Overview
ISO 22065:2020 - Workplace air - Gases and vapours - Requirements for evaluation of measuring procedures using pumped samplers - specifies performance requirements and laboratory test methods for evaluating pumped samplers used with air sampling pumps and the measuring procedures that use them. It provides a consistent framework for method developers and manufacturers to validate sampling and analysis procedures for gases and vapours in workplace atmospheres. The standard applies when sampling and analysis are carried out in separate stages (not to direct-reading detector tubes or bubblers). For semi-volatile compounds see EN 13936.
Key topics and technical requirements
ISO 22065:2020 covers both sampler-level and method-level evaluations. Key technical topics include:
- Sampler types: Definitions of Type A (sorption on collection substrates, solvent desorption) and Type B (sorption on solids, thermal desorption).
- Sampler requirements: Tests and criteria such as flow resistance, leak testing for Type B samplers, shelf life, sampler identification, marking and user instructions.
- Measuring procedure requirements: Specification of recommended sampling conditions, analytical procedure requirements, method recovery and precision, and identification of interferences.
- Test methods and laboratory conditions: Requirements for reagents, apparatus, calibration gas mixtures, generation and concentration determination, and independent method checks.
- Performance metrics: Determination of breakthrough/breakthrough volume, method recovery (R), precision (coefficients of variation), and the expanded uncertainty of measurement (including guidance on identifying and estimating uncertainty components).
- Documentation: Required content for test reports and method descriptions to support validation and regulatory use.
Practical applications and users
ISO 22065 is intended for practical use by:
- Manufacturers of pumped samplers (commercial and non-commercial) validating sampler design and labelling.
- Method developers creating or validating sampling-and-analysis procedures for workplace air monitoring.
- Occupational hygienists and industrial safety professionals selecting validated sampling methods for compliance and exposure assessment.
- Analytical and environmental laboratories performing method validation, recovery studies, precision testing and uncertainty estimation.
- Regulators and consultants who need reproducible, documented evidence of method performance for workplace exposure limits.
Practical outcomes include validated sampling conditions, documented sampler performance (e.g., breakthrough, leak behaviour), and quantified measurement uncertainty to support reliable workplace air monitoring.
Related standards
- ISO 20581 - General requirements for performance of procedures for measurement of chemical agents
- ISO 13137 - Pumps for personal sampling
- ISO 18158 - Workplace air terminology
- EN 13936 - Sampling of semi-volatile compounds
- ISO 8655 series - Volumetric apparatus calibration and gravimetric methods
Keywords: ISO 22065:2020, workplace air, pumped samplers, gases and vapours, sampling methods, method validation, sampler testing, measurement uncertainty.