
Operating Instructions
Tel: 724-941-9701 Fax: 724-941-1369 e-mail: skctech@skcinc.com
863 Valley View Road, Eighty Four, PA 15330 USA
Hydrogen Cyanide Passive Sampler
Cat. No. 590-400
Introduction
The SKC Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) Passive Sampler, specifi ed in OSHA Method
1015, provides accurate sampling of hydrogen cyanide from 0.44 to 20 ppm for
either 15-minute or 8-hour samples. The uptake rate for the HCN Passive Sampler
is 28.4 ml/min. The sampler design allows the user to load 600 mg of soda lime
sorbent (supplied in a vial) into the sampler housing in the fi eld immediately before
sampling and transfer the sorbent from sampler to vial in the fi eld immediately
a er sampling as specifi ed in the method. Samples are desorbed with water and
analyzed by ion chromatography/electrochemical detector. The HCN Passive
Sampler is designed for single use.
Collar
Clip
Plug
Vial containing
soda lime sorbent
(sorbent is white in
appearance)
Cover
Collar Clip
Front View
of Housing
Diffusion Barrier
Vial
Adapter
Back View
of Housing
Performance Profi le
Sorbent/Amount: Soda Lime, 600 mg (supplied in glass vial)
Housing Material: Nylon
Diameter: 1.4 in (3.5 cm)
Length
(including clip): 2.5 in (6.3 cm)
Measuring Range: 0.44 to 20 ppm
Analysis: Solvent extraction; ion chromatography (IC) with electro-
chemical detector (ELCM)
Sample Storage: 3 weeks at 68 F (20 C) in storage studies
Note: OSHA Method 1015 recommends that samples be sent
to a laboratory as soon as possible. If delay is unavoidable, store
samples in a refrigerator as a precaution.
Sample Time: Validated for 15 min and 8 hrs
Sampling Rate: 28.4 ml/min (4.40% RSD)
www.skcinc.com

Sampling
Remove sampler housing and vial of sorbent from
resealable aluminized pouch.
Write pertinent information, including
Sample ID#, on the lines provided on the
pouch label and the sampler housing.
Note: OSHA Method 1015 specifies that
the sample site temperature and uncorrected
atmospheric pressure be recorded.
Soda lime sorbent is very caustic. Wear gloves
when handling sampler and vial to avoid skin
contact with sorbent.
Perform this step immediately before sampling
or on the day of use. In a clean environment,
free of hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen sulfi de
(interferent), remove plug from vial adapter on
back of sampler housing (side without holes).
Remove cap from sorbent vial. Immediately
screw open end of vial counterclockwise into
the vial adapter until secure (see inset 3A). Rotate
entire assembly until sorbent is draining from
vial to sampler (Figure 3). Tap vial lightly before
unscrewing and removing it from the adapter.
Immediately replace plug on vial adapter. Store
sorbent vial and cap in aluminized pouch.
Record start time on the sampler label. Remove
cover from face of sampler housing (side with
holes) immediately before sampling. Store cover
for reuse.
The sampler begins sampling immediately when cover
is removed.
Sorbent Vial
Sorbent
Vial Adapter
Clip sampler to a worker’s collar near the
breathing zone. The diff usion holes must face
outward. The front of the sampler must not be
covered by clothing or obstructed in any way
during the sampling period.
Do not cover sampler with clothing.
A er the desired sampling period, immediately
unclip sampler from worker’s clothing. Seal
sampler with cover immediately.
Seal sampler tightly with cover to stop sampling.