ISO 18400-101-2017 PDF

Full title and description

Soil quality — Sampling — Part 101: Framework for the preparation and application of a sampling plan. Provides a high-level framework and procedural elements for preparing and applying a sampling plan to achieve the objectives of an investigation programme for soil and soil material.

Abstract

ISO 18400-101:2017 specifies the procedural elements to be taken in the preparation and application of a sampling plan. The sampling plan describes what laboratory samples are to be taken, how they are to be taken and from where, so that the objectives of the investigation programme can be achieved. The document provides a framework to standardize sampling plans for routine circumstances, to incorporate specific requirements of national legislation and to design bespoke sampling plans on a case-by-case basis. It is applicable to soil in the landscape, stockpiles, potentially contaminated sites, agricultural soils, landfills and forest soils.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (International Standard)
• Publication date: 25 January 2017
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 13.080.05 — Examination of soils in general
• Edition / version: 1st edition (2017)
• Number of pages: 13 (official ISO edition)

Scope

This standard establishes the framework and main procedural elements for preparing and applying a sampling plan for soil and soil material so that the objectives of an investigation programme are met. It applies to a wide range of contexts including landscape soils, stockpiles, potentially contaminated sites, agricultural land, landfills and forest soils. The scope covers the definition of objectives and decision units, zoning of sites, selection of sample types (discrete, composite), determination of sample numbers and sizes, and the production of clear instructions for field samplers. It is intended to be used alongside more detailed, technique-specific parts of the ISO 18400 series.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of investigation objectives and decision units (what the sampling must demonstrate)
• Site characterization and zoning to determine homogeneous sampling areas
• Selection of sample types: discrete samples, composite samples and representative sampling strategies
• Determination of sample number, sample mass/volume and spatial distribution (statistical considerations)
• Instructions for specifying where and how laboratory samples are to be taken
• Integration of national/regulatory requirements into the sampling plan
• Interface to technique-specific standards (e.g., selection and application of sampling techniques)
• Reference to safety, handling, storage and chain-of-custody considerations (to be addressed in related parts)
• Documentation requirements: sampling plan records, labelling, metadata and reporting instructions
• Quality assurance and quality control elements relevant to sampling design and execution

Typical use and users

Used by environmental consultants and contractors preparing field investigation and remediation programmes, regulatory agencies setting or evaluating sampling strategies, contract laboratories receiving field samples, site owners and developers managing contamination risk, soil scientists and researchers designing monitoring networks, and agricultural or forestry practitioners conducting soil surveys.

Related standards

ISO 18400-101 is part of the ISO 18400 series on soil sampling and is commonly used together with other parts of that series, for example ISO 18400-102 (selection and application of sampling techniques), ISO 18400-103 (safety), ISO 18400-104, ISO 18400-107 (recording and reporting) and ISO 18400-201/206 (field and laboratory pretreatment/handling). It replaces or updates earlier guidance given in ISO 10381-1:2002. Related ISO standards for vocabulary and field description include ISO 11074 (soil vocabulary) and ISO 25177 (field soil description).

Keywords

soil quality, soil sampling, sampling plan, decision units, composite sampling, discrete sampling, site zoning, environmental investigation, contaminated land, sampling framework, ISO 18400

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18400-101:2017 is an international standard that provides a framework for preparing and applying a sampling plan for soil and soil material to ensure investigation objectives are met.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers the procedural elements of a sampling plan — defining objectives and decision units, zoning, choosing sample types and numbers, specifying where and how samples are collected, and documenting instructions for field samplers. It does not give detailed field techniques (see related parts for technique-specific guidance).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Environmental consultants, remediation contractors, regulatory bodies, contract laboratories, researchers, site owners/developers and agricultural/forestry practitioners involved in soil investigation and monitoring.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Published 25 January 2017 as the 1st edition. It replaced earlier guidance in ISO 10381-1:2002. It is an active/current ISO standard; users should check national adoption or later revisions if up-to-date confirmation is required for regulatory applications.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18400-101 is part of the ISO 18400 series (sampling of soils) and is intended to be used in conjunction with other parts such as ISO 18400-102, ISO 18400-103, ISO 18400-104, ISO 18400-107 and related documents that provide technique-specific, safety, handling and reporting guidance.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Soil sampling, sampling plan, soil quality, decision unit, composite sample, discrete sample, site zoning, sampling framework, contamination investigation.