Or relating to powder handling

A method of dispensing a powder from a powder dispensing apparatus comprising:

• a powder source;
• a dispensing chamber attached to the powder source;
• an inlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control ingress of powder into the dispensing chamber from the powder source;
• an outlet valve movable between a closed state and an open state to control egress of powder from the dispensing chamber to a receptacle;
• and wherein the inlet valve and outlet valve are individually actuated between the closed state and open state by a common removable handle, the inlet valve and outlet valve each comprise an interlock for receiving and engaging the handle, the interlock is configured to receive and release the handle when the respective valve is in the closed state and engage the handle so as to prevent removal of the handle when the respective valve is in the open state;
• the method comprising the steps of:
• a) mounting the handle to the inlet valve, opening the inlet valve with the handle to allow ingress of powder into the dispensing chamber, closing the inlet valve with the handle and removing the handle;
• b) mounting the handle to the outlet valve and opening the outlet valve to allow egress of powder from the dispensing chamber into the receptacle;
• and,
• c) removing the receptacle.