Overview
EN ISO 13137:2022 - Workplace atmospheres: Pumps for personal sampling of chemical and biological agents - specifies performance requirements and test methods for battery‑powered personal sampling pumps. It applies to pumps with a nominal volumetric flow rate above 10 ml·min⁻¹ used with sampler/substrate combinations for sampling gases, vapours, dusts, fumes, mists and fibres. The standard is primarily intended for flow‑controlled pumps and was adopted by CEN as EN ISO 13137:2022.
Key topics and technical requirements
The standard defines measurable requirements and laboratory test methods covering pump performance and safety, including:
- Type of pump (flow‑controlled focus) and identification.
- Features and mass: ergonomic and physical attributes relevant to personal use.
- Design safety and mechanical integrity under normal and fault conditions.
- Operating time and battery/charger requirements for realistic sampling durations.
- Start‑up behaviour and long‑term performance, including stability over extended runs.
- Short‑term interruptions of airflow and recovery performance.
- Temperature dependence: flow stability across expected workplace temperatures.
- Mechanical strength and impact resistance for wearable devices.
- Pulsation of flow rate (for Type P pumps) and limits on flow fluctuations.
- Flow rate stability under increasing pressure drop, with different criteria for pumps ≤ 5 000 ml·min⁻¹ and > 5 000 ml·min⁻¹.
- Timer accuracy, electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and explosion hazard mitigation.
- Test conditions, test methods and reporting procedures, plus annexes on pump mechanisms and internal sensors.
Practical applications and who uses this standard
EN ISO 13137:2022 is essential for stakeholders involved in workplace air monitoring and occupational hygiene:
- Manufacturers of personal sampling pumps - to design, validate and certify products that meet performance and safety benchmarks.
- Accredited test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies - to execute standardized performance and EMC tests and produce compliant test reports.
- Occupational hygienists and industrial safety professionals - to select appropriate, reliable pumps for exposure assessments of chemical and biological agents.
- Procurement teams and regulators - to specify compliant equipment for monitoring programs and regulatory inspections.
- Calibration and maintenance services - to verify pump performance against standardized test methods.
Related standards and implementation
- EN ISO 13137:2022 supersedes EN ISO 13137:2013 and was prepared in collaboration with ISO/TC 146 (Air quality) and CEN/TC 137 (Assessment of workplace exposure).
- For implementation and conformity, consult national standards bodies and CEN member guidance.
Keywords: EN ISO 13137:2022, pumps for personal sampling, workplace atmospheres, personal sampling pumps, flow‑controlled pumps, battery powered pumps, test methods, performance requirements.
