This document specifies the rotating drum test apparatus and associated test method for the reproducible production of dust from a bulk material under standard conditions, and the measurement of the inhalable, thoracic and respirable dustiness mass fractions, with reference to existing European standards, where relevant (see Clause 6).
This method is suitable for general bulk material handling processes, including all those processes where the bulk material is dropped, or can be dropped. It differs from the continuous drop method presented in EN 15051‑3:2025 [4]. In EN 15051‑2:2025 the same bulk material is repeatedly dropped, whilst in EN 15051‑3:2025, the bulk material is dropped only once, but continuously.
Furthermore, this document specifies the environmental conditions, the sample handling and analytical procedures, and the method of calculating and presenting the results. A categorization scheme for dustiness is specified, to provide a standardized way to express and communicate the results to users of the bulk materials.
This document is applicable to powdered, granular or pelletized bulk materials. A standard sample volume is used.
This document does not apply to test the dust released when solid bulk materials are mechanically reduced (e.g. cut, crushed).
