BS EN 1811:2011, The Reference Test Method for Nickel Release

	BS EN 1811:2011, The Reference Test Method for Nickel Release

REFERENCE TEST METHOD FOR RELEASE OF NICKEL FROM ALL POST ASSEMBLIES
WHICH ARE INSERTED INTO PIERCED PARTS OF THE HUMAN BODY
AND ARTICLES INTENDED TO COME INTO DIRECT AND PROLONGED CONTACT
WITH THE SKIN

Introduction

This is a summary of the test method. Due to copyright regulations the full test method must be purchased from the nominated National Standards Body.

This method is used to determine whether the nickel released from products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin will not exceed 0.5 µg/cm²/week (0.5 micrograms per square centimetre per week) and for Post Assemblies the limit is set at 0.2 µg/cm²/week (0.2 micrograms per square centimetre per week).

Scope

This European Standard specifies a method for simulating the release of nickel from consumer items in direct and prolonged contact with the skin in order to determine whether such items release nickel at a rate greater than 0.5 µg/cm²/week and from Post Assemblies whether such items release nickel at a rate greater than 0.2 µg/cm²/week.

On the 25th August 2015, an amendment was published to clarify the compliance/non-compliance criteria for release of nickel from jewellery and other metal components that may be in direct and prolonged contact with the skin by removing the 'no decision' category and to provide a 'PASS' compliance level of 0.88µg/cm²/week for articles intended to come into prolonged and direct contact with the skin, and of 0.35µg/cm²/week for post assemblies.

Principle

The item to be tested for nickel release is placed in an artificial sweat test solution for 1 week. The concentration of dissolved nickel in the solution is determined by atomic absorption spectrometry or other appropriate analytical methodology. The nickel release is expressed in micrograms per square centimetre per week (µg/cm²/week).

Test Report

The test report for each determination shall include at least the following information:

identification of the sample including source, date of receipt, form;
sampling procedure;
the reference and a short description of the method used;
description of the sample area including the size of the sample area expressed in square centimetres;
the volume of test solution used;
the nickel release and its adjusted analytical result;
if relevant, deviations from this standard method;
any unusual features observed during the determination;
starting and completion dates of test;
identification of laboratory carrying out the analysis; and
signature of laboratory manager and operator.