This part of ISO 3856 describes a flameless atomic absorption spectrometric method for the determination of the mercury content of the test solutions, prepared according to ISO 6713 or other suitable International Standards. The method is applicable to paints having "soluble" mercury contents in the range of about 0,005 to 0,05 % (m/m), but the part of this method covering the examination of the liquid portion of the paint is restricted to water-dilutable paints. CAUTION — The procedures described in this part of ISO 3856 are intended to be carried out by qualified chemists or by other suitably trained and/or supervised personnel. The substances and procedures used in this method may be injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. Attention is drawn in the text (see 4.6 and 4.7) to certain specific hazards. This part of ISO 3856 refers only to its technical suitability and does not absolve the user from statutory obligations relating to health and safety.