ASTM_D_6057_-_96_2011.pdf

Designation:D605796(Reapproved 2011)Standard Test Method forDetermining Concentration of Airborne Single-CrystalCeramic Whiskers in the Workplace Environment by PhaseContrast Microscopy1This standard is issued under the fixed designation D6057;the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or,in the case of revision,the year of last revision.A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.Asuperscript epsilon()indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1.Scope1.1 This test method covers the sampling methods andanalysis techniques used to assess the airborne concentration ofsingle-crystal ceramic whiskers(SCCW),such as silicon car-bide and silicon nitride,which may occur in and around theworkplace where these materials are manufactured,processed,transported,or used.This test method is based on the collectionof fibers by filtration of a known quantity of air through a filter.The filter is subsequently evaluated with a phase contrastmicroscope(PCM)for the number of fibers meeting appropri-ately selected counting criteria.This test method cannotdistinguish among different types of fibers.This test methodmay be appropriate for other man-made mineral fibers(MMMF).1.2 This test method is applicable to the quantitation offibers on a collection filter that are greater than 5 m in length,less than 3 m in width,and have an aspect ratio equal to orgreater than 5:1.The data are directly convertible to astatement of concentration per unit volume of air sampled.Thistest method is limited by the diameter of the fibers visible byPCM(typically greater than 0.25 m in width)and the amountand type of coincident interference particles.1.3 A more definitive analysis may be necessary to confirmthe identity and dimensions of the fibers located with the PCM,especially where other fiber types may be present.Suchtechniques may include scanning electron microscopy(SEM)or transmission electron microscopy(TEM).The use of thesetest methods for the identification and size determination ofSCCW is described in Practice D6058 and Test MethodsD6059 and D6056.1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as thestandard.The values given in parentheses are for informationonly.1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns,if any,associated with its use.It is theresponsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2.Referenced Documents2.1 ASTM Standards:2D1193 Specification for Reagent WaterD1356 Terminology Relating to Sampling and Analysis ofAtmospheresD4532 Test Method for Respirable Dust in Workplace At-mospheres Using Cyclone SamplersD6056 Test Method for Determining Concentration of Air-borne Single-Crystal Ceramic Whiskers in the WorkplaceEnvironment by Transmission Electron MicroscopyD6058 Practice for Determining Concentration of AirborneSingle-Crystal Ceramic Whiskers in the Workplace Envi-ronmentD6059 Test Method for Determining Concentration of Air-borne Single-Crystal Ceramic Whiskers in the WorkplaceEnvironment by Scanning Electron MicroscopyE691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study toDetermine the Precision of a Test Method3.Terminology3.1 Definitions:3.1.1 analytical sensitivity,nairborne fiber concentrationrepresented by a single fiber counted in the PCM.3.1.1.1 DiscussionAlthough the terms fiber and whiskerare,for convenience,used interchangeably in this test method,whisker is correctly applied only to single-crystal fiberswhereas a fiber may be single-or poly-crystalline or may benoncrystalline.3.1.2 aspect ratio,nthe ratio of the length of a fiber to itswidth.1This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D22 on AirQuality and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D22.04 on Workplace AirQuality.Current edition approved Oct.1,2011.Published October 2011.Originallyapproved in 1996.Last previous edition approved in 2006 as D6057-96(2006).DOI:10.1520/D6057-96R11.2For referenced ASTM standards,visit the ASTM website,www.astm.org,orcontact ASTM Customer Service at serviceastm.org.For Annual Book of ASTMStandards volume information,refer to the standards Document Summary page onthe ASTM website.Copyright ASTM International,100 Barr Harbor Drive,PO Box C700,West Conshohocken,PA 19428-2959.United States1 3.1.3 fiber,nfor the purpose of this test method,anelongated particle having a length greater than 5 m,a widthless than 3 m,and an aspect ratio equal to or greater than 5:1.3.1.4 man-made mineral fiber,nany inorganic fibrousmaterial produced by chemical or physical processes.3.1.5 single-crystal ceramic whisker,n a man-made min-eral fiber that has a single-crystal structure.3.2 For definitions of other terms used in this test method,see Terminology D1356.4.Summary of Test Method4.1 The sample is collected on a mixed cellulose ester(MCE)filter by drawing air,using a sampling pum