Certification of Cr(VI) and total leachable Cr contents in welding dust loaded on a filter (CRM 545)

Abstract

In order to improve and control the quality of measurement of Cr(VI) and leachable Cr in welding dust loaded on a filter, the Standards, Measurements and Testing Programme (formerly BCR) of the European Commission has carried out a project, of which the final aim was to certify a reference material. This paper describes the preparation of a batch of 1100 filters loaded with welding dust, containing approximately 100 μg Cr(VI) per mg dust, which is as normally encountered on the personal filter monitors of stainless steel welders. The homogeneity and stability studies and the analytical work performed for the certification of the contents of Cr(VI) and the total leachable Cr content are also described, as well as the methods used to certify the mass fraction of Cr(VI) (40.16 ± 0.60 g · kg–1 on a dry matter basis) and total leachable Cr (39.47 ± 1.30 g · kg–1 on a dry matter basis). A brief description of the preliminary feasibility study is also given.