Introduction - Soil Properties: Testing, Measurement, and Evaluation - page 4

scales, proper labeling of axes, accurate plotting of points, and so on. All
graphs should include the following:

1. Title
2. Date of plotting
3. Person preparing the graph
4. Type of soil tested
5. Project and/or laboratory number, if appropriate

As a final comment concerning graph preparation, when experi-
mentally determined points have been plotted and it is necessary to
draw a line through the points, in most cases a smooth curve should be
drawn (using a French curve), rather than connecting adjacent data
points by straight-line segments.
Nowadays more and more graphs are plotted by computer. When
computers are used, it is still the responsibility of the person presenting
a plot to verify its authenticity. Just because something comes from a
computer does not mean it is automatically correct!

Whenever one enters a laboratory or performs field testing, the poten-
tial for an accident exists, even if it is no worse than being cut by a
dropped glass container. It could, of course, be much worse.
In performing soil testing, hazardous materials, operations, and
equipment may be encountered. This topic does not purport to cover all
safety considerations applying to the procedures presented. It is the re-
sponsibility of the reader and user of these procedures to consult and es-
tablish necessary safety and health practices and determine the
applicability of any regulatory limitations.
Extreme care and caution must always be exercised in performing
soil laboratory and field tests. Certainly, the laboratory is no place for
horseplay.

SAFETY