuously wherever there is contact with chemicals.
3.2.11 It is stressed that those directing the activities of samplers shall consider in detail the consequences of minor mishaps which may occur, such as spillage, failure of cocks, etc. The sampler shall be given specific instructions covering both the normal situation and what he must do in the event of mishaps. Equally important are the specific instructions to be given to the safety observer present when toxic or dangerously corrosive materials are sampled (see 4.4 and 4.5).
4 Specific requirements for hazardous materials
Foreword II
ISO Foreword III
1 Introduction
2 Scope
3 General
4 Specific requirements for hazardous materials
