5.1 The major objective of this practice is to provide a common reference document for both applicants and certification authorities on the accepted practices for accomplishing package thermal qualification. Details and methods for accomplishing qualification are described in this document in more specific detail than available in the regulations. Methods that have been shown by experience to lead to successful qualification are emphasized. Possible problems and pitfalls that lead to unsatisfactory results are also described.

5.2 The work described in this standard practice shall be done under a quality assurance program that is accepted by the regulatory authority that certifies the package for use. For packages certified in the United States, 10 CFR 71 Subpart H shall be used as the basis for the quality assurance (QA) program, while for international certification, ISO 9000 usually defines the appropriate program. The quality assurance program shall be in place and functioning prior to the initiation of any physical or analytical testing activities and prior to submittal of any information to the certifying authority.

5.3 The unit system (SI metric or English) used for thermal qualification shall be agreed upon prior to submission of information to the certification authority. If SI units are to be standard, then use IEEE/ASTM SI-10. Additional units given in parentheses are for information purposes only.