Goal: Obtain samples that are truly representative of material, that are not contaminated, and that will resist deterioration during shipping and/or storage. Above all, sampling should be done in a manner safe for the employee. More information can be found in AASHTO T40 or ASTM D140, Standard Practice for Sampling Bituminous Materials.

• Before sampling, the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) from the supplier should be carefully read and followed.
• Care should be taken to avoid breathing fumes, mists and/or vapors.
• To protect skin, gloves should be worn and long sleeves fastened over the gloves at the wrist.
• Face shields should be worn to protect against splashed material and any fumes.
• There shall be no smoking while sampling asphalt or emulsions.
• Sample containers must be new, clean, and dry, and not be rinsed, washed, or cleaned. Plastic gallon jugs are preferred for emulsions. Any containers that are not clean and dry should be discarded.
• The lid should fit tightly and properly on the sample container.
• Care should be taken to prevent any possible contamination.
• The sample container should not be submerged in solvent nor wiped with a cloth or rag containing solvent. If there is any material on the outside of the container, it should be wiped with a clean dry cloth immediately after the container is sealed and removed from the sampling device.
• During sealing and wiping, the container should be on a firm, level surface to prevent splashing, dropping, or spilling.
• The sample must not be transferred to another container.
• The filled container should be tightly and positively sealed immediately after the sample is taken.
• The sample should be properly marked for identification with a permanent marker on the container itself, not the lid.
• The sample should be identified with the following at a minimum:
  • Shipper’s name and bill of lading or loading
  • Slip number
  • Date sampled
  • Sampler’s name
  • Sample location (place sample taken)
  • Product grade
  • Project identification
  • Other information as necessary
• Emulsion samples should be packaged, labeled, and protected from freezing during shipment. They should also be shipped to the laboratory the same day they are taken. To protect from shipping damage, the containers should be tightly sealed and carefully packed in protective material.