ASTM International

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine Precision Estimates for a Fire Test Method with Fewer Than Six Participating Laboratories
 N E2653

Annotation

This practice describes the techniques for planning, conducting, analyzing, and treating results of an interlaboratory study (ILS) for estimating the precision of a fire test method when fewer than six laboratories are available to meet the recommended minimum requirements of Practice E691. Data obtained from an interlaboratory study are useful in identifying variables that require modifications for improving test method performance and precision.

Precision estimates developed using this practice will not be statistically equivalent to precision estimates produced by Practice E691 because a small number of laboratories are used. The smaller number of participating laboratories will seriously reduce the value of precision estimates reported by this practice. However, under circumstances where only a limited number of laboratories are available to participate in an ILS, precision estimates developed by this practice will provide the user with useful information concerning precision for a test method.

A minimum of three qualified laboratories is required for conducting an ILS using this practice. If six or more laboratories are available to participate in an ILS for a given fire test method, Practice E691 shall be used for conducting the ILS.

Since the primary purpose of this practice is the development of the information needed for a precision statement, the experimental design in this practice will not be optimum for evaluating all materials, test methods, or as a tool for individual laboratory analysis.

Because of the reduced number of participating laboratories a Laboratory Monitor shall be used in the ILS. See Standard Guide E2335.