Note 1: As most erosion control blanket products are constructed from several component materials, sampling of the bulk product must be performed in such a way as to maintain the structural integrity of the product. This is true not only for generating a test sample, but also for the generation of individual test specimens from the sample for testing. Experience has shown that careless handling of materials may result in loss of component fibers, yarns and/or stitching, and bias of test results. Note any loss of material components observed during sample and test specimen preparation. Report the mass of lost components in the final report.

Note 2: Procedures found to be successful for cutting test specimens from rolled erosion control products include the use of hot knifes to seal the edges of nondegradable test specimens, and the use of bags and slip supports to keep all components of degradable specimens together during sample preparation. The method of specimen cutting should be included with reported data.