Work Item
ASTM WK70035
New Practice for Use of Color in Visual Examination and Forensic Comparison of Soil Sample
1. Scope
1.1 This practice covers visual color determination of soil/geologic material within the context of a forensic examination and is intended for use by laboratory personnel. 1.1.1 This practice recommends use of soil color for: the initial screening of soil samples in forensic casework, prioritization of known soil exemplars for detailed analysis, and includes a test method for color determination in the Munsell color system and comparison among samples. 1.2 Units Units in the Munsell color system are used throughout this document. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This standard is intended for use by competent forensic science practitioners with the requisite formal education, discipline-specific training (see Practice E2917), and demonstrated proficiency to perform forensic casework.
Keywords
forensic soil examination; forensic soil comparison, soil color
Rationale
This new standard practice provides instruction for forensic scientists performing soil examinations and color comparisons of soils. It is intended to provide forensic laboratories with information for integration of color in the examination of soil evidence.
The title and scope are in draft form and are under development within this ASTM Committee.
Work Item Status
Date Initiated: 09-25-2019
Technical Contact: LIBBY STERN
Item: 002
Ballot: E30.01 (19-07)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 005
Ballot: E30 (20-01)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 001
Ballot: E30 (20-10)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 003
Ballot: E30 (21-02)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 010
Ballot: E30 (21-03)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 003
Ballot: E30 (21-07)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 002
Ballot: E30 (21-06)
Status: Will Reballot Item
Item: 001
Ballot: E30 (22-05)
Status: Negative Votes Need Resolution