QTP4B051-6 — Air Force Specialty Code 4b051 Bioenvironmental Engineering Sampling Overview

QTP4B051-6 governs preparation and preservation of samples for shipment and selection of appropriate occupational and environmental exposure limits.

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  • Publication number: QTP4B051-6
  • Title: AIR FORCE SPECIALTY CODE 4B051 BIOENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SAMPLING OVERVIEW
  • Date: 2022-07-13

View QTP4B051-6 on armypubs.army.mil


It contains task steps for sample labeling, cooling, packing, documentation, shipping, and chain of custody. It also covers identifying, reviewing, comparing, and selecting occupational and environmental exposure limits, including values for methylene chloride/dichloromethane.

Topics covered

  • Sample preservation
  • Sample shipment
  • Sample labeling
  • Chain of custody forms
  • Sample holding times
  • Occupational and environmental exposure limits
  • Methylene chloride/dichloromethane OEELs

Questions and answers

What guide must be used when preparing to collect a sample?

The USAFSAM laboratory has a sampling guide, the USAFSAM Laboratory Sampling Guide (Air Force) that MUST be used when preparing to collect a sample, regardless of the type of sample. (paragraph 1)

How must sample request forms be completed?

Complete sample request forms legibly in permanent ink. (paragraph 8)

How should samples be cooled before shipment?

Keep samples as cool as possible to minimize the potential for volatilization or biodegradation between the time of collection and the time of final analysis. Pack samples in cubed or crushed ice or commercial ice substitutes before shipment. (paragraph 5)

Why should dry ice be avoided when shipping samples?

Avoid the use of dry ice because it will freeze the samples (in the case of water) or dissolved gases may be lost, and dry ice may break the containers. (paragraph 5)

What cushioning is required around samples during shipment?

Always add enough cushioning around and between the samples to prevent breakage. (paragraph 6)

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