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
HSE has now developed 2 bulk welding fume materials to assist in checking this digestion step. These 2 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
- ISO 15202-2
Product overview
Reference material:
- 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
- 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:
Detailed certification reports detailing the product certification processes:
Material Safety data Sheets for the 2 materials:
The 2 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.
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For more information or to make an enquiry about HSE’s testing and monitoring services get in touch on GOV.UK.
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