ISO 16170

ISO 16170, “In situ test methods for high efficiency filter systems in industrial facilities,” has just been released.  This new 1st Edition provides industries that use high efficiency particulate air filters with ways to do periodic testing.  It’s for filtering systems that are specifically directed to removing toxic or biological materials prior to release of air and other gases into the environment.  Such systems are often used within nuclear and toxic material processing plants and laboratories.

There are already tests used for these types of HEPA and ULPA filtering systems, primarily for quality assurance at the end of the manufacturing process.   However, there has not be an in situ test (done while the filter has been installed and is in service) until the ISO 16170.  You’ll use the tests it provides to confirm that a filtering system in use is performing at the expected level of decontamination factor.

What are the two types of tests included in the ISO 16170?  They are an integrity test and an efficiency accountancy test.  Both types of tests use “test aerosols” that are then measured upstream and downstream of the filters being tested.

What information on these tests is included in the standard?  You’ll get extensive information on prerequisites, test sequences and the evaluation and reporting of the results.  Annex A covers possible choices of aerosols for you to use.  Both Annex B and Annex C are part of the requirements of the standard.  Annex B covers integrity testing, Annex C is for efficiency accountancy testing.  Here’s where you’ll find the methodologies you’ll use for each.  Annex D provides you with information on leakage test methods.  And Annex E is a guideline for representative sampling.  An 11-item bibliography completes this 44 page document.

This new publication provides those of you in industries that handle environmentally problematical materials with a method to periodically test your emissions.  Since inadvertent releases of this type of material into the environment can have such negative impacts, you will want to get a copy and review your current procedures.  The use of a standard like the ISO 16170 can provide you with the documentation you need to make responsible decisions for your facilities.

But where should you get a copy of the ISO 16170?  Use Document Center’s webstore, www.document-center.com.  We’re an authorized distributor of the ISO standards.  Here’s a direct link to the order page for the ISO 16170.  It is available in paper format or for pdf download.  And enterprise subscription access is also available.

Contact our staff for more information.  You can reach us by phone at 650-591-7600 or by email at info@document-center.com.  We’ve been working with standards since 1982 and offer you a resource with knowledgeable staff and a wide variety of support services.  When it comes to compliance, make Document Center Inc. your Standards Experts!