This test method does not require an overall rigid standardization of the apparatus. Samples are tested either unconfined or confined in confinement cups. For confined tests, some of the important cup parameters, such as cup material, cup wall thickness, and fit between the cup and the striking pin, are standardized. Data generated from unconfined and confined tests will not, in general, exhibit the same relative scale of sensitivities, and must be identified as confined or unconfined data and compared separately.

This test method applies to all testing where the intent is to establish a relative sensitivity scale for hazardous materials. It is not intended to prohibit testing process-thickness samples nor prohibit the use of other than standard tool masses and striking diameters to generate data for special purposes or for in-house comparisons. In addition, the test method is not intended to restrict the generation of results at other than the H₅₀ point as may be desirable for hazard analysis techniques.

The normalized data will serve as a measure of the relative sensitivities of hazardous materials at the 50 % probability of reaction level. The normalized H₅₀ values can also be used in conjunction with additional data relating to other probability of reaction levels (not a part of this test method) to assess hazards associated with the manufacture, transportation, storage, and use of hazardous materials.