Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Regulations

Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice

Occupational Health Programme (Occupational Hygiene and Medical Surveillance) on Personal Exposure to Airborne Pollutants

Annexures

Annexure E : Background information, sampling and analysis on particulates

1. Sampling methodology and analysis for airborne particulates

Purchase

1.1	Gravimetric sampling of airborne particulates will be used as a basis for measuring environmental conditions and expressing the results as a concentration in milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m3).

1.2

Instruments shall make use of a constant volume pump or other means for the constant aspiration of air. Volume flow rates are to be calibrated before and checked after each sample with the sampling train in line, using the volume displacement method (soap bubble method) as the primary standard; the required flow rate will be dependent on the sampling methodology. Samples are to be discarded if the flow rates vary by more than 5% (elutriator or cyclone efficiency for particle size selection is dependent on flow rate).

1.3	Filter media suitable for the various applications will depend on the sampling methodology adopted.

1.4	Mass determination of filters is to be done by using micro-balances capable of reading to the nearest 10 micrograms.

1.5	Samples, once taken, are to be transported in such a manner that any possible particulate loss resulting from bumping, vibration or being transported is minimised. Filters should he transported with the dust deposit side facing upwards.

NOTE: The use of the public postal system or other public transport services does not satisfy the above requirements.