This document specifies the procedural elements to be taken in the preparation and application of a sampling plan. The sampling plan describes among other things what laboratory samples are to be taken, how they are to be taken and from where they are to be taken, in order that the objectives of the investigation programme can be achieved. The principles or basic rules outlined in this document provide a framework that can be used to
— produce standardized sampling plans for use in more regular or routine circumstances,
— incorporate the specific requirements of national legislation, and
— design and develop a sampling plan for use on a case-by-case basis.
This document is applicable to sampling of soil and soil material, more specifically, e.g.
— soil in the landscape,
— soil stockpiles,
— potentially contaminated sites,
— agricultural soils,
— landfills, and
— forest soils.
Ultimately, the sampling plan provides the sampler with detailed instructions on how sampling should be carried out.