Proficiency Testing and Test Gas Stream

The Section Proficiency Testing (PT) and Test Gas Stream coordinates and supervises the PT schemes performed by the IFA for laboratories and measuring institutes for the analysis of hazardous substances worldwide. In addition, the section develops new methods for workplace measurements and refines existing methods.

PT schemes are offered for the following substance groups:

• Aldehydes
• Inorganic acids
• Volatile organic compounds (VOC) with thermal desorption
• Metals on filters
• Organic solvents

The PT schemes are conducted at a dynamic test gas stream with a length of
30.5 m. The particular feature of the IFA’s PT schemes is that (except for the PT scheme metals) they are offered both with and without own sampling. This means that the participants can perform sampling with their own sample carriers and equipment at the test gas stream, and thus test the entire measurement method. Alternatively, they can request sample carriers loaded by the IFA.

The section works continually on the development of new PT schemes and the further development of existing schemes.

Work on suitable measurement methods for organic and inorganic hazardous substances at workplaces includes:

• Analytical method development
• Development of suitable sampling techniques
• Method validation
• Field tests of methods following their development
• Revalidation of existing measurement methods

The work is carried out in close cooperation with the other sections of the department.