Provision of test samples.- Tensile and bend test pieces shall be prepared from test samples representative of each melt or heat-treatment batch as follows:-

(a) The test samples shall be cast attached to or separate from the castings as agreed between the manufacturer and the Inspecting Officer. The agreement for attached test samples shall include the precise location and method of attachment. If the Inspecting Officer does not make such an agreement with the manufacturer, the decision as to the manner of providing test samples shall rest with the manufacturer. The discretion of the manufacturer shall not, however, apply to the testing of castings made from more than one melt as indicated in clause (d) below.

(b) If the test samples are attached to the castings, at least one tensile test, and when required one bend test, shall be made from each melt. Such test samples shall not be detached from the castings until heat-treatment of the castings has been completed and they have been stamped by the Inspecting Officer after the heat-treatment process.

(c) If the test samples are cast separately, they shall be provided to the extent of 2 per cent of the number of castings from each melt, but in no case shall there be less than 2 samples per melt, except by agreement between the manufacturer and the Inspecting Officer. The test samples shall be cast in moulds of the same material as is used for the castings and shall be made at the same time as the castings, and run from the same ladle. The samples shall be stamped by the Inspecting officer so as to identify the castings to which they relate.

(d) When a casting is made from more than one melt, at least four tensile tests, and where required four bends, shall be made from test samples situated as far apart as possible on the casting. Some of the test samples shall be taken from as near the top and others near from the bottom of the casting as is practicable.

(e) Test samples shall be heat-treated with the castings they represent.