ISO 16258-2-2015 PDF
Name in English:
St ISO 16258-2-2015
Name in Russian:
Ст ISO 16258-2-2015
Original standard ISO 16258-2-2015 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ISO 16258-2:2015 — Workplace air — Analysis of respirable crystalline silica by X-ray diffraction — Part 2: Method by indirect analysis. This part specifies an X‑ray diffraction (XRD) analytical method where dust is recovered from the original collection substrate (filter or foam), treated and redeposited onto another filter for instrument analysis; it includes guidance on instrumentation, sampling sensitivity, filter selection, sample treatment to remove interferences and absorption correction.
Abstract
ISO 16258-2:2015 defines the indirect-on-filter XRD method for measuring respirable crystalline silica (RCS) — principally the polymorphs quartz and cristobalite — in workplace air samples. The part covers instrumental parameters, sensitivity considerations for different sampling apparatus, choice of filters, sample‑preparation procedures to reduce interference, and corrections for absorption effects. It notes that less common polymorphs (e.g., tridymite) are excluded where suitable reference materials are not available, and it references guidance on uncertainty estimation (ISO 24095) and applicability relative to EN 482.
General information
- Status: Published; confirmed in ISO catalogue review (confirmed 2020; under periodic review process thereafter).
- Publication date: September 2015 (2015-09).
- Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
- ICS / categories: 13.040.30 (Workplace atmospheres).
- Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015).
- Number of pages: 30 pages.
Scope
Provides a laboratory analytical procedure for the determination of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in workplace air when the chosen analytical approach involves recovering dust from a collection substrate and redepositing it for XRD analysis. The standard addresses instrumental settings, sensitivity of sampling systems, filter types and preparation, methods to remove analytical interferences, and corrections for absorption effects. Quartz and cristobalite are within scope; less common polymorphs such as tridymite are excluded where no standard reference material exists.
Key topics and requirements
- Definition and analytical boundary for respirable crystalline silica (RCS), including quartz and cristobalite.
- Procedures for recovering dust from collection substrates (filters/foams) and redepositing onto analysis filters.
- Instrumental parameters and XRD operating conditions appropriate for indirect analysis.
- Consideration of sampling apparatus sensitivity and recommended filter media.
- Sample treatment guidance to remove interferences and procedures for correcting absorption effects.
- Notes on method limitations (e.g., low dust loads or low silica content may affect expanded uncertainty requirements) and reference to uncertainty guidance in ISO 24095 and applicability relative to EN 482.
Typical use and users
Used by occupational hygiene laboratories, industrial hygienists, regulatory bodies, workplace health & safety professionals and employers for monitoring and compliance testing of respirable crystalline silica exposure in industrial and construction environments. The method supports exposure assessment, enforcement sampling and laboratory intercomparisons.
Related standards
ISO 16258-1:2015 (Part 1 — direct-on-filter XRD method) is the companion document for direct analysis on the sample filter; ISO 24095 provides guidance on uncertainty estimation for RCS measurements; EN 482 is referenced regarding expanded uncertainty requirements for workplace measurement methods. These documents are commonly used together when implementing RCS measurement programs.
Keywords
Respirable crystalline silica; RCS; XRD; X‑ray diffraction; indirect method; filter recovery; workplace air; occupational hygiene; quartz; cristobalite; sample preparation; absorption correction; measurement uncertainty.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ISO 16258-2:2015 is an international standard that specifies an indirect X‑ray diffraction analytical method for determining respirable crystalline silica (RCS) in workplace air samples by recovering, treating and redepositing dust for instrument analysis.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers instrumental parameters, sampling apparatus sensitivity, filter selection, sample‑treatment procedures to remove interferences, and absorption correction for the indirect (recovered dust) XRD method. It applies to quartz and cristobalite and notes exclusions for some polymorphs where reference materials are unavailable.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Occupational hygiene and analytical laboratories, industrial hygienists, employers conducting exposure monitoring, regulators and certification bodies involved in workplace air quality and silica exposure assessment.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: The standard was published in September 2015 (Edition 1). ISO records show it was last reviewed and confirmed in 2020, and it remains the current edition in the ISO catalogue while subject to ISO’s periodic review procedures. Users should check the ISO catalogue or national standards bodies for any amendments or newer revisions before relying on the content for compliance work.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: Yes — ISO 16258 is a multipart standard. Part 1 (ISO 16258-1:2015) covers the direct-on-filter XRD method and Part 2 (this document) covers the indirect method; both belong to the workplace air / RCS XRD methodology family.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Respirable crystalline silica, RCS, XRD, indirect method, filter recovery, workplace air, quartz, cristobalite, sample preparation, measurement uncertainty.