Laboratory Tests: Metal Dust in Air by NIOSH 7301

LCS Laboratory Inc. provides services for the analysis of metal dust and fumes in workplace air. We offer air sampling equipment, sampling media, and laboratory analysis to help ensure compliance with Canadian occupational health and safety regulations.

Concentration limits for metals in workplace air are strictly regulated, ranging from 0.00005 mg/m³ for beryllium to 2-5 mg/m³ for less hazardous metals. Welding operations are a common source of metal dust exposure, with approximately 30% of welding fume samples exceeding occupational exposure limits for contaminants such as iron oxide and manganese. Other sources of exposure include the grinding of metal parts, mining industries, and construction and demolition activities.

Sampling Procedures for Metal Dust

When sampling for metal dust, specific techniques are required to address different fractions of dust and metals:

Welding fumes consist of particles typically 5 microns or smaller. Particle separation is not required; samples can be collected as Total Dust (by NIOSH 0500) or Inhalable Dust (by MDHS 14/4), which yield comparable results.
Aluminium, Iron, and Zinc are regulated as respirable dust and are collected using the NIOSH 0600 method and analyzed by NIOSH 7301. The procedure involves drawing air through a mixed cellulose ester (MCE) filter using an aluminium cyclone at a calibrated flow rate of 2.5 L/min. Samples are then subjected to acid digestion and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).
Nickel and Vanadium are regulated as inhalable dust and should be collected as an inhalable fraction in accordance with MDHS 14/4 and analyzed for individual metal content.

Why Choose LCS Laboratory Inc.?

LCS Laboratory Inc. supports industrial hygienists, consultants, and industrial clients across Canada by offering:

National Service: Reliable support for clients nationwide.
Favourable Rates: Competitive pricing unaffected by currency fluctuations.
Regulatory Compliance: Sampling methods tailored to meet Canadian standards.
Comprehensive Solutions: Optional air quality equipment, training, and technical support to complement analysis services.
Experienced Team: Over 15 years of expertise in industrial hygiene and metal sampling.