ASTM E800 Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires
4. Significance and Use
4.1 Because of the loss of life in fires from inhalation of fire gases, much attention has been focused on the analyses of these species. Analysis has involved several new or modified methods, since common analytical techniques have often proven to be inappropriate for the combinations of various gases and low concentrations existing in fire gas mixtures.
4.2 In the measurement of fire gases, it is imperative to use procedures that are both reliable and appropriate to the unique atmosphere of a given fire environment. To maximize the reliability of test results, it is essential to establish the following:
4.2.1 That gaseous samples are representative of the compositions existing at the point of sampling,
4.2.2 That transfer and pretreatment of samples occur without loss, or with known efficiency, and
4.2.3 That data provided by the analytical instruments are accurate for the compositions and concentrations at the point of sampling.
4.3 This document includes a comprehensive survey that will permit an individual, technically skilled and practiced in the study of analytical chemistry, to select a suitable technique from among the alternatives. It will not provide enough information for the setup and use of a procedure (this information is available in the references).
4.4 Data generated by the use of techniques cited in this document should not be used to rank materials for regulatory purposes.
