ISO 19702:2015

Overview - ISO 19702:2015 (FTIR analysis of fire effluents)

ISO 19702:2015 provides guidance and requirements for sampling and analysing toxic gases and vapours in fire effluents using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The standard covers both small- and large-scale fire tests and addresses the design and operation of extractive and open‑path FTIR systems, instrument parameter selection, and the collection and use of calibration spectra to produce reliable, time‑resolved concentration data.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Scope and principles: Purpose and limitations of FTIR for fire effluent analysis; advantages for time‑resolved, multi‑species measurement.
• Sampling system requirements: Design and operation of probes (single‑hole, multi‑hole), sampling lines, heated systems, filter arrangements, pump selection, flow rates and probe positioning to minimise losses and response time.
• Temperature and hostile effluent considerations: Handling high temperatures (up to and above 1 000 °C), aerosols, condensable vapours, corrosive and reactive species that can affect sampling integrity.
• FTIR spectrophotometer parameters: Detector and IR‑source considerations, spectral range limits, resolution, mirror alignment, compartment environment and optical cell selection.
• Calibration and verification: Methods for acquiring calibration standards and reference spectra, limits of detection and quantification, background noise, and daily checks to control calibration and instrument sensitivity.
• Measurement procedure and data handling: Pre‑test preparation, procedures during and after sampling, data reduction, and reporting requirements (test report contents, precision and accuracy).
• Performance verification and annexes: Normative and informative annexes cover FTIR theory, sampling system design, response time determination, optical cell and spectrometer verification, calibration methods, recording reference spectra, and repeatability/reproducibility.

Practical applications and who uses ISO 19702:2015

ISO 19702:2015 is intended for professionals and organisations involved in fire testing, toxicology and environmental assessment, including:

• Fire test laboratories and research institutions performing bench‑scale or large‑scale fire experiments.
• Fire safety engineers and toxicologists assessing life‑threat and environmental impact of combustion products.
• Instrument manufacturers and service providers designing or operating FTIR extractive/open‑path systems for fire effluent monitoring.
• Regulatory bodies and standards committees specifying accepted methods for fire hazard evaluation.

Use cases include time‑resolved monitoring of combustion by‑products, building materials testing, product flammability assessments, and validation of mitigation strategies.

Related standards and references

• ISO 19701 (methods for sampling and analysis of individual toxic gases) - complementary guidance.
• IMO Resolution MSC.307(88) - referenced for remote measurement applications.

Keywords: ISO 19702:2015, FTIR spectroscopy, fire effluents, toxic gases, vapours, sampling system, extractive analysis, open path FTIR, calibration, fire testing.