SIST ISO 17733:2005

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST ISO 17733:2005
01-december-2005
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VUHEUD0HWRGDDWRPVNHDEVRUSFLMVNHVSHNWURPHWULMHVKODGQLPLSDUDPLDOL]
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Workplace air - Determination of mercury and inorganic mercury compounds - Method by
cold-vapour atomic absorption spectrometry or atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Air des lieux de travail - Détermination du mercure et des composés minéraux de
mercure - Méthode par spectrométrie d'absorption atomique ou spectrométrie de
fluorescence atomique de la vapeur froide
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: ISO 17733:2004
ICS:
13.040.30 Kakovost zraka na delovnem Workplace atmospheres
mestu
SIST ISO 17733:2005 en
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST ISO 17733:2005

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SIST ISO 17733:2005


INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17733
First edition
2004-11-15


Workplace air — Determination of
mercury and inorganic mercury
compounds — Method by cold-vapour
atomic absorption spectrometry or
atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Air des lieux de travail — Détermination du mercure et des composés
minéraux de mercure — Méthode par spectrométrie d'absorption
atomique ou spectrométrie de fluorescence atomique de la vapeur
froide




Reference number
ISO 17733:2004(E)
©
ISO 2004

---------------------- Page: 3 ----------------------

SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO 2004
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 4 ----------------------

SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
3.1 General definitions. 2
3.2 Particle size fraction definitions. 3
3.3 Sampling definitions. 4
3.4 Analytical definitions . 5
3.5 Statistical terms . 6
4 Principle . 7
5 Interferences. 8
6 Requirement . 8
7 Reagents . 8
8 Apparatus. 10
8.1 Sampling equipment for diffusive sampling . 10
8.2 Sampling equipment for pumped sampling. 11
8.3 Laboratory apparatus . 14
8.4 Analytical instrumentation. 15
9 Occupational exposure assessment. 20
9.1 General. 20
9.2 Personal sampling . 20
9.3 Static (area) sampling. 20
9.4 Selection of measurement conditions and measurement pattern. 21
10 Sampling . 22
10.1 Selection of sampling method. 22
10.2 Consideration of temperature and pressure effects . 22
10.3 Diffusive sampling . 23
10.4 Pumped sampling . 25
11 Analysis. 29
11.1 General. 29
11.2 Cleaning of glassware and plasticsware .29
11.3 Preparation of blank, sample and calibration solutions for analysis of diffusive badges. 30
11.4 Preparation of blank, sample and calibration solutions for analysis of pumped samples. 31
11.5 Instrumental analysis . 33
11.6 Estimation of detection and quantification limits. 36
11.7 Quality control. 37
11.8 Measurement uncertainty. 38
12 Expression of results. 38
12.1 Calculation of the volume of air samples. 38
12.2 Calculation of mercury in air concentrations. 39
13 Method performance. 39
13.1 General. 39
13.2 Detection and quantification limits . 39
13.3 Upper limits of the analytical range . 40
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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
13.4 Blank values.40
13.5 Bias and precision.41
13.6 Overall uncertainty of sampling and analysis methods.41
13.7 Effects on sampler performance .42
13.8 Sample uptake rate and sampling capacity of diffusive badges.43
13.9 Collection efficiency, breakthrough volume and sampling capacity of sorbent tubes .43
13.10 Storage stability.43
13.11 Mechanical strength.43
13.12 Interferences .44
14 Test report.44
14.1 Test record .44
14.2 Laboratory report .45
Annex A (informative) Guidance on selection of a sampling method for mercury vapour.46
Annex B (informative) Temperature and pressure corrections .47
Bibliography.49

iv © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 17733 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 146, Air quality, Subcommittee SC 2, Workplace
atmospheres.
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved v

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
Introduction
The health of workers in many industries is at risk through exposure by inhalation of mercury and inorganic
mercury compounds. Industrial hygienists and other public health professionals need to determine the
effectiveness of measures taken to control workers' exposure, and this is generally achieved by making
workplace air measurements. This International Standard presents a method for making valid exposure
measurements for mercury and inorganic mercury compounds in use in industry. It will be of benefit to:
agencies concerned with health and safety at work; industrial hygienists and other public health professionals;
analytical laboratories; industrial users of mercury and inorganic mercury compounds and their workers, etc.
The procedure described in this International Standard is based upon a method published by the United
[1]
Kingdom Health and Safety Executive , which was developed after a thorough review of sampling and
[2]
analysis techniques available for determination of mercury and inorganic mercury compounds in air . This
[3],[4]
procedure has been fully validated and the resulting back-up data are freely available . Similar methods
[5],[6]
have been published by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and
[7]
the United States National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) .
It has been assumed in the drafting of this International Standard that the execution of its provisions and the
interpretation of the results obtained are entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
vi © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17733:2004(E)

Workplace air — Determination of mercury and inorganic
mercury compounds — Method by cold-vapour atomic
absorption spectrometry or atomic fluorescence spectrometry
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a procedure for determination of the time-weighted average mass
concentration of mercury vapour and inorganic mercury compounds in workplace air. Mercury vapour is
collected on a solid sorbent using either a diffusive badge or a pumped sorbent tube. Particulate inorganic
mercury compounds, if present, are collected on a quartz fibre filter. Samples are analysed using either cold
vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) or cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS)
after acid dissolution of the mercury collected.
This International Standard is applicable to the assessment of personal exposure to mercury vapour and/or
particulate inorganic mercury compounds in air for comparison with long-term or short-term exposure limits for
mercury and inorganic mercury compounds and for static (area) sampling.
The lower limit of the working range of the procedure is the quantification limit. This is determined by the
sampling and analysis methods selected by the user, but it is typically in the range 0,01 µg to 0,04 µg of
mercury (see 13.1). The upper limit of the working range of the procedure is determined by the capacity of the
diffusive badge, sorbent tube or filter used for sample collection, but it is at least 30 µg of mercury (see 13.2).
The concentration range of mercury in air for which this International Standard is applicable is determined in
part by the sampling method selected by the user, but it is also dependent on the air sample volume.
The diffusive badge method is not applicable to measurements of mercury vapour when chlorine is present in
the atmosphere, e.g. in chloralkali works, but chlorine does not interfere with the pumped sorbent tube method
(see 13.11.1). Gaseous organo-mercury compounds could cause a positive interference in the measurement
of mercury vapour (see 13.11.2). Similarly, particulate organo-mercury compounds and gaseous
organo-mercury compounds adsorbed onto airborne particles could cause a positive interference in the
measurement of particulate inorganic mercury compounds (see 13.11.3).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 648, Laboratory glassware — One-mark pipettes
ISO 1042, Laboratory glassware — One-mark volumetric flasks
ISO 3585, Borosilicate glass 3.3 — Properties
ISO 3696:1987, Water for laboratory use — Specifications and test methods
ISO 7708:1995, Air quality — Particle size fraction definitions for health-related sampling
ISO 8655-1, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 1: Terminology, general requirements and user
recommendations
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 1

