Proficiency testing for inorganic acids

Proficiency testing (PT) is offered either with or without own sampling. The participants can choose between carrying out the sampling of volatile inorganic acids themselves or receiving samples ready for analysis. For HCI and HNO₃, the IFA recommends that the analysis method for hazardous substances described in DFG [1], NIOSH [2] resp. IFA Folder No. 6172 [3] be employed as the procedure. For H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄ preparation is suggested according to the IFA folder, identification number 6173 sheet 1 and 2 [4], DFG [5] resp. NIOSH [6]. The analysis should be conducted using ion chromatography.

1 Proficiency testing with sampling

1.1. Volatile inorganic acids

A large dynamic test gas stream was erected at the IFA. The test gas stream allows for parallel sampling for up to 11 participants.

• When: 20/21 March 2018 (Minimum number of participants: 8)
• Where:
  Institut für Arbeitsschutz der Deutschen Gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung (IFA)
  Alte Heerstr. 111
  53757 Sankt Augustin
  Germany
• Concentration range: 1/10 to two times the AGW¹ value
• Number of test series: 3
• Duration: 2 test series of 2 hours each, 1 test series of 15 minutes, plus preparation time and run-in period.
• Solvent selection: HCI, HNO₃
• Sampling: Active sampling
• Accomodations: Hotels at Sankt Augustin

Please note that for each test series only 4 l/min test gas is available for each participant.

Participants will receive detailed information on the PT scheme, a description of the apparatus, and the connections for the sampling devices in particular, in good time.

1.2 Non-volatile inorganic acids (see below)

Each participant receives an additional sample set for H₂SO₄ and H₃PO₄.

2 Proficiency testing without sampling

2.1 Volatile inorganic acids

The loading of sample carriers is conducted at the dynamic test gas stream of the IFA. Alkaline impregnated quartz fibre filters are used as sampling carriers.

Each participant receives a sample set consisting of:

• three loaded sample carriers and
• two unloaded sample carriers for blank value adjustment.

2.2 Non-volatile inorganic acids

Quartz fibre filters doped with sulphuric and phosphoric acids will be offered as in the preceding years.

The samples will be prepared by means of piezoelectric microdispensing. This includes

• three loaded filters which are stabilised directly after loading and
• two unloaded stabilised filters.

¹ The German acronym AGW stands for Arbeitsplatzgrenzwert (Occupational Exposure Limit value – OEL). For carcinogenic substances and substances without AGW the database GESTIS – International limit values for chemical agents (www.dguv.de/ifa/gestis-limit-values) is used.