ISO 10381-3-2001 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 10381-3:2001 — Soil quality — Sampling — Part 3: Guidance on safety. This part of ISO 10381 provides practical guidance on hazards that may be encountered during site investigations and when collecting samples of soil and other ground materials, and on precautions and procedures to control and minimise risks to personnel and the environment.

Abstract

Provides guidance on the identification of hazards (intrinsic to sampling operations and arising from contamination or physical site conditions), risk assessment, selection and use of personal protective equipment (PPE), safe working practices for a range of site types (including agricultural, contaminated and geological investigations), and procedures for decontamination and emergency response. The guidance is intended for planning and carrying out safe soil sampling and site investigation activities (not for construction operations).

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded.
• Publication date: 20 December 2001 (Edition 1, 2001).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.080.05 (Examination of soils; soil sampling and testing).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2001).
• Number of pages: 21 pages (official ISO published length).

Scope

ISO 10381-3:2001 gives guidance on hazards and safety measures relevant to site investigation and soil sampling operations. It covers general site safety, agricultural areas, contaminated sites, and geological investigations; it identifies activities that may give rise to risk and describes procedures and controls (PPE, safe sampling techniques, handling and transport of contaminated samples, decontamination and emergency procedures) to reduce those risks. It is aimed specifically at sampling and site investigation work and is not intended as guidance for general construction activities.

Key topics and requirements

• Identification of site-specific hazards (chemical, biological, physical, atmospheric and excavation hazards).
• Risk assessment and planning before sampling activities.
• Selection and correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and sampling tools.
• Safe access, egress and working around excavations and boreholes.
• Procedures for handling, labelling, containment and transport of potentially contaminated samples.
• Decontamination of personnel, equipment and sampling kits.
• Emergency procedures, first-aid considerations and communication protocols on site.
• Training, competence and record-keeping for sampling teams.

Typical use and users

Used by environmental and geotechnical consultants, site investigation teams, field sampling technicians, occupational health and safety officers, laboratory managers, regulators and researchers involved in soil quality assessment and contaminated-land investigations. It is applied when planning site investigations, preparing safe sampling procedures, training field staff and writing site health-and-safety documentation.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 10381 series on soil sampling (other parts address sampling programme design, sampling techniques and procedures for different site types). ISO 10381-3:2001 has been withdrawn and superseded by ISO 18400-103 (published 2017), which contains the more recent guidance on safety for soil sampling and site investigation activities. National/adopted equivalents (e.g. BS, DIN, PN, HRN adoptions) exist that match ISO 10381-3.

Keywords

soil quality, soil sampling, sampling safety, site investigation, personal protective equipment, contaminated land, decontamination, risk assessment, sampling procedures.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 10381-3:2001 is the third part of the ISO 10381 series focused on soil sampling; Part 3 provides guidance on safety during soil sampling and site investigations.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers hazard identification, risk assessment, PPE, safe sampling techniques for different site types (agricultural, contaminated, geological), sample handling and decontamination, and emergency procedures to protect personnel and the environment during sampling operations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental consultants, field sampling teams, laboratory personnel, health & safety officers, regulators and researchers conducting soil investigations or managing contaminated-site work.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 10381-3:2001 has been withdrawn and is superseded by ISO 18400-103 (published 2017). Users should consult ISO 18400-103 for the current, authoritative guidance on safety for soil sampling.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO 10381 series (soil quality — sampling). Other parts address the design of sampling programmes, sampling techniques and procedures for different site types; the series has been revised and its safety guidance is now covered under the ISO 18400 series updates.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soil quality; sampling; safety; site investigation; contamination; PPE; decontamination; risk assessment; sampling programme.