This Standard sets out a variety of methods for eliminating dirt and organic residues, such as oil, grease and related contaminates from metal surfaces, so as to facilitate the satisfactory application of finished coatings. Methods described for decontaminating surfaces include simple solvent wiping, immersion in solvent, solvent spray, vapour degreasing, emulsion cleaning, and alkaline cleaning. The process will usually remove loose adherent dirt from affected surfaces. Depending on the nature of the finish coating to be applied, cleaning by any of the procedures described in this Standard may be followed by a more rigorous intermediate treatment, such as pickling or abrasive blast cleaning. NOTE: Appendix A contains advice and recommendations on information which should be supplied by the purchaser at the time of inquiry or order.