ASTM_D_4982_-_12.pdf

Designation:D498212Standard Test Methods forFlammability Potential Screening Analysis of Waste1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4982;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 These test methods are used to indicate the fire-producing or fire-sustaining potential of wastes.The followingtest methods can be applied to waste liquids,sludges,or solids:SectionsTest Method ATest Sample Exposed to Heat and Flame7-9Test Method BTest Sample Exposed to Spark Source10 and 111.2 These test methods should be used to measure anddescribe the properties of materials,in response to heat andflame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not beused to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk ofmaterials under actual fire conditions.However,results ofthese tests may be used in addition to all other factors that arepertinent to a fire hazard assessment of a particular end use.1.3 These test methods are designed and intended as pre-liminary tests to complement quantitative analytical techniquesthat may be used to determine flammability.These test methodsoffer the option and the ability to screen waste for hazardousflammability potential when the analytical techniques are notavailable or the total waste composition is unknown.1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.Specific hazardinformation is given in Section 5,8.3.1 and 9.4.3.2.Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 screening analysisa preliminary qualitative or semi-quantitative test that is designed to efficiently give the userspecific information about a waste that will aid in determiningwaste identification,process compatibility,and safety in han-dling.3.Summary of Test Methods3.1 Method AA test sample is exposed to heat and flame.The sample is reported as having a positive or negativeflammability potential as described in the test procedure.3.2 Method BSparks from a flint lighter are introduced tothe vapor space immediately above a representative sample ofa waste,and observation is made for a flash in the vapor spaceor ignition of the sample.A flash in the vapor space or ignitionand burning of the waste indicates a positive flammabilitypotential at ambient temperature.4.Significance and Use4.1 These test methods are intended for use by those in thewaste management industries to aid in identifying the flamma-bility potential or waste materials.5.Hazards5.1 Avoid inhalation and skin or eye contact,or both,of anyhazardous materials.5.2 Standard laboratory hygiene practices should be fol-lowed when conducting these tests.5.3 All tests must be performed in a laboratory hood.5.4 Waste containing or suspected of containing highlyvolatile organics or peroxides should be tested using a muchsmaller sample than that used in 9.2.5.5 The aluminum weighing boat should be placed on aninert,nonflammable surface.6.Sampling6.1 Sample containers must be kept tightly sealed untiltested.6.2 Samples should be analyzed as soon as possible aftercollection.6.3 If necessary,allow the sample to come to room tem-perature in a tightly sealed container.For example,frozenmaterial should be allowed to thaw completely.TEST METHOD AEXPOSURE TO HEAT ANDFLAME7.Interferences7.1 Drafts in the laboratory fume hood where the test isperformed could cause excessive cooling and false negative1These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 onWaste Management and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D34.01.05 onScreening Methods.Current edition approved Sept.1,2012.Published December 2012.Originallyapproved in 1989.Last previous edition approved in 2007 as D4982 95(2007).DOI:10.1520/D4982-12.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 results.A properly operating fume hood with a face velocity of100 ft/min should provide consistent,usable results.7.2 Ignition sources that provide excessive heating ratesalone or combined with a very small test portion may obscureresults.That is,the sample may be decomposed,sintered,fused,evaporated,or otherwise consumed before positive ornegative evidence of flammability is observed.The use ofsufficiently large test portions and of heating rates typical of abunsen burner should resolve this problem.7.3 An inadequate source of heating could limit the volatil-ization of flammable components and provide false negativeresults.7.4 Difficult-to-observe flames resulting from the burning ofcertain compounds(for example,methanol)could provi