Significance and Use

Exposure to beryllium can cause a potentially fatal disease, and occupational exposure limits for beryllium in air and on surfaces have been established to reduce exposure risks to potentially affected workers (4, 5) . Sampling and analytical methods for beryllium are needed in order to meet the challenges relating to exposure assessment and risk reduction. Field-portable sampling and analysis methods, such as the procedure described in this test method, are desired in order to facilitate on-site measurement of beryllium. On-site beryllium analysis results can then be used as a basis for management of protection of human health.

1. Scope

1.1 This test method is intended for use in the determination of beryllium by sampling workplace air and surface dust.

1.2 This test method assumes that air and surface samples are collected using appropriate and applicable ASTM International standard practices for sampling of workplace air and surface dust. These samples are typically collected using air filter sampling, vacuum sampling or wiping techniques. See Guide E1370 for guidance on air sampling strategies, and Guide D7659 for guidance on selection of surface sampling techniques.

1.3 Determination of beryllium in soil is not within the scope of this test method. See Test Method D7458 for determination of beryllium in soil samples.

1.4 This test method includes a procedure for on-site extraction (dissolution) of beryllium in weakly acidic medium (pH of 1 % aqueous ammonium bifluoride is 4.8), followed by field analysis of aliquots of the extract solution using a beryllium-specific-optically fluorescent dye.

1.5 The procedure is targeted for on-site use in the field for occupational and environmental hygiene monitoring purposes.

1.6 No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable fluorometric instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model.

1.7 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard.

1.8 This test method contains notes that are explanatory and not part of mandatory requirements of the standard.

1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

D1193 Specification for Reagent Water

D1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis of Atmospheres

D4840 Guide for Sample Chain-of-Custody Procedures

D5337 Practice for Flow Rate Adjustment of Personal Sampling Pumps

D6966 Practice for Collection of Settled Dust Samples Using Wipe Sampling Methods for Subsequent Determination of Metals

D7035 Test Method for Determination of Metals and Metalloids in Airborne Particulate Matter by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)

D7144 Practice for Collection of Surface Dust by Micro-vacuum Sampling for Subsequent Metals Determination

D7296 Practice for Collection of Settled Dust Samples Using Dry Wipe Sampling Methods for Subsequent Determination of Beryllium and Compounds

D7458 Test Method for Determination of Beryllium in Soil, Rock, Sediment, and Fly Ash Using Ammonium Bifluoride Extraction and Fluorescence Detection

D7659 Guide for Strategies for Surface Sampling of Metals and Metalloids for Worker Protection

D7707 Specification for Wipe Sampling Materials for Beryllium in Surface Dust

E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

E882 Guide for Accountability and Quality Control in the Chemical Analysis Laboratory

E1370 Guide for Air Sampling Strategies for Worker and Workplace Protection

E1792 Specification for Wipe Sampling Materials for Lead in Surface Dust

Keywords

air; beryllium; filter; fluorescence; wipe; workplace: Beryllium; Extraction methods; Fluorescence; Workplace air/atmospheres;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.040.30 (Workplace atmospheres)

DOI: 10.1520/D7202-11

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.

ASTM D7202