DS 3077:2013

Representative sampling - Horizontal standard

This standard is a matrix-independent standard for representative sampling. Compliance with the principles herein ensures that a specific sampling method (procedure) is representative.*This standard sets out a minimum competence basis for reliable planning, performance and assessment of existing or new sampling procedures with respect to representativity.*This standard invalidates grab sampling and other incorrect sampling operations, by requiring conformance with a universal set of seven governing principles and unit operations (see 5.2).*This standard specifies two simple quality assurance measures (Quality Objectives, QO) regarding:*1) sampling of stationary lots, the Relative Sampling Variability test (RSV)*2) sampling of dynamic lots, Variographic Analysis (VA), also known as variographic characterisation, with an analogous RSV1-dim. (This standard contains a variographic software program (freeware) making variographic characterisation available to all users).*This standard stipulates maximum threshold levels for both of these quality assurance measures (QO).*This standard is based on the Theory of Sampling (TOS). A comprehensive background for TOS can be found in clause 2. This standard also contains a full complement of additional references and background literature (see Bibliography).*This standard enforces professional self-control by stipulating mandatory disclosure of one of two comprehensive quality assurance approaches as produced by RSV or variographic characterisation to all parties involved.*This standard specifies documentation and reporting of sampling representativity and efficiency for each analyte in combination with a specific class of materials respectively. Any deviation from this standard's QO shall be justified and reported.*This standard employs a dual acceptance approach: items not mentioned are not acceptable as modifications in any sampling procedure or sampling plan, unless specifically tested and assessed by the QO's described herein - while all modifications successfully passing this test requirement are acceptable.