Nickel Testing Guidelines

Release tests are appropriate for items intended to come into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.

The Corrosion/Wear test - EN 12472 is required for all plated or coated products prior to whichever release test you select. This will be carried out on the complete item.

THE QUICK NICKEL TEST.  
The Quick Nickel Test is unique to The Assay Office Birmingham.  Articles may need to be disassembled into their component parts. Results are reported for each component as either “pass” or inconclusive. If all components on an article are reported as a pass, no further testing is required, however in cases where we have reported inconclusive a further sample should be supplied and this will be tested to BS EN 1811:2011. To prevent delay, customers may choose to send two samples in the first instance and give the instruction  to test the second sample, if the first sample is reported as inconclusive.  

QUICK NICKEL TEST: LEAD TIME - 5 days.

THE FULL RELEASE TEST BS EN 1811:2011
The Full Release test to BS EN 1811: 2011 normally involves disassembling the product into its component parts. For example a watch can be broken down logically into four components; the watch back, bracelet, crown and case. Nickel release results are then reported for each component in micrograms per square centimetre per week. In the absence of any instructions specifying how the product is to be split, discretion will be exercised, in line with the requirements of the method.  

The Full Release Test and The Quick Nickel test are both UKAS accredited testing methods.

The Regulations clearly state that it is the Suppliers’ responsibility to consider each individual product and determine which parts are intended to come in to direct and prolonged contact with the skin. If required, areas judged not intended to be in direct and prolonged contact can be ‘masked off’ using lacquer, prior to testing. The Laboratory do not as a matter of course ‘mask off’ any parts of the product unless specifically requested.  Please include clear instructions on your application form.

FULL RELEASE TEST BSEN 1811: LEAD TIME- 10 days.

To ensure that we test according to your expectations, please complete the Nickel Testing Application Form.

If you have any queries please contact Michelle Cartwright, Dippal Manchanda or Tim Smith on 0871 871 6020 and we will be pleased to help.

NICKEL, LEAD & CADMIUM TEST FORM

NICKEL FACTS

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