Describe the object and its history
Identify the material name, purpose, manufacturer according to documents, batch number and date received. Record separately what happened to the object: heating, liquid contact, cleaning, repair or prolonged storage. Report observed circumstances separately from your assumptions.
Collect documents and photographs
Useful images show the overall object, labelling, packaging and altered areas. Preserve source photographs. Attach the quality certificate, specification, application instructions and earlier test reports. Do not replace a complete test report with a photograph of one result row.
Agree sampling and delivery
Before sampling or dispatch, disclose the presumed substance type and handling conditions. Quantity, sampling locations, container, whether a fragment may be removed and delivery depend on the examination programme. An electronic application is not permission to send any physical sample.
Clarify the limits of the future finding
Information about one sample and about a product batch require different substantiation. If the dispute concerns the entire batch, disclose its size and structure, availability of product units and earlier sampling information. Also disclose if only a used remnant survives.