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
ISO 8655-2, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 2: Piston pipettes
ISO 8655-5, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 5: Dispensers
ISO 8655-6, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 6: Gravimetric methods for the determination of
measurement error
EN 13205:2002, Workplace atmospheres — Assessment of performance of instruments for measurement of
airborne particle concentrations
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General definitions
3.1.1
chemical agent
any chemical element or compound, on its own or admixed as it occurs in the natural state or as produced by
any work activity, whether or not produced intentionally and whether or not placed on the market
NOTE This definition is taken from the “Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and
safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work”.
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.1.2
breathing zone
〈general〉 space around the worker's face from where he or she takes his or her breath
3.1.3
breathing zone
〈technical〉 hemisphere (generally accepted to be 0,3 m in radius) extending in front of the human face,
centred on the midpoint of a line joining the ears, whose base is a plane through this line, the top of the head
and the larynx
NOTE 1 This definition is not applicable when respiratory protective equipment is used.
[8]
NOTE 2 Adapted from EN 1540 .
3.1.4
exposure
〈by inhalation〉 situation in which a chemical agent is present in air which is inhaled by a person
3.1.5
measuring procedure
procedure for sampling and analysing one or more chemical agents in the air, including storage and
transportation of the sample
3.1.6
operating time
〈of a sampling pump〉 period during which a sampling pump can be operated at specified flow rate and
back-pressure without recharging or replacing the battery
[9]
[EN 1232 ]
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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.1.7
time-weighted average concentration
TWA concentration
concentration of a chemical agent in the atmosphere, averaged over the reference period
NOTE A more detailed discussion of TWA concentrations has been published by the American Conference of
[10]
Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) .
3.1.8
limit value
reference figure for concentration of a chemical agent in air

NOTE An example is the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for a given substance in workplace air, as established by the
[10]
ACGIH .
3.1.9
reference period
specified period of time stated for the limit value of a specific chemical agent
NOTE Examples of limit values for different reference periods are short-term and long-term exposure limits, such as
[10]
those established by the ACGIH .
3.1.10
workplace
defined area or areas in which work activities are carried out
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.2 Particle size fraction definitions
3.2.1
inhalable convention
target specification for sampling instruments when the inhalable fraction is of interest
[ISO 7708]
3.2.2
inhalable fraction
mass fraction of total airborne particles which is inhaled through the nose and mouth
NOTE The inhalable fraction depends on the speed and direction of air movement, on breathing rate and other
factors.
[ISO 7708]
3.2.3
total airborne particles
all particles surrounded by air in a given volume of air
NOTE Because all measuring instruments are size-selective to some extent, it is often impossible to measure the
concentration of total airborne particles.
[ISO 7708]
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 3

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.3 Sampling definitions
3.3.1
diffusive badge
dosimeter
badge-type diffusive sampler
passive badge
diffusive sampler in which the gas or vapour passes to the sorbent by permeation through a thin solid
membrane or diffusion across a porous membrane
NOTE The cross-sectional area of a diffusive badge is large in relation to the internal air gap.
3.3.2
diffusive sampler
passive sampler
device which is capable of taking samples of gases or vapours from the atmosphere at a rate controlled by a
physical process such as gaseous diffusion through a static air layer or permeation through a membrane, but
which does not involve the active movement of air through the sampler
[11]
[EN 838 ]
3.3.3
personal sampler
device attached to a person that samples air in the breathing zone
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.3.4
personal sampling
process of sampling carried out using a personal sampler
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.3.5
sampler
device for collecting airborne particles
NOTE Instruments used to collect airborne particles are frequently referred to by a number of other terms, e.g.
sampling heads, filter holders, filter cassettes, etc.
3.3.6
pumped sorbent tube
tube, usually made of metal or glass, containing an active sorbent or reagent-impregnated support, through
which sampled atmosphere is passed at a rate controlled by an air sampling pump
[12]
[EN 1076 ]
3.3.7
static sampler
area sampler
device, not attached to a person, that samples air in a particular location
3.3.8
static sampling
area sampling
process of air sampling carried out using a static sampler
4 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.4 Analytical definitions
3.4.1
blank solution
solution prepared by taking a reagent blank, laboratory blank or field blank through the same procedure used
for sample preparation
3.4.2
calibration blank solution
calibration solution prepared without the addition of any working standard solution
NOTE The concentration of mercury in the calibration blank solution is taken to be zero.
3.4.3
calibration solution
solution prepared by dilution of the working standard solution, containing mercury at a concentration that is
suitable for use in calibration of the analytical instrument
NOTE The technique of matrix-matching is normally used when preparing calibration solutions.
3.4.4
field blank
sorbent capsule, filter or sorbent tube that is taken through the same handling procedure as a sample, except
that it is not used for sampling
NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, the field blank is loaded into a diffusive badge, sampler or
sorbent tube holder, transported to the sampling site and then returned to the laboratory for analysis.
3.4.5
laboratory blank
unused sorbent capsule, filter or sorbent tube, taken from the same batch used for sampling, that does not
leave the laboratory
3.4.6
linear dynamic range
range of concentrations over which the calibration curve for mercury is linear
NOTE The linear dynamic range extends from the detection limit to the onset of calibration curvature.
3.4.7
matrix interference
matrix effect
non-spectral interference
interference of a non-spectral nature caused by a difference between the matrices of the calibration and test
solutions
3.4.8
matrix-matching
technique used to minimize the effect of matrix interferences on analytical results, involving the preparation of
calibration solutions in which the concentrations of acids and other major solutes are matched with those in
the test solutions
3.4.9
reagent blank
combination of all reagents used in sample dissolution, in the same quantities used for preparation of
laboratory blank, field blank and sample solutions
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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.4.10
sample dissolution
process of obtaining a solution containing mercury from a sample, which might or might not involve complete
dissolution of the sample
3.4.11
sample preparation
all operations carried out on a sample, after transportation and storage, to prepare it for analysis, including
transformation of the sample into a measurable state, where necessary
3.4.12
sample solution
solution prepared from a sample by the process of sample dissolution
NOTE A sample solution might need to be subjected to further operations, e.g. dilution, in order to produce a test
solution that is ready for analysis.
3.4.13
stock standard solution
solution, used for preparation of the calibration solutions, containing mercury at a certified concentration that is
traceable to national standards
3.4.14
test solution
blank solution or sample solution that has been subjected to all operations, including dilution, required to bring
it into a state in which it is ready for analysis
NOTE The blank test solution is the blank solution and the sample test solution is the sample solution, if these
solutions are not subjected to any further operations before analysis.
3.4.15
working standard solution
solution, prepared by dilution of the stock standard solution, that contains mercury at a concentration that is
better suited to preparation of calibration solutions than the concentration of mercury in the stock standard
solution
3.5 Statistical terms
3.5.1
analytical recovery
ratio of the mass of analyte measured when a sample is analysed to the known mass of analyte in that sample
NOTE It is expressed as a percentage.
3.5.2
bias
consistent deviation of the measured value from the value of the air quality characteristic itself, or the
accepted reference value
[13]
[ISO 6879 ]
3.5.3
overall uncertainty
〈of a measuring procedure or of an instrument〉 quantity used to characterize as a whole the uncertainty of a
result given by an apparatus or measuring procedure
NOTE It is expressed, as a percentage, by a combination of bias and precision, usually according to the formula:
xx−+ 2s
ref
× 100
x
ref
6 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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SIST ISO 17733:2005
ISO 17733:2004(E)
where
x is the mean value of results of a number (n) of repeated measurements;
x is the true or accepted reference value of the measurement;
ref
s is the standard deviation of the measurements.
[14]
[EN 482 ]
3.5.4
precision
closeness of agreement between independent test results obtained under stipulated conditions
[13]
[ISO 6879 ]
3.5.5
true value
value which characterizes a quantity perfectly defined in the conditions which exist when that quantity is
considered
NOTE The true value of a quantity is a theoretical concept and, in general, cannot be known exactly.
[15]
[ISO 3534-1 ]
3.5.6
uncertainty
〈of measurement〉 parameter associated with the result of a measurement that characterizes the dispersion of
the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand
[16]
[VIM ]
NOTE 1 The parameter might be, for example, a standard deviation (or a given multiple of it), or the width of a
confidence interval.
NOTE 2 Uncertainty of measurement comprises, in general, many components. Some of these components can be
evaluated from the statistical distribution of the results of series of measurements and can be characterized by standard
deviations. The other components, which also can be characterized by standard deviations, are evalu
...

INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 17733
First edition
2004-11-15


Workplace air — Determination of
mercury and inorganic mercury
compounds — Method by cold-vapour
atomic absorption spectrometry or
atomic fluorescence spectrometry
Air des lieux de travail — Détermination du mercure et des composés
minéraux de mercure — Méthode par spectrométrie d'absorption
atomique ou spectrométrie de fluorescence atomique de la vapeur
froide




Reference number
ISO 17733:2004(E)
©
ISO 2004

---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------

ISO 17733:2004(E)
PDF disclaimer
This PDF file may contain embedded typefaces. In accordance with Adobe's licensing policy, this file may be printed or viewed but
shall not be edited unless the typefaces which are embedded are licensed to and installed on the computer performing the editing. In
downloading this file, parties accept therein the responsibility of not infringing Adobe's licensing policy. The ISO Central Secretariat
accepts no liability in this area.
Adobe is a trademark of Adobe Systems Incorporated.
Details of the software products used to create this PDF file can be found in the General Info relative to the file; the PDF-creation
parameters were optimized for printing. Every care has been taken to ensure that the file is suitable for use by ISO member bodies. In
the unlikely event that a problem relating to it is found, please inform the Central Secretariat at the address given below.


©  ISO 2004
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and microfilm, without permission in writing from either ISO at the address below or
ISO's member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 56 • CH-1211 Geneva 20
Tel. + 41 22 749 01 11
Fax + 41 22 749 09 47
E-mail copyright@iso.org
Web www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland

ii © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 2 ----------------------

ISO 17733:2004(E)
Contents Page
Foreword. v
Introduction . vi
1 Scope. 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions. 2
3.1 General definitions. 2
3.2 Particle size fraction definitions. 3
3.3 Sampling definitions. 4
3.4 Analytical definitions . 5
3.5 Statistical terms . 6
4 Principle . 7
5 Interferences. 8
6 Requirement . 8
7 Reagents . 8
8 Apparatus. 10
8.1 Sampling equipment for diffusive sampling . 10
8.2 Sampling equipment for pumped sampling. 11
8.3 Laboratory apparatus . 14
8.4 Analytical instrumentation. 15
9 Occupational exposure assessment. 20
9.1 General. 20
9.2 Personal sampling . 20
9.3 Static (area) sampling. 20
9.4 Selection of measurement conditions and measurement pattern. 21
10 Sampling . 22
10.1 Selection of sampling method. 22
10.2 Consideration of temperature and pressure effects . 22
10.3 Diffusive sampling . 23
10.4 Pumped sampling . 25
11 Analysis. 29
11.1 General. 29
11.2 Cleaning of glassware and plasticsware .29
11.3 Preparation of blank, sample and calibration solutions for analysis of diffusive badges. 30
11.4 Preparation of blank, sample and calibration solutions for analysis of pumped samples. 31
11.5 Instrumental analysis . 33
11.6 Estimation of detection and quantification limits. 36
11.7 Quality control. 37
11.8 Measurement uncertainty. 38
12 Expression of results. 38
12.1 Calculation of the volume of air samples. 38
12.2 Calculation of mercury in air concentrations. 39
13 Method performance. 39
13.1 General. 39
13.2 Detection and quantification limits . 39
13.3 Upper limits of the analytical range . 40
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ISO 17733:2004(E)
13.4 Blank values.40
13.5 Bias and precision.41
13.6 Overall uncertainty of sampling and analysis methods.41
13.7 Effects on sampler performance .42
13.8 Sample uptake rate and sampling capacity of diffusive badges.43
13.9 Collection efficiency, breakthrough volume and sampling capacity of sorbent tubes .43
13.10 Storage stability.43
13.11 Mechanical strength.43
13.12 Interferences .44
14 Test report.44
14.1 Test record .44
14.2 Laboratory report .45
Annex A (informative) Guidance on selection of a sampling method for mercury vapour.46
Annex B (informative) Temperature and pressure corrections .47
Bibliography.49

iv © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 17733:2004(E)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards bodies
(ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through ISO
technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
International Standards are drafted in accordance with the rules given in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
The main task of technical committees is to prepare International Standards. Draft International Standards
adopted by the technical committees are circulated to the member bodies for voting. Publication as an
International Standard requires approval by at least 75 % of the member bodies casting a vote.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
ISO 17733 was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 146, Air quality, Subcommittee SC 2, Workplace
atmospheres.
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved v

