This Standard sets out methods for the sampling of coal from moving streams and stationary situations, including stopped-belt sampling, for both routine and special purposes, to provide samples for general analysis and for the determination of total moisture.

The provisions of this Standard specifically include stopped-belt sampling. Although this Standard is intended to cover all coal sampling from moving streams, the procedures recommended may not be applicable in cases of extreme segregation of material, as found with very wet coal owing to moisture run-off, or with very dry coal owing to generation of dust. In such cases, it may be necessary to revert to stopped-belt sampling.

Stopped-belt sampling is the reference method against which other sampling procedures are compared.

Methods for the preparation of samples are also included in this Standard, and it is recognized that some on-line sampling installations perform part of the sample preparation.

Sampling from coal seams is covered in AS 2617, and is excluded from this Standard.