The tests should be performed under temperature and humidity expected during normal use. If this is not possible, then the test conditions shall be 75 °F +/- 10 °F (23.9 °C +/- 5.5 °C) and 50 % +/-10 % relative humidity. Maintain these conditions 48 hours prior to, and during testing. For floors intended to be used at high or low temperatures or humidity (such as cold storage rooms), the test site must be within the temperature and humidity range given above, not at the anticipated service temperature or humidity.
Avoid placing tests in direct sunlight or subject to direct sources of heat.
Prior to placement of the calcium chloride tests, the actual test area must be clean and free of all foreign substances. All residual adhesives, curing compounds, sealers, paints, floor coverings, etc. need to be removed. Take care in removing floor coverings by using approved OSHA work practices. Warning—Do not sand, dry sweep, dry scrape, drill, saw, beadblast, or mechanically chip or pulverize existing resilient flooring, backing, lining felt, or asphaltic cutback adhesives. These products may contain either asbestos fibers or crystalline silica. Avoid creating or inhaling any dust created by the removal.
Do not re-test on a previously tested location. Remove all floor coverings or coatings, if present. Lightly grind an area 20 in. by 20 in. (50 cm by 50 cm) to produce a surface profile equal to ICRI CSP-1 to CSP-2 meant to clear/clean/open the surface pores. Grinding should remove a thin layer of the finished concrete but not expose coarse aggregate, unless the surface had been abrasively treated previously. A vacuum equipped with a suitable filter and grinder equipped with a dust shroud may be required to reduce airborne dust from grinding.
Expose a minimum area of 20 in. by 20 in. (50 cm by 50 cm) to conditions outlined above for a minimum period of 24 hours prior to starting each test. New concrete and/or concrete floors that have had floor coverings or coatings removed for at least 30 days prior to testing can be ground and tested without this waiting period. Remove the dish of anhydrous calcium chloride from its mylar bag. Pre-weigh the dish, with lid on, to confirm the factory weight noted on the lid label. If there is a discrepancy, note the new weight on the label and use that for measurement.
Carefully remove the dish lid and invert it under the dish. Set the dish (in the inverted lid) onto the concrete surface.(Warning—Do not spill any of the calcium chloride prills from the dish. If spillage occurs, discard the dish and perform the test with a new dish of anhydrous calcium chloride.
Immediately place the transparent cover over the calcium chloride dish. Firmly press down on the clear dome’s flange compressing the rubber sealant providing an airtight seal around the four edges of the cover. Checking for seal can be performed by pushing onto dome lid and observing for dome lid to depress or listening for the sound of air leaving the dome.
After the test has been in place for between 60 hours to 72 hours, remove the plastic cover. It is best to cut the transparent cover open with a razor blade so the dish can be easily retrieved. Replace the lid on the dish and reseal. Immediately reweigh the sealed container. Record the new weight, the date, and time the test was stopped.