---------------------- Page: 5 ----------------------

ISO 17733:2004(E)
Introduction
The health of workers in many industries is at risk through exposure by inhalation of mercury and inorganic
mercury compounds. Industrial hygienists and other public health professionals need to determine the
effectiveness of measures taken to control workers' exposure, and this is generally achieved by making
workplace air measurements. This International Standard presents a method for making valid exposure
measurements for mercury and inorganic mercury compounds in use in industry. It will be of benefit to:
agencies concerned with health and safety at work; industrial hygienists and other public health professionals;
analytical laboratories; industrial users of mercury and inorganic mercury compounds and their workers, etc.
The procedure described in this International Standard is based upon a method published by the United
[1]
Kingdom Health and Safety Executive , which was developed after a thorough review of sampling and
[2]
analysis techniques available for determination of mercury and inorganic mercury compounds in air . This
[3],[4]
procedure has been fully validated and the resulting back-up data are freely available . Similar methods
[5],[6]
have been published by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and
[7]
the United States National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) .
It has been assumed in the drafting of this International Standard that the execution of its provisions and the
interpretation of the results obtained are entrusted to appropriately qualified and experienced people.
vi © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

---------------------- Page: 6 ----------------------

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 17733:2004(E)

Workplace air — Determination of mercury and inorganic
mercury compounds — Method by cold-vapour atomic
absorption spectrometry or atomic fluorescence spectrometry
1 Scope
This International Standard specifies a procedure for determination of the time-weighted average mass
concentration of mercury vapour and inorganic mercury compounds in workplace air. Mercury vapour is
collected on a solid sorbent using either a diffusive badge or a pumped sorbent tube. Particulate inorganic
mercury compounds, if present, are collected on a quartz fibre filter. Samples are analysed using either cold
vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS) or cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS)
after acid dissolution of the mercury collected.
This International Standard is applicable to the assessment of personal exposure to mercury vapour and/or
particulate inorganic mercury compounds in air for comparison with long-term or short-term exposure limits for
mercury and inorganic mercury compounds and for static (area) sampling.
The lower limit of the working range of the procedure is the quantification limit. This is determined by the
sampling and analysis methods selected by the user, but it is typically in the range 0,01 µg to 0,04 µg of
mercury (see 13.1). The upper limit of the working range of the procedure is determined by the capacity of the
diffusive badge, sorbent tube or filter used for sample collection, but it is at least 30 µg of mercury (see 13.2).
The concentration range of mercury in air for which this International Standard is applicable is determined in
part by the sampling method selected by the user, but it is also dependent on the air sample volume.
The diffusive badge method is not applicable to measurements of mercury vapour when chlorine is present in
the atmosphere, e.g. in chloralkali works, but chlorine does not interfere with the pumped sorbent tube method
(see 13.11.1). Gaseous organo-mercury compounds could cause a positive interference in the measurement
of mercury vapour (see 13.11.2). Similarly, particulate organo-mercury compounds and gaseous
organo-mercury compounds adsorbed onto airborne particles could cause a positive interference in the
measurement of particulate inorganic mercury compounds (see 13.11.3).
2 Normative references
The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced
document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 648, Laboratory glassware — One-mark pipettes
ISO 1042, Laboratory glassware — One-mark volumetric flasks
ISO 3585, Borosilicate glass 3.3 — Properties
ISO 3696:1987, Water for laboratory use — Specifications and test methods
ISO 7708:1995, Air quality — Particle size fraction definitions for health-related sampling
ISO 8655-1, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 1: Terminology, general requirements and user
recommendations
© ISO 2004 – All rights reserved 1

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ISO 17733:2004(E)
ISO 8655-2, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 2: Piston pipettes
ISO 8655-5, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 5: Dispensers
ISO 8655-6, Piston-operated volumetric apparatus — Part 6: Gravimetric methods for the determination of
measurement error
EN 13205:2002, Workplace atmospheres — Assessment of performance of instruments for measurement of
airborne particle concentrations
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 General definitions
3.1.1
chemical agent
any chemical element or compound, on its own or admixed as it occurs in the natural state or as produced by
any work activity, whether or not produced intentionally and whether or not placed on the market
NOTE This definition is taken from the “Council Directive 98/24/EC of 7 April 1998 on the protection of the health and
safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work”.
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.1.2
breathing zone
〈general〉 space around the worker's face from where he or she takes his or her breath
3.1.3
breathing zone
〈technical〉 hemisphere (generally accepted to be 0,3 m in radius) extending in front of the human face,
centred on the midpoint of a line joining the ears, whose base is a plane through this line, the top of the head
and the larynx
NOTE 1 This definition is not applicable when respiratory protective equipment is used.
[8]
NOTE 2 Adapted from EN 1540 .
3.1.4
exposure
〈by inhalation〉 situation in which a chemical agent is present in air which is inhaled by a person
3.1.5
measuring procedure
procedure for sampling and analysing one or more chemical agents in the air, including storage and
transportation of the sample
3.1.6
operating time
〈of a sampling pump〉 period during which a sampling pump can be operated at specified flow rate and
back-pressure without recharging or replacing the battery
[9]
[EN 1232 ]
2 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.1.7
time-weighted average concentration
TWA concentration
concentration of a chemical agent in the atmosphere, averaged over the reference period
NOTE A more detailed discussion of TWA concentrations has been published by the American Conference of
[10]
Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) .
3.1.8
limit value
reference figure for concentration of a chemical agent in air

