NIOSH has developed a field-based respirable crystalline silica monitoring approach. The monitoring approach relies upon the collection of respirable dust on filter media inside dust sampling cassettes. The analysis of the respirable dust samples in the field for alpha quartz determination is possible using portable Fourier Transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) analyzers. To facilitate the analysis of samples in the field and to minimize handling, the users should consider using one of two sampling cassettes both commercially available: a 4-piece-cassette and a coal dust sampling cassette. To ensure the proper positioning of the cassettes inside the FTIR analyzers, the use of a cradle or the filter holder and one stand, specific to the analyzer, is necessary.  

 

There are 8 available parts in this model: one cradle for a 4-piece-cassette, one filter holder composed of three parts to be used for the coal dust sampling cassette, and four stands for four different FTIR analyzers. The cradle and the filter holder can be used with each stand. The latch of the filter holder must be secured to the filter holder base with a bolt and washer. The stands may be secured to the FTIR analyzers with bolts provided with the analyzer. The cradle, the filter holder, and the stands have been specifically designed for the analysis of samples inside portable FTIR analyzers while still in the dust sampling cassettes. This process is a critical component of the field-based respirable crystalline silica monitoring approach. More information can be found in the references listed in the attributions and in the webpage: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/content/HandwareandSoftwareforFAST.html and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWpm8hwXlWg