Short Nickel Test
Sheffield Assay Office Analytical Services has seen a rise in demand, driven by the retail sector, for a faster Nickel test which can be used to complement the current range of accepted testing procedures.
We have responded to that demand by making the 'The Short Test', which we use as an in-house verification, available for our customers. It should prove superior to PD CR 12471:2002 - 'Screening tests for nickel release from alloys and coatings in items that come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin'.
The Short Test results are supported by extensive research work, the data from which identified particularly good correlation of results, from identical samples, using the Short Test and BSEN 1811 / BSEN 12472 procedures.
Whilst it is not an absolute confirmation of compliance, the Short Test is an excellent guide to the outcome of a BSEN 1811/ EN 12472 procedure and the EC Nickel Directive.
SAO/AS continues to provide the Nickel tests which show compliance under the Nickel Directive but the Short test can be requested at a cost of £ 25.00 (plus VAT) per article, as part of a Due Diligence regime or SAO Certificate of Conformity scheme.
It provides a fast, cost effective addition in support of the accepted testing procedures.
TOPProcedure
The Short test is a fast screening test procedure which can be reported within three working days. Each component will be reported.
On the report components are listed as 'Pass', 'Review' or 'Fail'; this being the expected result if the article had been tested to EN 1811 - 'Reference test method for release of nickel from products intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin'.
In some cases, where the probable outcome is not clear, a new article will require submitting for the EN12472/EN 1811 test.
Notes:
The Short Test alone does not show compliance under the current EC Directive
The Short test includes the simulated wear test from EN 12472 - 'Method for the simulation of wear and corrosion for the detection of nickel release from coated items', prior to the item being tested for nickel release.
The Nickel release part of the Short test is based upon PD CR 12471:2002 - combined with XRF screening techniques.
The Short test is not recommended for the testing of piercing post assemblies as there is a lower nickel release requirement of 0.2 micrograms of nickel per square centimetre per week.
Click here to download an information sheet.
Click here to download the Analytical Services application form.