NOTE An example is the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for a given substance in workplace air, as established by the
[10]
ACGIH .
3.1.9
reference period
specified period of time stated for the limit value of a specific chemical agent
NOTE Examples of limit values for different reference periods are short-term and long-term exposure limits, such as
[10]
those established by the ACGIH .
3.1.10
workplace
defined area or areas in which work activities are carried out
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.2 Particle size fraction definitions
3.2.1
inhalable convention
target specification for sampling instruments when the inhalable fraction is of interest
[ISO 7708]
3.2.2
inhalable fraction
mass fraction of total airborne particles which is inhaled through the nose and mouth
NOTE The inhalable fraction depends on the speed and direction of air movement, on breathing rate and other
factors.
[ISO 7708]
3.2.3
total airborne particles
all particles surrounded by air in a given volume of air
NOTE Because all measuring instruments are size-selective to some extent, it is often impossible to measure the
concentration of total airborne particles.
[ISO 7708]
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ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.3 Sampling definitions
3.3.1
diffusive badge
dosimeter
badge-type diffusive sampler
passive badge
diffusive sampler in which the gas or vapour passes to the sorbent by permeation through a thin solid
membrane or diffusion across a porous membrane
NOTE The cross-sectional area of a diffusive badge is large in relation to the internal air gap.
3.3.2
diffusive sampler
passive sampler
device which is capable of taking samples of gases or vapours from the atmosphere at a rate controlled by a
physical process such as gaseous diffusion through a static air layer or permeation through a membrane, but
which does not involve the active movement of air through the sampler
[11]
[EN 838 ]
3.3.3
personal sampler
device attached to a person that samples air in the breathing zone
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.3.4
personal sampling
process of sampling carried out using a personal sampler
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.3.5
sampler
device for collecting airborne particles
NOTE Instruments used to collect airborne particles are frequently referred to by a number of other terms, e.g.
sampling heads, filter holders, filter cassettes, etc.
3.3.6
pumped sorbent tube
tube, usually made of metal or glass, containing an active sorbent or reagent-impregnated support, through
which sampled atmosphere is passed at a rate controlled by an air sampling pump
[12]
[EN 1076 ]
3.3.7
static sampler
area sampler
device, not attached to a person, that samples air in a particular location
3.3.8
static sampling
area sampling
process of air sampling carried out using a static sampler
4 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.4 Analytical definitions
3.4.1
blank solution
solution prepared by taking a reagent blank, laboratory blank or field blank through the same procedure used
for sample preparation
3.4.2
calibration blank solution
calibration solution prepared without the addition of any working standard solution
NOTE The concentration of mercury in the calibration blank solution is taken to be zero.
3.4.3
calibration solution
solution prepared by dilution of the working standard solution, containing mercury at a concentration that is
suitable for use in calibration of the analytical instrument
NOTE The technique of matrix-matching is normally used when preparing calibration solutions.
3.4.4
field blank
sorbent capsule, filter or sorbent tube that is taken through the same handling procedure as a sample, except
that it is not used for sampling
NOTE For the purposes of this International Standard, the field blank is loaded into a diffusive badge, sampler or
sorbent tube holder, transported to the sampling site and then returned to the laboratory for analysis.
3.4.5
laboratory blank
unused sorbent capsule, filter or sorbent tube, taken from the same batch used for sampling, that does not
leave the laboratory
3.4.6
linear dynamic range
range of concentrations over which the calibration curve for mercury is linear
NOTE The linear dynamic range extends from the detection limit to the onset of calibration curvature.
3.4.7
matrix interference
matrix effect
non-spectral interference
interference of a non-spectral nature caused by a difference between the matrices of the calibration and test
solutions
3.4.8
matrix-matching
technique used to minimize the effect of matrix interferences on analytical results, involving the preparation of
calibration solutions in which the concentrations of acids and other major solutes are matched with those in
the test solutions
3.4.9
reagent blank
combination of all reagents used in sample dissolution, in the same quantities used for preparation of
laboratory blank, field blank and sample solutions
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ISO 17733:2004(E)
3.4.10
sample dissolution
process of obtaining a solution containing mercury from a sample, which might or might not involve complete
dissolution of the sample
3.4.11
sample preparation
all operations carried out on a sample, after transportation and storage, to prepare it for analysis, including
transformation of the sample into a measurable state, where necessary
3.4.12
sample solution
solution prepared from a sample by the process of sample dissolution
NOTE A sample solution might need to be subjected to further operations, e.g. dilution, in order to produce a test
solution that is ready for analysis.
3.4.13
stock standard solution
solution, used for preparation of the calibration solutions, containing mercury at a certified concentration that is
traceable to national standards
3.4.14
test solution
blank solution or sample solution that has been subjected to all operations, including dilution, required to bring
it into a state in which it is ready for analysis
NOTE The blank test solution is the blank solution and the sample test solution is the sample solution, if these
solutions are not subjected to any further operations before analysis.
3.4.15
working standard solution
solution, prepared by dilution of the stock standard solution, that contains mercury at a concentration that is
better suited to preparation of calibration solutions than the concentration of mercury in the stock standard
solution
3.5 Statistical terms
3.5.1
analytical recovery
ratio of the mass of analyte measured when a sample is analysed to the known mass of analyte in that sample
NOTE It is expressed as a percentage.
3.5.2
bias
consistent deviation of the measured value from the value of the air quality characteristic itself, or the
accepted reference value
[13]
[ISO 6879 ]
3.5.3
overall uncertainty
〈of a measuring procedure or of an instrument〉 quantity used to characterize as a whole the uncertainty of a
result given by an apparatus or measuring procedure
NOTE It is expressed, as a percentage, by a combination of bias and precision, usually according to the formula:
xx−+ 2s
ref
× 100
x
ref
6 © ISO 2004 – All rights reserved

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ISO 17733:2004(E)
where
x is the mean value of results of a number (n) of repeated measurements;
x is the true or accepted reference value of the measurement;
ref
s is the standard deviation of the measurements.
[14]
[EN 482 ]
3.5.4
precision
closeness of agreement between independent test results obtained under stipulated conditions
[13]
[ISO 6879 ]
3.5.5
true value
value which characterizes a quantity perfectly defined in the conditions which exist when that quantity is
considered
NOTE The true value of a quantity is a theoretical concept and, in general, cannot be known exactly.
[15]
[ISO 3534-1 ]
3.5.6
uncertainty
〈of measurement〉 parameter associated with the result of a measurement that characterizes the dispersion of
the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand
[16]
[VIM ]
NOTE 1 The parameter might be, for example, a standard deviation (or a given multiple of it), or the width of a
confidence interval.
NOTE 2 Uncertainty of measurement comprises, in general, many components. Some of these components can be
evaluated from the statistical distribution of the results of series of measurements and can be characterized by standard
deviations. The other components, which also can be characterized by standard deviations, are evaluated from assumed
[17]
probability distributions based on experience or other information. The GUM refers to these different cases as Type A
and Type B evaluations of uncertainty, respectively.
4 Principle
Mercury vapour is collected either actively or passively. Active sampling involves drawing a known volume of
air through a sorbent tube using a pump, whilst passive sampling relies upon the principle of controlled
diffusion into a badge. In both the pumped and diffusive sampling methods, mercury vapour entering the
sampling device is collected on a proprietary solid sorbent that is widely known as Hydrar (see 8.1.2) but is
currently marketed as Anasorb C 300.
Different sampling methods are used depending on the specific application.
a) If it is known that no particulate inorganic mercury compounds are present in the test atmosphere,
mercury vapour is collected using a diffusive badge or by drawing a known volume of air through a
sorbent tube using a pump.
b) If it is known that no mercury vapour is present in the test atmosphere, particulate inorganic mercury
compounds are collected by drawing a known volume of air through a quartz fibre filter mounted in a
sampler designed to collect the inhalable fraction of airborne particles, as define
...

