Background
The health of welders is at risk
through exposure by inhalation to toxic metals and metalloids.
Occupational hygienists need to determine the effectiveness of
measures taken to control workers' exposure, and this is generally
achieved by making personal airborne exposure measurements, the
accuracy of which relies heavily upon the availability and use of
validated measurement methods. Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic
Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and, more recently, Mass
Spectrometry (ICP-MS) are multi-element techniques of choice in
many analytical laboratories for the determination of toxic metals
on filters collected from workplace air. Over the years, standard
analytical methods have been developed by national agencies such as
HSE, NIOSH and OSHA promulgating the use of such techniques. More
recently, drawing heavily upon procedures set out in such national
standards, ISO standards have now been codified such as ISO 15202
(analysis using ICP-AES) and ISO 30011 (analysis using ICP-MS).
The Problem
An inherent difficulty with analysis
using ICP techniques is that typically a sample dissolution step is
required. The efficiency of this step is often the dominant step in
determining the overall analytical accuracy in the laboratory.
Where available, matrix-matched reference materials, of known
composition, can be used to assess analytical recoveries.
The Solution
HSL has now developed two bulk welding
fume materials to assist in checking this digestion step. These two
reference materials have been certified using protocols set out in
ISO Guide 35 with analytical support from partner national
laboratories employing validated dissolution procedures described
in methods such as NIOSH 7300, OSHA 125G and ISO 15202-2.
Product Overview
Reference material HSL MSWF-1 is a
fume derived from the laser welding of galvanised mild steel
components and is certified for major components such as the Fe, Mn
and Zn content. Reference material HSL SSWF-1 is a fume derived
from the laser welding of stainless steel components and is
certified for major components such as the Cr, Fe, Mn and Ni
content. Accompanying these materials will be a certificate of
analysis. Indicative elemental values for minor components are
reported in the associated certification reports.
MSWF-1 Specimen Certificate of Analysis
SSWF-1 Specimen Certificate of Analysis
A more detailed certification report
detailing the product certification process can be found below.
MSWF-1 Certification Report
SSWF-1 Certification Report
Material Safety data Sheets for the
two materials can be downloaded here.
MSWF-1 MSDS
SSWF-1 MSDS
The two materials will be available as
a set consisting of a 1 g sample of each fume type. Each bottle
will provide ca. 100 test portions at the recommended 10 mg sample
aliquot size, sufficient for method setup studies and for routine
method recovery checks.
Product Benefit
For the first time, matrix-matched
welding fume reference materials, of known composition, are now
available in bulk for laboratories to assess the performance of the
key sample dissolution step.
Availability
Materials will be despatched within 2
weeks of receipt of order. Order
now!
For product
enquiries:
Please call +44 (0) 203 028 3705 or e-mail productsupport@hsl.gsi.gov.uk
For technical enquires:
Please contact Owen Butler on + 44 (0) 203 028
2138 or owen.butler@hse.gov.uk