ISO 30011:2010

Overview

ISO 30011:2010 specifies a laboratory procedure for determining metals and metalloids in workplace airborne particulate matter using quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‑MS). The standard covers method development, instrument performance checks and routine analysis of test solutions prepared from samples collected as specified in ISO 15202‑1 and prepared as specified in ISO 15202‑2. ISO 30011 is intended for assessing occupational exposure to metals/metalloids for comparison with limit values and is not applicable to elemental mercury (vapour).

Key Topics and Requirements

• Analytical technique: Use of quadrupole ICP‑MS for ultra‑trace analysis - favored for its sensitivity and reduced spectral interferences compared with ICP‑AES.
• Scope of elements: Applicable to a wide range of metals and metalloids commonly regulated in workplaces (e.g., arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, nickel, zinc, beryllium, mercury excluded).
• Sampling context: Works with airborne particulate samples collected per ISO 15202‑1 (typical sampling flow ~2 L/min; sampling times 0.5–8 h).
• Sample preparation: Test solutions prepared as per ISO 15202‑2 prior to ICP‑MS analysis.
• Method development & validation: Procedures for selecting isotopes, addressing spectral/matrix interferences and establishing calibration strategies.
• Instrument performance checks: Routine verification of sensitivity, stability, mass calibration and interference control.
• Quality assurance: Guidance on blanks (field, laboratory, calibration), calibration, estimation of detection (MDL) and quantification limits (QL), precision, bias and measurement uncertainty.
• Reporting: Required contents for laboratory reports and test records; procedures for expressing results and converting to reference conditions.

Applications and Users

ISO 30011 is practical for:

• Industrial hygienists and occupational health professionals assessing worker exposure to airborne metals.
• Analytical laboratories performing trace metal determinations in workplace air.
• Regulators and safety agencies comparing measured concentrations to occupational exposure limits.
• Industrial users managing process controls and exposure mitigation.

Typical applications include long‑term and short‑term exposure assessments, compliance monitoring against TLVs or national occupational exposure limits, and investigative monitoring following process changes or incidents.

Related Standards

• ISO 15202‑1 - Sampling of airborne particulate matter for metals/metalloids.
• ISO 15202‑2 - Sample preparation for metals/metalloids prior to instrumental analysis.
• Other referenced standards for laboratory glassware and volumetric apparatus are cited for accurate preparation and dilution practice.

Keywords: ISO 30011, workplace air, ICP‑MS, metals, metalloids, airborne particulate matter, ISO 15202, occupational exposure, detection limit, measurement uncertainty.