NORME ISO
INTERNATIONALE 17733
Première édition
2004-11-15



Air des lieux de travail — Détermination
du mercure et des composés minéraux
de mercure — Méthode par spectrométrie
d'absorption atomique ou spectrométrie
de fluorescence atomique de la vapeur
froide
Workplace air — Determination of mercury and inorganic mercury
compounds — Method by cold-vapour atomic absorption spectrometry
or atomic fluorescence spectrometry




Numéro de référence
ISO 17733:2004(F)
©
ISO 2004

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
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©  ISO 2004
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Publié en Suisse

ii © ISO 2004 – Tous droits réservés

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
Sommaire Page
Avant-propos. v
Introduction . vi
1 Domaine d'application. 1
2 Références normatives. 1
3 Termes et définitions . 2
3.1 Définitions générales. 2
3.2 Définitions relatives à la fraction granulométrique des particules. 3
3.3 Définitions relatives à l'échantillonnage. 4
3.4 Définitions relatives à l'analyse. 5
3.5 Termes statistiques . 6
4 Principe . 7
5 Interférences. 8
6 Exigences. 8
7 Réactifs . 9
8 Appareillage. 10
8.1 Appareillage d'échantillonnage par diffusion . 10
8.2 Appareillage d'échantillonnage par pompage . 12
8.3 Appareillage de laboratoire. 15
8.4 Instrumentation utilisée pour l'analyse . 16
9 Évaluation de l'exposition professionnelle .21
9.1 Généralités. 21
9.2 Échantillonnage individuel. 21
9.3 Échantillonnage à point fixe . 22
9.4 Sélection des conditions de mesurage et du mode de mesurage. 22
10 Échantillonnage . 23
10.1 Choix de la méthode d'échantillonnage .23
10.2 Prise en compte des effets de la température et de la pression. 24
10.3 Échantillonnage par diffusion. 24
10.4 Échantillonnage par pompage. 27
11 Analyse. 31
11.1 Généralités. 31
11.2 Nettoyage de la verrerie et de la verrerie plastique. 31
11.3 Préparation des solutions de blanc, d'échantillon et d'étalonnage en vue de l'analyse des
badges à diffusion . 32
11.4 Préparation des solutions de blanc, d'échantillon et d'étalonnage en vue de l'analyse des
échantillons prélevés par pompage. 33
11.5 Analyse instrumentale. 36
11.6 Estimation des limites de détection et de quantification. 39
11.7 Maîtrise de la qualité. 40
11.8 Incertitude de mesure. 41
12 Expression des résultats. 41
12.1 Calcul des volumes d'air échantillonnés. 41
12.2 Calcul des concentrations de mercure dans l'air . 42
13 Performances de la méthode. 42
13.1 Généralités. 42
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ISO 17733:2004(F)
13.2 Limites de détection et de quantification .42
13.3 Limite supérieure de la gamme d'analyse .43
13.4 Valeurs de blanc.43
13.5 Biais et fidélité .44
13.6 Incertitude globale des méthodes d'échantillonnage et d'analyse.45
13.7 Effets sur les performances de l'échantillonneur.45
13.8 Débit d'échantillonnage et capacité d'échantillonnage des badges à diffusion .46
13.9 Efficacité de prélèvement, volume de claquage et capacité d'échantillonnage des tubes à
adsorption .47
13.10 Conservation.47
13.11 Résistance mécanique.47
13.12 Interférences .47
14 Rapport d'essai.48
14.1 Rapport d'essai.48
14.2 Rapport de laboratoire.49
Annexe A (informative) Guide destiné à faciliter la sélection d'une méthode d'échantillonnage de
la vapeur de mercure .50
Annexe B (informative) Corrections de température et de pression.51
Bibliographie.53

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
Avant-propos
L'ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d'organismes nationaux de
normalisation (comités membres de l'ISO). L'élaboration des Normes internationales est en général confiée
aux comités techniques de l'ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire partie du
comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non
gouvernementales, en liaison avec l'ISO participent également aux travaux. L'ISO collabore étroitement avec
la Commission électrotechnique internationale (CEI) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les Normes internationales sont rédigées conformément aux règles données dans les Directives ISO/CEI,
Partie 2.
La tâche principale des comités techniques est d'élaborer les Normes internationales. Les projets de Normes
internationales adoptés par les comités techniques sont soumis aux comités membres pour vote. Leur
publication comme Normes internationales requiert l'approbation de 75 % au moins des comités membres
votants.
L'attention est appelée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l'objet de
droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L'ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de ne
pas avoir identifié de tels droits de propriété et averti de leur existence.
L'ISO 17733 a été élaborée par le comité technique ISO/TC 146, Qualité de l'air, sous-comité SC 2,
Atmosphères des lieux de travail.
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ISO 17733:2004(F)
Introduction
Dans de nombreuses industries, la santé des travailleurs est exposée à des risques liés à l'inhalation du
mercure et des composés minéraux particulaires de mercure. Les hygiénistes industriels et autres
professionnels de santé publique ont besoin de déterminer l'efficacité des mesures prises pour contrôler
l'exposition des travailleurs, généralement par le biais de mesurages de l'air du lieu de travail. La présente
Norme internationale vise à fournir une méthode permettant d'effectuer des mesurages d'exposition valides
pour le mercure et les composés minéraux particulaires de mercure utilisés dans l'industrie. Elle s'adresse
aux utilisateurs suivants: les agences concernées par l'hygiène et la sécurité du travail; les hygiénistes
industriels et autres professionnels de santé publique; les laboratoires d'analyse; les industriels utilisateurs de
mercure et des composés minéraux particulaires de mercure et leurs employés, etc.
La procédure décrite dans la présente Norme internationale est fondée sur une méthode publiée par le United
[1]
Kingdom Health and Safety Executive et mise au point après un examen approfondi des techniques
d'échantillonnage et d'analyse existantes pour la détermination du mercure et des composés minéraux
[2]
particulaires de mercure dans l'air . Cette procédure a été validée dans son intégralité et les données
[3],[4]
obtenues lors de cette validation sont librement consultables . Des méthodes similaires ont été publiées
[5],[6]
aux États-Unis par l'Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) et le National Institute of
[7]
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) .
Lors de l'élaboration de la présente Norme internationale, il a été supposé que les personnes chargées de
l'exécution de ses dispositions et de l'interprétation des résultats obtenus ont les qualifications et l'expérience
appropriées.
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NORME INTERNATIONALE ISO 17733:2004(F)

