Standard Practice for Determining Concentration of Airborne Single-Crystal Ceramic Whiskers in the Workplace Environment

1.1 This practice is intended to assist individuals in the sampling and analysis of single-crystal ceramic whiskers (SCCW), such as silicon carbide and silicon nitride, in the workplace environment. It describes sampling and analytical techniques used to assess the airborne concentration and size distribution of SCCW, which may occur in and around the workplace where these materials are manufactured, processed, transported, or used.

1.2 The protocols currently in use for asbestos and other fibrous materials have been used as a guide in developing sampling and analytical procedures for characterizing fibers produced from the manufacture and use of SCCW. The sampling and analysis protocols described here have been written specifically for SCCW, however, they may be appropriate for other man-made mineral fibers (MMMF)

1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.