1.1 This guide covers procedures for reducing the susceptibility in some steels to hydrogen embrittlement or degradation that may arise in the finishing processes.

1.2 The heat treatment procedures established herein may be effective for reducing susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement. This heat-treatment procedure shall be used after plating operations but prior to any secondary conversion coating operation.

1.3 This guide has been coordinated with ISO/DIS 9588 and is technically equivalent.

Note 1 - The heat treatment does not guarantee complete freedom from the adverse effects of hydrogen degradation.

1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.