Laboratory service

Bulk Powder Dustiness Testing

IOM measures how readily bulk powders release airborne dust. Our independent results help you compare materials, improve handling and controls and protect employees.

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Service overview

Could your powders release harmful dust?

Bulk powders can release airborne dust when they are poured, mixed, transferred or processed. Without reliable data, it can be difficult to understand the potential exposure risk or decide which controls are needed.

Dustiness testing provides clear evidence about how readily different powders release dust. You can use the results to compare materials and make informed decisions about product selection, handling, ventilation and process design.

We use the rotating drum method in accordance with EN 15051-2:2013+A1:2016.

When this service may be needed

Evidence is needed for Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments or regulatory submissions
Powders, suppliers or formulations need to be compared
New handling, mixing or transfer processes are being designed
Ventilation, filtration or containment controls need to be reviewed

Why test powder dustiness?

Dustiness testing measures how readily a material releases airborne dust during handling. The results provide clear evidence to support:

Workplace risk assessments
Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) assessments
Material and supplier comparisons
Safer product and process design
Regulatory submissions, where required
Ventilation, filtration and containment decisions

Testing may also identify ways to reduce material loss, equipment contamination and cleaning requirements.

Why IOM

What does the test measure?

We measure three dust fractions:

Inhalable dust – particles that can enter the nose and mouth

Thoracic dust – smaller particles that can travel into the chest

Respirable dust – fine particles that can reach deep into the lungs

Understanding these fractions gives you a clearer picture of how a powder may behave and where exposure risks could arise.

Practical support

How IOM can help

Our laboratory specialists test your powder under controlled conditions using the rotating drum method. This simulates dust release during handling and produces consistent data that can be used to compare materials, formulations or batches.

We provide clear results to help you:

Identify materials that are more likely to release airborne dust
Compare different products, suppliers or formulations
Review your existing control measures
Improve handling and production processes
Support product development and quality assurance
Manage workplace health and regulatory risks

Where needed, our laboratory specialists can work with IOM’s occupational hygienists to assess how materials are handled in your workplace. Together, we can help you interpret the findings and recommend practical, proportionate controls.

Additional material testing

Dustiness is one part of understanding how a powder may behave. We will help you select the tests that are relevant to your material, process and objectives.

Turn results into practical action

Testing gives you the evidence to manage risk with confidence. IOM can help you use the results to improve material selection, handling methods, ventilation and exposure controls.

Talk to our laboratory team about your material or testing requirements.

What the service includes

Measure how readily a powder releases airborne dust during controlled handling.

Report inhalable, thoracic and respirable dust fractions.

Compare products, formulations, batches or suppliers.

Support ventilation, containment, handling and process-design decisions.

What you receive

Clear evidence and usable next steps

Controlled rotating-drum test results
Dust-fraction data for the submitted material
Evidence for risk assessment and material comparison
Technical interpretation and practical next steps

Get practical advice for your organisation.

Request a quote

Tell us what you need to achieve and your enquiry will be directed to the most appropriate team.

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