Overview
SIST EN ISO 22065:2021 - "Workplace air - Gases and vapours - Requirements for evaluation of measuring procedures using pumped samplers" establishes internationally harmonized requirements for the assessment of procedures and equipment used to sample and measure gases and vapours in workplace atmospheres. This standard aims to ensure reliable, consistent, and valid results when using pumped samplers with air sampling pumps, helping protect workers' health and facilitate compliance with occupational exposure limits.
The document outlines performance criteria and laboratory test procedures that developers and manufacturers of pumped samplers must meet, including specifications for sampler design, method validation, and proper usage. It applies to sampling and analytical procedures conducted in two distinct steps (sampling, then analysis), enabling accurate monitoring of airborne contaminants in occupational settings.
Key Topics
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Performance Requirements
The standard defines specific criteria regarding:
- Flow resistance for both Type A (solvent desorption) and Type B (thermal desorption) samplers
- Sampler leak test protocols, especially for Type B samplers
- Shelf life and storage stability
- Unique marking and identification of samplers
- Essential instructions for correct use, covering operational limitations and safety considerations
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Measuring Procedures
Evaluation procedures cover:
- Establishing suitable sampling conditions (e.g., flow rate, sample volume, sampling duration)
- Requirements for analytical limit of quantification and analytical recovery
- Management of blank values and proper handling of potential interfering substances
- Ensuring expanded uncertainty aligns with broader workplace air measurement requirements
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Validation and Documentation
The standard requires comprehensive method descriptions, including:
- Clear scope of measurable substances
- Definition of equipment and test reagents
- Guidance on safety, storage, transport, and disposal
- Complete reporting on method performance, limitations, and interferences
Applications
SIST EN ISO 22065:2021 is vital across a range of practical scenarios, including:
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Occupational Exposure Monitoring
Used by occupational hygienists and industrial safety professionals to monitor employee exposure to hazardous gases and vapours, ensuring that workplace air quality complies with health and safety standards.
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Product Development and Validation
Applied by manufacturers developing new pumped samplers or method developers validating procedures, to confirm that their products and processes adhere to recognized performance benchmarks and regulatory requirements.
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Quality Assurance in Laboratory Analysis
Central to laboratory procedures for validating air sampling and analysis methods, enabling accredited labs to produce consistent and verifiable results for regulatory or occupational health purposes.
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Compliance and Certification
Used as a reference for audits and certifications, supporting organizations in meeting ISO, EN, and national occupational health standards linked to air quality.
Related Standards
For a holistic approach to workplace air quality and sampling, consider these relevant documents:
- ISO 20581 - Workplace air - General performance requirements for measurement procedures of chemical agents
- ISO 13137 - Workplace atmospheres - Requirements and test methods for pumps for personal sampling of chemical and biological agents
- ISO 18158 - Workplace air - Terminology
- EN 13936 - Workplace atmospheres - Guidance for the sampling of semi-volatile compounds (where both particles and vapours are present)
SIST EN ISO 22065:2021 is essential for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of air monitoring in workplaces, directly supporting worker protection, regulatory compliance, and the ongoing development of robust occupational hygiene methodologies. Adopting this standard helps organizations maintain high standards in occupational air quality assessment.
