ISO 23320:2022

Overview

ISO 23320:2022 - Workplace air - Gases and vapours - Requirements for evaluation of measuring procedures using diffusive samplers - defines performance requirements and laboratory test methods for evaluating diffusive samplers and measuring procedures used to determine gases and vapours in workplace atmospheres. The standard applies where sampling and analysis are carried out in separate stages (e.g., procedures like ISO 16200‑2 and ISO 16017‑2). It is not applicable to samplers that give direct concentration readings or that rely on liquid-phase sorption.

Keywords: ISO 23320:2022, diffusive samplers, workplace air, gases and vapours, measurement procedures, method validation.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Sampler performance: determination of nominal uptake rate, effects of air velocity and sampler orientation, and sampler leak testing under prescribed laboratory conditions.
• Sampler characteristics: requirements for shelf life (especially for impregnated supports), sampler identification, marking and instructions for use for commercially available devices.
• Sampling and analytical procedures: test methods for sampling conditions, analytical recovery, method precision and method recovery when using diffusive samplers.
• Uncertainty of measurement: identification and estimation of random and non‑random components, and calculation of expanded uncertainty consistent with ISO 20581 performance criteria.
• Test environment and materials: guidance on reagents, apparatus, generation of calibration gas mixtures, and the use of an independent reference method for validation.
• Documentation and reporting: required content for test reports and method descriptions to support method developers and manufacturers.

Practical applications and users

ISO 23320:2022 is designed for:

• Manufacturers and developers of diffusive samplers who need to validate product performance and produce compliant technical documentation.
• Occupational hygienists and industrial metrology laboratories performing method validation, intercomparisons, or routine evaluation of sampler-based measurement procedures.
• Regulators, procurement specialists and quality managers who require standardized evidence of sampler performance and measurement uncertainty for workplace exposure monitoring. Practical uses include product validation, quality assurance of workplace air monitoring methods, research and development of new diffusive samplers, and demonstrating compliance with occupational exposure assessment requirements.

Related standards

• ISO 20581 - general performance requirements for procedures measuring chemical agents
• ISO 16200‑2, ISO 16017‑2 - example procedures using diffusive samplers
• ISO 22065 - evaluation requirements for pumped samplers
• ISO 18158 - terminology
• ISO 16107 - complementary guidance for sampling

ISO 23320:2022 provides a consistent, laboratory-based framework for validating diffusive-sampler methods and reporting measurement performance, helping stakeholders ensure reliable workplace air monitoring for gases and vapours.