Comprehensive information on the topic of "Measurement of nanomaterials and ultrafine particles in the workplace"
Depending on the specific problem, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) recommends and uses both stationary and personal measurement technology according to standardised measurement procedures for the measurement of nanomaterials and ultrafine particles in the workplace.
In terms of stationary measuring technology, the available equipment comprises two Scanning Mobility Particle Sizers (SMPS 5.403), two Condensation Particle Counters (CPC 3007) and two Aerosol Spectrometers (1.109). This measuring technology can be used to record the particle number concentration and size distribution over a range of 5 nm to >32 µm.
The personal measuring technology uses the established technique of particle collection on nuclear pore filters. Particularly significant results can therefore be expected, especially in the evaluation of workplaces where work is carried out with fibrous materials. These filters are then analysed in a high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM). This SEM analysis also allows conclusions to be drawn regarding the materials' morphology and composition.
The workplace measurements are carried out as part of in-house research projects, projects with third-party funding and EU projects.