EN ISO/ASTM 52931:2023

• Abstract:

  This document provides guidance and requirements for risk assessment and implementation of prevention and protection measures relating to additive manufacturing with metallic powders.; The risks covered by this document concern all sub-processes composing the manufacturing process, including the management of waste.; This document does not specify requirements for the design of machinery and equipment used for additive manufacturing.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 13.020.01 - Environment and environmental protection in general
• ICS: 13.030.30 - Special wastes
• ICS: 13.100 - Occupational safety. Industrial hygiene
• ICS: 25.030 - Additive manufacturing
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 438 - Additive Manufacturing
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 438 - Additive Manufacturing
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 01-Feb-2023
• Completion Date: 01-Feb-2023
• Ref Project: SIST EN ISO/ASTM 52931:2023 - Additive manufacturing of metals - Environment, health and safety - General principles for use of metallic materials (ISO/ASTM 52931:2023)

• Refers: ISO 16321-1:2021 - Eye and face protection for occupational use — Part 1: General requirements
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO/ASTM 52900:2021 - Additive manufacturing — General principles — Fundamentals and vocabulary
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: IEC 60079-10-2:2015 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 10-2: Classification of areas - Explosive dust atmospheres
• Effective Date: 25-Aug-2026
• Refers: ISO 16321-3:2021 - Eye and face protection for occupational use — Part 3: Additional requirements for mesh protectors
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: ISO/ASTM 52907:2019 - Additive manufacturing — Feedstock materials — Methods to characterize metal powders
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: ISO 11611:2015 - Protective clothing for use in welding and allied processes
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: IEC 60079-10-1:2020 - Explosive atmospheres - Part 10-1: Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres
• Effective Date: 09-Feb-2026
• Refers: EN ISO 6721-1:2002 - Plastics - Determination of dynamic mechanical properties - Part 1: General principles (ISO 6721-1:2001)
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Refers: EN 16116-2:2024 - Railway applications - Design requirements for steps, handrails and associated access for staff - Part 2: Freight wagons
• Effective Date: 28-Jan-2026
• Consolidated By: ISO/ASTM 52931:2023 - Additive manufacturing of metals — Environment, health and safety — General principles for use of metallic materials
• Effective Date: 12-Feb-2026

Overview

EN ISO/ASTM 52931:2023 - Additive manufacturing of metals - Environment, health and safety - General principles for use of metallic materials - provides guidance and requirements for risk assessment and implementation of prevention and protection measures when performing metal additive manufacturing (AM) with metallic powders. The standard covers all sub-processes of the manufacturing chain, including storage, handling, processing and waste management, but does not set requirements for the design of AM machinery or equipment.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Risk assessment methodology: structured approach for identifying hazards, documenting exposures and characterizing risks across AM sub-processes.
• Chemical hazard methodology & source data: use of Safety Data Sheets (SDS), technical data sheets, measurement reports and incident feedback to evaluate powder- and process-related hazards.
• Hazards addressed: inhalation, skin contact, contamination, and substances generated during processing; plus fire and explosion risks specific to metallic powders.
• Exposure characterization and risk rating: guidance on rating inhalation/dermal risks and explosion potential to prioritize controls.
• Prevention and protective measures: workplace design (floors, walls, ventilation/air flow rates), powder storage, housekeeping, electrical and fire protections, process controls and organization.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) and staff measures: training, information, limiting exposed personnel and best practices for safe operation.
• Waste management: segregation and handling of contaminated filters, vacuum/cleaning wastes, and dry powder residues.
• Informative annexes: model SDS content, definitions of limit values, fire/explosion overview and an overview of occupational exposure limits (OELs).

Practical applications and who uses it

This standard is intended for organizations and professionals involved in metal additive manufacturing who need to manage EHS risks, including:

• EHS managers and safety officers establishing risk assessments and controls for powder-based AM processes.
• AM process engineers and plant managers implementing ventilation, powder handling, storage and housekeeping protocols.
• Quality and compliance teams aligning operations with recognized EHS principles and documenting controls for audits.
• Training coordinators developing workforce training and safe work procedures.
• Waste management contractors handling contaminated AM wastes and filters.

Use EN ISO/ASTM 52931:2023 to build compliant SOPs, select appropriate PPE and ventilation, reduce contamination and explosion risk, and to structure documented risk assessments for metallic powder AM.

Related standards

Refer to the broader family of additive manufacturing and occupational safety standards (ISO/ASTM AM standards and national OHS regulations) when integrating this guidance into a company’s overall compliance and AM quality system.