Overview
EN ISO 15011-3:2009 (ISO 15011-3:2009) specifies a laboratory method for measuring the ozone emission rate during arc welding using a hood technique. Published by CEN and identical to ISO 15011-3:2009, this standard is part of the ISO 15011 series on health and safety in welding and allied processes. The method is primarily aimed at gas‑shielded arc welding but can be applied to other processes (for example, self‑shielded flux‑cored arc welding) provided welding can be performed automatically under the hood.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Principle: Automatic arc welding in a semi‑enclosed, continuously extracted hood; measure ozone concentration at a fixed sampling point and multiply by hood airflow to calculate emission rate.
- Hood design and sampling position: Hood of specified dimensions with a sampling position 1 000 mm vertically from the base; interior must be non‑reflecting.
- Extraction flow: Extraction unit capable of maintaining an airflow (specified in the standard) so emitted ozone is contained without compromising weld quality.
- Ozone measurement: Use a calibrated chemiluminescence ozone meter (or equivalent) with logging at 1 s or faster; meter capable of measuring ozone concentrations up to 10 ml/m3.
- Sampling system: Sampling line of PTFE and/or stainless steel, internal diameter ≤ 10 mm, kept as short as reasonable; PTFE filter placed close to the sampling point to prevent fume ingress.
- Calibration and QA: Ozone generator recommended for preconditioning and calibration; calibration must be traceable to national standards.
- Annexes and reporting: Normative and informative annexes describe test procedures, calculation methods (average stable ozone concentration), equipment notes, welding parameters and a sample test report.
Practical applications
- Occupational hygiene assessment: Compare ozone emission rates of different wires, shielding gases, welding parameters or base materials to identify higher‑risk combinations.
- Product and process evaluation: Select welding consumables or parameters that minimize ozone formation in manufacturing and fabrication environments.
- Research and development: Study effects of process variables on ozone emissions using a standardized laboratory method for reproducible results.
- Regulatory and compliance support: Provide emission rate data to supplement workplace exposure assessments and inform control strategies (local exhaust ventilation, PPE).
Who should use this standard
- Occupational hygienists and health & safety professionals
- Welding process researchers and labs conducting emission testing
- Manufacturers of welding consumables and equipment
- Standards bodies and certification laboratories
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 15011-3, EN ISO 15011-3:2009, ozone emission rate, arc welding, hood technique, welding fume sampling, occupational health, chemiluminescence ozone meter.
