Rationale

Currently E1237 is branded as a Guide, but its contents are inconsistent with the requirements of the Form and Style Manual requirements for Guides. "C15.2 A standard guide is a compendium of information or series of options that does not recommend a specific course of action ... Guides may propose a series of options or instructions that offer direction without recommending a definite course of action." The word "shall" appears in E1237 15 times, and should appears 51 times. These are examples of a "definite course of action." E1237 is more properly a Practice, which the Form and Style Manual describes. "C15.1 A standard practice is an accepted procedure for the performance of one or more operations or functions. In certain cases practices may include one or more test methods necessary for full use of the practice. Examples of practices include selection, preparation, application, inspection, necessary precautions for use or disposal, installation, maintenance, and operation of testing apparatus." Note that the title of E1237 includes the word "installation," which is one of the listed examples of a Practice. This work item will change E1237 from a Guide to a Practice to be consistent with ASTM requirements.