Air des lieux de travail — Détermination du mercure et des
composés minéraux de mercure — Méthode par spectrométrie
d'absorption atomique ou spectrométrie de fluorescence
atomique de la vapeur froide
1 Domaine d'application
La présente Norme internationale spécifie une méthode de détermination de la concentration en masse
moyenne pondérée en temps des vapeurs de mercure et des composés minéraux particulaires de mercure
dans l’air des lieux de travail. La vapeur de mercure est prélevée sur un adsorbant solide à l’aide d’un badge
à diffusion ou par pompage sur tube à adsorption. S’ils sont présents, les composés minéraux particulaires de
mercure sont prélevés à l’aide d’un filtre en fibres de quartz. Ils sont analysés par spectrométrie d’absorption
atomique de vapeur froide (sigle anglais: CVAAS) ou par spectrométrie de fluorescence atomique de vapeur
froide après dissolution du mercure prélevé (sigle anglais: CVAFS).
La présente Norme internationale s’applique à l’appréciation de l’exposition personnelle aux vapeurs de
mercure et/ou aux composés minéraux particulaires de mercure dans l’air, pour la comparaison avec les
limites d’exposition à long terme ou à court terme pour le mercure et les composés minéraux particulaires de
mercure, ainsi que pour l’échantillonnage à point fixe.
La limite inférieure du domaine de travail de la méthode est la limite de quantification. Elle est déterminée par
les méthodes d’échantillonnage et d’analyse choisies par l’utilisateur, mais elle est généralement entre
0,01 µg et 0,04 µg de mercure (voir 13.1). La limite supérieure du domaine de travail de la méthode est
déterminée par la capacité du badge à diffusion, du tube à adsorption ou du filtre utilisé pour le prélèvement
d’échantillon, mais elle est au minimum de 30 µg de mercure (voir 13.2). La gamme de concentrations de
mercure dans l’air pour lesquelles la présente Norme internationale est applicable est déterminée en partie
par la méthode d’échantillonnage choisie par l’utilisateur, mais elle dépend également du volume de
l’échantillon d’air.
La méthode utilisant le badge à diffusion ne convient pas pour des mesurages de la vapeur de mercure
lorsque l’atmosphère d’essai contient du chlore, par exemple dans le cas d’ateliers traitant du chlore et de la
soude. Toutefois, le chlore n’a pas d’incidence sur la méthode de pompage sur tube à adsorption (voir
13.11.1). Les composés gazeux de mercure organique sont susceptibles de créer une interférence positive
lors du mesurage de la vapeur de mercure (voir 13.11.2). D’une façon semblable les composés organiques
particulaires de mercure et les composés organiques gazeux de mercure adsorbés sur les particules en
suspension dans l’air sont susceptibles de créer une interférence positive lors du mesurage des composés
minéraux particulaires de mercure (voir 13.11.3).
2 Références normatives
Les documents de référence suivants sont indispensables pour l'application du présent document. Pour les
références datées, seule l'édition citée s'applique. Pour les références non datées, la dernière édition du
document de référence s'applique (y compris les éventuels amendements).
ISO 648, Verrerie de laboratoire — Pipettes à un trait
ISO 1042, Verrerie de laboratoire — Fioles jaugées à un trait
ISO 3585, Verre borosilicaté 3.3 — Propriétés
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ISO 17733:2004(F)
ISO 3696:1987, Eau pour laboratoire à usage analytique — Spécification et méthodes d'essai
ISO 7708:1995, Qualité de l'air — Définitions des fractions de taille des particules pour l'échantillonnage lié
aux problèmes de santé
ISO 8655-1, Appareils volumétriques à piston — Partie 1: Définitions, exigences générales et
recommandations pour l'utilisateur
ISO 8655-2, Appareils volumétriques à piston — Partie 2: Pipettes à piston
ISO 8655-5, Appareils volumétriques à piston — Partie 5: Dispenseurs
ISO 8655-6, Appareils volumétriques à piston — Partie 6: Méthodes gravimétriques pour la détermination de
l'erreur de mesure
EN 13205:2002, Atmosphères des lieux de travail — Évaluation des performances des instruments de
mesurage des concentrations d'aérosols
3 Termes et définitions
Pour les besoins du présent document, les termes et définitions suivants s'appliquent.
3.1 Définitions générales
3.1.1
agent chimique
tout élément ou composé chimique, seul ou mélangé, tel qu'il se présente à l'état naturel ou qu'il résulte d'une
activité professionnelle, qu'il soit ou non produit intentionnellement et qu'il soit ou non commercialisé
NOTE Cette définition est extraite de la «Directive 98/24/CE du Conseil, du 7 avril 1998, concernant la protection de
la santé et de la sécurité des travailleurs contre les risques liés à des agents chimiques sur le lieu de travail».
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.1.2
zone respiratoire
〈général〉 volume autour de la face du travailleur dans lequel il respire
3.1.3
zone respiratoire
〈technique〉 hémisphère (généralement de 0,3 m de rayon) s'étendant devant la face de la personne, centrée
sur le milieu du segment qui joint les oreilles et dont la base est le plan passant par ce segment, le sommet de
la tête et le larynx
NOTE 1 Cette définition n'est pas applicable lorsqu'un équipement de protection respiratoire est utilisé.
[8]
NOTE 2 Adapté de l'EN 1540 .
3.1.4
exposition
〈par inhalation〉 situation dans laquelle un agent chimique est présent dans l'air inhalé par une personne
3.1.5
procédure de mesurage
mode opératoire pour l'échantillonnage et l'analyse d'un ou de plusieurs agents chimiques présents dans l'air,
et qui comprend le stockage et le transport de l'échantillon
2 © ISO 2004 – Tous droits réservés

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
3.1.6
autonomie de fonctionnement
〈d'une pompe d'échantillonnage〉 durée pendant laquelle une pompe d'échantillonnage peut fonctionner, à un
débit et à une perte de charge spécifiés, sans recharge ou remplacement de l'accumulateur
[9]
[EN 1232 ]
3.1.7
concentration moyenne pondérée en temps
concentration d'un agent chimique dans l'atmosphère, en moyenne sur la période de référence
NOTE Une discussion plus détaillée sur les concentrations moyennes pondérées en temps et leur utilisation apparaît
[10]
dans la publication de l'American Conference of Government Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) .
3.1.8
valeur limite
chiffre de référence pour la concentration d'un agent chimique dans l'air

NOTE Un exemple de valeur limite est la Threshold Limit Value (TLV) pour une substance donnée présente dans
[10]
l'air des lieux de travail, telle qu'établie par l'ACGIH .
3.1.9
période de référence
période de temps spécifiée pour la valeur limite d'un agent chimique donné
NOTE Ces périodes de référence peuvent être exprimées en terme d'expositions de courte durée ou de longue
[10]
durée, telles qu'établies par l'ACGIH .
3.1.10
lieu de travail
emplacement(s) défini(s) dans le(s)quel(s) les activités du travail sont effectuées
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.2 Définitions relatives à la fraction granulométrique des particules
3.2.1
convention inhalable
spécification cible pour les instruments d'échantillonnage lorsque la fraction inhalable est la fraction
intéressante
[ISO 7708]
3.2.2
fraction inhalable
fraction massique des particules totales en suspension dans l'air inhalées par le nez et par la bouche
NOTE La fraction inhalable dépend de la vitesse et de la direction de l'air, de la fréquence respiratoire et d'autres
facteurs.
[ISO 7708]
3.2.3
particules totales en suspension dans l'air
toutes les particules en suspension dans un volume donné d'air
NOTE Du fait que tous les appareils de mesure sont dans une certaine limite sélectifs en taille de particules, il est
souvent impossible de mesurer la concentration en particules totales en suspension dans l'air.
[ISO 7708]
© ISO 2004 – Tous droits réservés 3

