Overview
EN ISO 10882-1:2024 (ISO 10882-1:2024) specifies procedures for sampling airborne particles in the operator’s breathing zone during welding and allied processes. Part 1 focuses on particle sampling (welding fumes) and provides a standardized approach for personal exposure measurement, gravimetric analysis, and references to chemical analysis methods for specific agents in welding fumes. The standard complements workplace air guidance such as EN 689 and references other standards for sampler performance and laboratory testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and purpose: Defines a procedure for sampling airborne particles generated by welding, brazing, soldering and related operations in the operator’s breathing zone.
- Measurement strategy: Guidance on assessment strategy and selection of measurement conditions, including screening, worst‑case and routine periodic measurements.
- Sampling equipment: Requirements for personal samplers and fixed‑point samplers, and considerations for flow rate setting, cleaning and loading collection substrates.
- Gravimetric analysis: Procedures and normative requirements for weighing and determining mass concentration of airborne particles (welding fumes).
- Chemical analysis references: Pointers to suitable standards and methods for identifying and quantifying specific chemical agents within collected samples.
- Sampling position and procedure: How to position personal samplers in the breathing zone, and recommended practices for fixed‑point sampling.
- Data handling: Expression of results (time‑weighted averages), temperature/pressure corrections, exposure assessment, and reporting templates.
- Supporting material: Annexes include gravimetric methods, sampler mounting examples, sample report and blank report form.
Applications
EN ISO 10882-1:2024 is practical for:
- Occupational hygienists conducting workplace exposure assessments for welding fumes.
- Health and safety managers needing standardized methods to measure personal exposure and compare with occupational exposure limits.
- Industrial employers implementing exposure monitoring programs for welders and allied process operators.
- Laboratories performing gravimetric and chemical analysis of welding fume samples.
- Equipment manufacturers designing and validating personal sampling devices for welding environments.
Typical uses:
- Determining time‑weighted average exposure to welding fumes.
- Performing worst‑case or screening measurements to inform control measures (ventilation, PPE).
- Documenting compliance with workplace air quality and occupational health requirements.
Related standards
- EN 689 (assessment and measurement strategy for workplace exposure)
- Relevant sampler performance standards and laboratory test methods (referenced within EN ISO 10882-1:2024)
- Other parts of ISO 10882 series addressing gases or complementary methods
EN ISO 10882-1:2024 supports consistent, reproducible measurement of welding fumes, enabling accurate exposure assessment, risk management, and regulatory compliance in occupational hygiene.
