ISO 15202-1:2020

Overview

ISO 15202-1:2020 - Workplace air: Part 1 - Sampling - specifies a standardized method for collecting airborne particulate matter in workplaces for later determination of metals and metalloids by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‑AES). Samples collected per this standard can also be analysed by other instrumental techniques such as ICP‑MS or AAS. The standard covers personal and static sampling of the inhalable, thoracic or respirable particle fractions (per ISO 7708) and excludes vapor‑phase species (e.g., elemental mercury, arsine, arsenic trioxide) unless special back‑up substrates are used.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and exclusions: Clear statement of applicability to particulate metals/metalloids and exclusions for vapour‑phase compounds and bulk/surface sampling.
• Sampling equipment: Requirements and guidance for samplers, filters, sampling pumps, flowmeters and ancillary equipment to ensure representative collection.
• Occupational exposure assessment: Guidance on personal vs. static sampling, selection of measurement conditions, screening and worst‑case measurements, and comparisons with limit values.
• Sampling method and procedure: Preparation, loading and cleaning of samplers, setting volumetric flow rates, field blanks, handling of collection substrates, sampling position, sample collection and transportation.
• Documentation: Required metadata for samples and instructions to accompany analytical requests to the laboratory.
• Informative annexes: Practical guidance on sampler wall deposits, filter selection and temperature/pressure correction for volumetric flow rates.

Practical applications

• Establishing occupational exposure levels to toxic metals (e.g., lead, chromium, nickel, arsenic) in manufacturing, mining, smelting, welding, battery production and laboratories.
• Designing and executing personal sampling campaigns to measure inhalable, thoracic or respirable fractions for regulatory compliance and health risk assessment.
• Producing legally defensible air monitoring data for industrial hygiene programs, exposure control validation, and corrective action evaluation.
• Preparing samples for laboratory analysis by ICP‑AES, ICP‑MS or AAS following consistent sampling protocols.

Who should use this standard

• Industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals
• Analytical and environmental laboratories performing metal determinations
• Health & safety managers in metal‑working, manufacturing and mining sectors
• Regulators and testing laboratories developing workplace monitoring programs

Related standards

• ISO 15202‑2 (sample preparation) and ISO 15202‑3 (analysis by ICP‑AES)
• ISO 7708 (particle size fraction definitions)
• ISO 13137 (sampling pumps)
• ISO 20581, ISO 21832 and ISO 18158 - referenced standards for performance, terminology and evaluation of measuring procedures

Using ISO 15202‑1:2020 ensures consistent, reproducible sampling for workplace metal exposure assessment and supports robust analytical results for occupational health decision‑making.