ISO 12828-2:2016

Overview

ISO 12828-2:2016 - Validation method for fire gas analysis - Part 2: Intralaboratory validation of quantification methods provides a structured set of tools and techniques for validating laboratory-developed analytical methods used to quantify species in fire effluents. It complements ISO 12828‑1 (limits of detection and quantification) and is focused on confirming that a chosen analytical workflow reliably measures concentrations (or volume fractions), mass/molar quantities, and time‑resolved concentration profiles in complex fire gas matrices.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and objective definition: Establish the analysis purpose (e.g., toxicity assessment, model validation) and required accuracy/precision before validation.
• Analytical chain assessment: Validation covers all stages that affect measured concentration - sampling probe, transportation lines, sample conditioning (drying, filtration), and the measurement/analysis system.
• Validation steps described in the standard include:
  • Definition of range of application and calibration range
  • Demonstration of independence from matrix effects and method specificity
  • Evaluation of the influence of measurement technique (simple vs. quantitative methods)
  • Detailed calibration studies, including model assessment (statistical model selection criteria are discussed)
  • Determination of measurement uncertainty
• Terminology and symbols: Consistent use of concentration/volume fraction notation (note: concentration may be replaced by volume fraction; conversion via gas density is noted).
• Examples and practical calculation: Informative annexes provide worked examples (e.g., HCl analysis in trapping solutions) and uncertainty calculations to guide implementation.

Practical applications

ISO 12828-2 is intended to ensure that chemical data from fire tests are traceable, comparable, and fit for purpose. Typical applications:

• Validation of laboratory methods for measuring toxic and combustible gases during bench- and large-scale fire tests
• Ensuring reliable inputs for fire safety assessments (e.g., FED/ASET calculations)
• Supporting environmental impact assessments of fire effluents
• Producing defensible quantitative data for research, product testing, and regulatory submissions

Who should use this standard

• Analytical chemists and laboratory managers developing or qualifying fire gas assays
• Fire testing laboratories and test houses performing material/product fire testing
• Fire safety engineers and researchers needing validated concentration data for modelling and toxicity assessment
• Accredited testing bodies seeking to meet ISO/IEC 17025 expectations for method validation

Related standards

• ISO 12828-1 (limits of detection and quantification)
• ISO 19701, ISO 19702 (analytical chemical methods for fire effluents)
• ISO 5660-1, ISO/TR 16312-2, ISO 16405 (fire testing methods and chemical measurements)
• ISO 13571, ISO 13344 (fire toxicity assessment)

Keywords: ISO 12828-2, fire gas analysis, intralaboratory validation, method validation, calibration, uncertainty, matrix effects, sampling probe, fire effluents.