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
3.3 Définitions relatives à l'échantillonnage
3.3.1
badge à diffusion
échantillonneur à diffusion de type badge
badge passif
échantillonneur à diffusion dans lequel le gaz ou la vapeur passe dans l'adsorbant soit par perméation à
travers une fine membrane solide, soit par diffusion à travers une membrane poreuse
NOTE Comparée à la distance de diffusion, la surface d'exposition d'un badge à diffusion est grande.
3.3.2
échantillonneur à diffusion
échantillonneur passif
dispositif capable de prélever des échantillons de gaz ou de vapeur dans l'atmosphère à une vitesse
contrôlée par un processus physique tel que la diffusion gazeuse à travers une couche d'air statique ou la
perméation à travers une membrane, mais qui ne fait pas appel à un déplacement d'air à travers
l'échantillonneur
[11]
[EN 838 ]
3.3.3
échantillonneur individuel
appareil fixé sur une personne qui échantillonne l'air dans sa zone respiratoire
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.3.4
échantillonnage individuel
processus d'échantillonnage de l'air exécuté en utilisant un échantillonneur individuel
[8]
[EN 1540 ]
3.3.5
échantillonneur
appareil utilisé pour prélever les particules en suspension dans l'air
NOTE Les instruments utilisés pour prélever les particules ont fréquemment d'autres appellations, par exemple: les
têtes d'échantillonnage, les porte-filtres, les cassettes porte-filtres etc.
3.3.6
tube à adsorption
tube, généralement de métal ou de verre, contenant un adsorbant actif ou un substrat imprégné de réactif, à
travers lequel passe l'échantillon d'air à un débit contrôlé par une pompe d'échantillonnage
[12]
[EN 1076 ]
3.3.7
échantillonneur à point fixe
appareil qui prélève l'air, sans être fixé sur une personne
3.3.8
échantillonnage à point fixe
processus d'échantillonnage de l'air exécuté en utilisant un échantillonneur à point fixe
4 © ISO 2004 – Tous droits réservés

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
3.4 Définitions relatives à l'analyse
3.4.1
solution de blanc
solution préparée à partir d'un blanc de réactifs, d'un blanc de laboratoire ou d'un témoin en utilisant le même
mode opératoire que pour la préparation de l'échantillon
3.4.2
solution de blanc d'étalonnage
solution d'étalonnage préparée sans addition de solution étalon intermédiaire
NOTE La concentration de mercure dans la solution de blanc d'étalonnage est considérée comme nulle.
3.4.3
solution d'étalonnage
solution obtenue par dilution de la solution étalon intermédiaire, contenant le mercure à une concentration qui
est appropriée à l'étalonnage de l'instrument d'analyse
NOTE La technique d'appariement de matrice est généralement utilisée pour préparer les solutions d'étalonnage.
3.4.4
témoin
capsule d'adsorbant, filtre ou tube à adsorption qui a été manipulé comme l'échantillon mais qui n'est pas
utilisé pour l'échantillonnage
NOTE Pour les besoins de la présente Norme internationale, le témoin est placé dans un badge à diffusion, un
échantillonneur ou un tube à adsorption, transporté jusqu'au site d'échantillonnage puis renvoyé au laboratoire pour
analyse.
3.4.5
blanc de laboratoire
capsule d'adsorbant, filtre ou tube à adsorption vierge, pris dans le lot utilisé pour l'échantillonnage mais ne
quittant pas le laboratoire
3.4.6
gamme dynamique linéaire
gamme de concentrations sur laquelle la courbe d'étalonnage du mercure est linéaire
NOTE La gamme dynamique linéaire est comprise entre la limite de détection et le début de courbure de
l'étalonnage.
3.4.7
interférence de matrice
effet de matrice
interférence non spectrale
interférence de nature non spectrale due à une différence entre la solution d'étalonnage et les solutions
d'essai
3.4.8
appariement de matrice
technique utilisée pour réduire le plus possible les effets de matrice sur les résultats d'analyse, consistant à
préparer des solutions d'étalonnage dans lesquelles les concentrations d'acides et des autres solutés majeurs
de la solution sont appariées avec celles des solutions d'essai
3.4.9
blanc de réactifs
combinaison de tous les réactifs utilisés pendant la mise en solution de l'échantillon, en quantités
équivalentes à celles utilisées pour la préparation du blanc de laboratoire, du témoin et des solutions
d'échantillons
© ISO 2004 – Tous droits réservés 5

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ISO 17733:2004(F)
3.4.10
mise en solution des échantillons
processus permettant d'obtenir une solution contenant du mercure à partir d'un échantillon, ce processus peut
ou non impliquer la mise en solution complète de l'échantillon
3.4.11
préparation des échantillons
toutes les opérations effectuées sur un échantillon, après le transport et le stockage, pour le préparer à
l'analyse, y compris la transformation de l'échantillon en une forme mesurable le cas échéant
3.4.12
solution d'échantillon
solution préparée au moyen du processus de mise en solution d'échantillons
NOTE Une solution d'échantillon peut nécessiter des traitements ultérieurs, par exemple une dilution, afin d'obtenir
une solution d'essai prête à l'analyse.
3.4.13
solution étalon mère
solution utilisée pour la préparation des solutions d'étalonnage, contenant du mercure à une concentration
certifiée garantissant une traçabilité aux étalons nationaux
3.4.14
solution d'essai
solution de blanc ou solution d'échantillon ayant été soumise à toutes les opérations, comprenant une dilution,
permettant de les préparer à l'analyse
NOTE Si ces solutions ne sont pas soumises à des traitements ultérieurs avant analyse, la solution d'échantillon de
blanc est la solution de blanc et la solution d'échantillon est la solution d'essai.
3.4.15
solution étalon intermédiaire
solution préparée par dilution de la solution étalon mère contenant le mercure à une concentration qui est
mieux adaptée à la préparation des solutions d'étalonnage que les concentrations en mercure de la solution
étalon mère
3.5 Termes statistiques
3.5.1
récupération analytique
rapport entre la masse d'analyte mesurée lors de l'analyse d'un échantillon et la masse connue d'analyte dans
cet échantillon
NOTE La récupération analytique est exprimée en pourcentage.
3.5.2
erreur systématique
biais
écart systématique des résultats d'un processus de mesurage par rapport à la valeur vraie de la
caractéristique de la qualité de l'air elle-même, ou à la valeur de référence accept
...