Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D5679-16 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
ASTM D5679-16 (Reapproved 2024) establishes a standard practice for collecting samples of consolidated solids stored in drums or similar containers. Under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D34 on Waste Management, this practice is designed for containers up to 110 U.S. gallons (416 liters) and is essential for the accurate characterization of hazardous materials, products, and wastes. All values stated in inch-pound units are regarded as the standard.
📦 Scope and Applicability
This practice covers the typical equipment and methods for collecting samples of consolidated solids in drums. It is specifically adapted for drums with a volume of 110 U.S. gal (416 L) or less. The methods are applicable to hazardous material, product, or waste. Specific sample collection and handling requirements must be described in the site-specific work plan to ensure safety and representativeness. Users are responsible for establishing appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices prior to use.
⚙️ Terminology, Safety, and Equipment
Understanding the specific terminology and safety protocols defined in the standard is critical for effective and safe sampling. Key definitions and referenced standards are outlined below to guide the user.
| 🟦 Term | 📏 Definition per D5679-16 |
|---|---|
| Drum | Any drum, barrel, or non-bulk container of 5 to 110 U.S. gal (19 to 416 L) capacity. |
| Bung | A threaded plug, usually 2 in. (5.1 cm) or 3/4 in. (1.3 cm) diameter, designed specifically to close a bung hole. |
| Bung Hole | An opening in a barrel or drum through which it can be filled, emptied, or vented. |
| Deheading | Removal of the lid of a closed-head drum; usually accomplished with a drum de-header. |
| Bonding | Touching the sampling equipment to the drum to form an electrically conductive path, reducing the buildup of static electricity. |
| Consolidated | The characteristic of being cemented or compacted, or both, and not separated easily into smaller particles. |
⚠️ Critical Safety Note: The user must establish safety and health practices in accordance with the NIOSH Publication 85-115 and the NSC Accident Prevention Manual. Bonding equipment to the drum is essential to prevent static discharge. Always follow the site-specific work plan and decontaminate all equipment per ASTM D5088.
🛢️ Sampling Procedures and Referenced Standards
The practice integrates several key ASTM standards and external documents to provide a comprehensive sampling framework. Proper planning and execution rely on these referenced methods.
| 📄 Standard/Document | 🎯 Application in Sampling |
|---|---|
| ASTM D4547 | Guide for Sampling Waste and Soils for Volatile Organic Compounds |
| ASTM D4687 | Guide for General Planning of Waste Sampling |
| ASTM D5088 | Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites |
| ASTM D5283 | Practice for Generation of Environmental Data Related to Waste Management: QA/QC Planning |
| C702/C702M | Practice for Reducing Samples of Aggregate to Testing Size |
| EPA/600/2-86/013 | Drum Handling Practices at Hazardous Waste Sites |
| NIOSH 85-115 | Occupational Safety and Health Guidance Manual for Hazardous Waste Site Activities |
⚡ Sampling Technique Tip: If the material is highly consolidated, deheading the drum may be necessary to access a representative sample. For volatile organic compound analysis, follow ASTM D4547 closely to minimize analyte loss. When accessing through the bung, ensure the sampling equipment matches the diameter of the 2 in. (5.1 cm) or 3/4 in. (1.3 cm) opening.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What container sizes does D5679-16 apply to?
The standard applies specifically to drums or similar containers with a volume of 110 U.S. gal (416 L) or less. A “drum” in this context implies a non-bulk container of 5 to 110 U.S. gal (19 to 416 L) capacity.
💡 What does the term “consolidated” mean in this standard?
The standard defines “consolidated” as the characteristic of being cemented or compacted, or both, and not separated easily into smaller particles. This dictates the specific sampling equipment and approach required to collect a representative sample.
⚡ Why is bonding the sampling equipment necessary?
Bonding involves creating an electrically conductive path between the sampling equipment and the drum. This process is critical for reducing the buildup of static electricity, which can pose a significant ignition hazard when sampling hazardous materials or wastes.
📌 Which practice governs equipment decontamination?
ASTM D5088 — Practice for Decontamination of Field Equipment Used at Waste Sites — is the referenced standard for ensuring sampling equipment is free from cross-contamination before and after each use.