What is BS EN 17199‑2 - Rotating drum method for dustiness about?
Airborne NOAA and other respirable particles released during handling and transportation of bulk materials is an important consideration for workers’ exposure. BS EN 17199‑2 is the second part of the workplace exposure to respirable particles multi-series. BS EN 17199‑2 discusses the rotating drum method for measuring exposure. BS EN 17199‑2 specifies the selection of instruments and devices and the procedures for calculating and presenting the results and guides on the evaluation and reporting of the data.
BS EN 17199‑2 provides the methodology for measuring the dustiness of bulk materials that contain or release respirable NOAA or other respirable particles, under standard and reproducible conditions; and specifies for that purpose, the rotating drum method.
Note 1: The particle size range described in BS EN 17199‑2 is based on the equipment used during the pre-normative research.
Note 2: Currently, no number-based classification scheme in terms of dustiness indices or emission rates has been established. Eventually, when much measurement data has been obtained, the intention is to revise this document and to introduce such a classification scheme, if applicable.
NOTE 3: The method specified in this document has not been investigated for the measurement of the dustiness of bulk materials containing nanofibers and nanoplates in terms of number-based dustiness indices or emission rates. However, there is no reason to believe that the number-based dustiness indices or emission rates could not be measured with the rotating drum method using the set-up described.
Who is BS EN 17199‑2 - Rotating drum method for dustiness for?
BS EN 17199‑2 on the rotating drum method for dustiness of bulk materials is useful for:
- Manufacturers of products that release respirable particles
- Health and safety inspectors
- Regulatory bodies
- Quality control personnel
Why should you use BS EN 17199‑2 - Rotating drum method for dustiness?
The aim of dustiness testing is to simulate typical powder processing and handling in order to enable a comparison of the relative dust release potential of different bulk materials. BS EN 17199‑2 applies to the testing of a wide range of bulk materials including powders, granules or pellets containing or releasing respirable NOAA or other respirable particles in either unbound, bound uncoated and coated forms.
BS EN 17199‑2 establishes the rotating drum test method that characterizes the released aerosol by measuring the particle size distribution using direct-reading aerosol instruments and collects samples for off-line analysis (as required) for their morphology and chemical composition.
The rotating drum method is useful for addressing the ability of bulk materials including nanomaterials (in powder form), to release airborne particles (aerosol) during agitation, the so-called dustiness. The rotating drum method has been designed to simulate workplace scenarios and to represent general bulk material handling processes, including processes where bulk material is tipped, poured, mixed, scooped, dropped or similar, either mechanically or by hand.
BS EN 17199‑2 gives you details on the design and operation of the rotating drum method along with specifications on how to carry out the test methods and how to evaluate their results accurately. Having identified the dust emission rates, you are in a position to take decisions on safety equipment like masks and goggles for your workers who handle these products.
BS EN 17199‑2 provides you with information to assess the controls and precautions required for handling and working with the bulk material; and the effects of pre-treatment.