Soldering fumes
Surface contamination by metal dust is a critical concern in industrial and commercial environments. Metals such as lead and beryllium, regulated by the EPA in the USA, pose significant health risks when found in settled dust. Effective testing helps identify hazardous contamination and promotes safety compliance across North America.
Why This Test Is Crucial for Your Safety
Metal dust contamination can silently jeopardize workplace safety and employee health. Settled metal particles, including those from lead, beryllium, arsenic, and manganese, can accumulate due to industrial processes like soldering, welding, or firearms usage. Prolonged exposure to these contaminants can result in severe health issues such as respiratory problems, neurological disorders, or metal poisoning. Identifying contamination levels ensures compliance with regulatory standards, reduces liability, and maintains a safe work environment.
Technical Details About Surface Contamination Testing
Surface sampling for metals is a well-established process guided by NIOSH Method 9102. This method involves:
- Sampling Media: LCS Laboratory provides pre-treated wipes, commonly known as “Ghost Wipes,” specifically designed for efficient metal dust collection.
- Sample Collection: The client collects metal dust from a defined surface area of either 100 cm² or 1 square foot using the provided wipes.
- Analysis Sensitivity: The samples are analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) with a sensitivity range of 0.1 µg/sample to 1 µg/sample, ensuring precise detection of even the smallest trace contamination.
- Comprehensive Reporting: The analysis identifies metal compounds, helping to pinpoint contamination sources.
Our testing services are flexible, allowing customization of the metal list based on the specific needs of your workplace. For example, industries working with mercury or arsenic can request targeted analyses to address unique risks.
Take the Next Step Towards a Safer Workplace
Ensure the safety and compliance of your workplace by leveraging LCS Laboratory’s expertise in surface contamination testing.
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- Access request forms for submitting samples.
Protect your workplace and workforce with reliable metal contamination testing from LCS Laboratory. Reach out to us today!
