Technical reference for AS 2985:2009 (respirable dust sampling method). Load this skill when rcs-report-generator or another action skill needs to verify or cite specific clauses of the gravimetric determination method for respirable dust. Not intended as a standalone user tool.
This skill provides reference material for AS 2985:2009, the Australian Standard for sampling and gravimetric determination of respirable dust in workplace atmospheres. It ensures accurate technical information when producing occupational hygiene reports, dust sampling procedures, air monitoring documentation, and compliance analyses relating to respirable dust measurement.
Read the relevant section file(s) based on the technical domain of the query:
| File | Section | Coverage | When to Read |
|---|---|---|---|
sections/s01-scope-definitions.md | Sections 1–4 | Scope, objective, referenced documents, key definitions (breathing zone, EAD, field blank, limit of performance, respirable dust, Table 1) | Any query about scope of the standard, definitions of respirable dust, sampling efficiency criteria, measurement parameters |
sections/s02-apparatus.md | Sections 5–6 | Principle, apparatus including sampling systems, sampling devices (cyclones), filter requirements, sampling pumps, flow meter calibration, microbalance specifications, static elimination | Apparatus selection, filter specifications, pump requirements, microbalance calibration schedule, pulsation ratio limits, flow rate accuracy |
sections/s03-procedure.md | Sections 7–8 | Flow rate determination, detailed sampling procedure including pre-weighing, sampling protocol, transport, post-sampling weighing | Sampling methodology, filter pre-conditioning, weighing checks, field sampling steps, sample transport, post-sampling procedures |
sections/s04-calculations-reporting.md | Sections 9–12 | Calculations with equations 9.1–9.4, expression of uncertainty, limit of reporting, reporting requirements for gravimetric and concentration reports | Dust weight calculations, air volume calculations, concentration calculations, reporting thresholds, report content requirements |
sections/s05-appendices.md | Appendices A–B | Bibliography (18 references) and normative calibration procedure for secondary flowmeters | Secondary flowmeter calibration method, primary flowmeter setup, soap film technique, calibration records |
| Query Topic | Primary Section(s) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Respirable dust definition and criteria | Sections 1–4 | Scope, objective, definitions, Table 1 sampling efficiency |
| Cyclone sampler selection and flow rates | Section 6 | Table 2 designated flow rates for BCIRA, SIMPEDS, aluminium cyclones |
| Filter specification and material | Section 6 | Filter size, pore size, material selection (PVC, polycarbonate, cellulose) |
| Microbalance requirements and calibration | Section 6 | Five-place and six-place specifications, calibration schedule (3-yearly), repeatability tests (6-monthly), limit of performance |
| Sampling pump specifications | Section 6 | Flow rate accuracy (±0.1 L/min), pulsation ratio (≤0.2), automatic flow control |
| Sampling procedure and protocol | Section 8 | Pre-weighing, sampling steps, flow rate checks, transport, post-sampling weighing |
| Dust concentration calculation | Section 9 | Equations 9.1–9.4, blank correction, flow rate averaging, volume calculation |
| Measurement uncertainty | Section 10 | Reference to ISO 15767 and ISO 20988 |
| Reporting limits and thresholds | Section 11 | Practical limit of reporting (0.01 mg/m³ for six-place, 0.1 mg/m³ for five-place) |
| Report content and requirements | Section 12 | Gravimetric report contents, concentration report contents, significant figures, reference requirements |
| Secondary flowmeter calibration | Appendix B | Soap film flowmeter procedure, primary flowmeter setup, calibration technique, calibration records |
Note: This skill covers AS 2985:2009 only. For inhalable dust sampling, refer to AS 3640. For particle size definitions, see ISO 7708. For uncertainty in weighing, see ISO 15767 and ISO 20988. For critical compliance decisions or current amendments, verify against the current standard document published by Standards Australia at www.standards.org.au