ISO TR 17737-2012 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/TR 17737:2012 — Workplace atmospheres — Guidelines for selecting analytical methods for sampling and analysing isocyanates in air. This technical report gives a high-level overview intended to help industrial hygienists, laboratories and employers choose appropriate sampling and analytical approaches for monitoring isocyanate exposures in workplace atmospheres.

Abstract

ISO/TR 17737:2012 provides industrial hygienists, employers and workers with a broad overview of isocyanates, common industrial uses, practical considerations for sampling and analysis, and guidance on selecting an appropriate sampling strategy. It highlights important issues and limitations, points to specific measurement methods where relevant, and directs readers to further, more detailed standards and method documents.

General information

• Status: Published
• Publication date: 14 September 2012
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• ICS / categories: 13.040.30 (Workplace atmospheres)
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2012)
• Number of pages: 10

(General bibliographic and lifecycle information as recorded by ISO and library catalogues.)

Scope

This technical report addresses the selection of analytical methods and sampling strategies for isocyanates in workplace air. Its scope covers: explanation of isocyanate forms and uses in industry, factors that influence sampling and analysis (vapour versus aerosol/particulate, need for derivatization, sampling media, analytical technique choice), and practical issues for designing monitoring programmes. It is intended as guidance rather than a prescriptive single-method standard and directs users to specific analytical method standards where necessary.

Key topics and requirements

• Overview of isocyanates: common types, industrial applications and exposure concerns.
• Guidance on choosing sampling strategies: personal vs area sampling, task-based surveys, representative periods.
• Selection criteria for analytical methods: sensitivity, specificity, sampling media compatibility, need for derivatization, and laboratory capability.
• Practical sampling considerations: handling of aerosols and vapours, storage and transport of samples, chain of custody and sample stability.
• Quality assurance and data interpretation: method detection limits, quality controls and limitations of different techniques.
• Recommendations to consult detailed method standards and specialized literature when a specific analytical approach is required (this TR does not replace method standards).

Typical use and users

Primary users are industrial hygienists, occupational health professionals, laboratory managers, employers with isocyanate use in processes (painting, coating, polyurethane manufacture, adhesives), regulators and consultants. Typical uses include planning exposure monitoring, choosing an appropriate sampling/analysis combination for a workplace survey, developing internal measurement protocols, and training staff on sampling strategy trade-offs.

Related standards

ISO/TR 17737:2012 is part of the ISO workplace-atmospheres family (ICS 13.040.30). Related and complementary documents include method standards such as ISO 17736 (methods using double-filter sampling and HPLC), ISO 17735 (methods for total isocyanate groups using MAP reagent and LC), and broader measurement‑procedure requirements such as ISO 20581:2016. These documents provide the specific sampling and analytical procedures that the technical report references.

Keywords

isocyanates, workplace atmospheres, sampling strategy, analytical methods, industrial hygiene, exposure assessment, derivatization, HPLC, MAP reagent, air monitoring

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/TR 17737:2012 is a technical report providing guidance for selecting sampling and analytical methods for measuring isocyanates in workplace air. It is intended as practical guidance rather than a single prescriptive method.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers an overview of isocyanate types and uses, factors that affect sampling and analysis (vapour vs aerosol, derivatization needs, sampling media), criteria for selecting methods, quality assurance considerations, and advice on designing monitoring programmes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Industrial hygienists, occupational health professionals, laboratories, employers in sectors using isocyanates (e.g., coatings, adhesives, polyurethane manufacture), consultants and regulators.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2012 edition (Edition 2) is the published technical report that superseded the 2007 version; the 2007 edition was withdrawn when the 2012 edition was published. Users should check ISO or national standards bodies for any later revisions or replacements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it belongs to the ISO workplace atmospheres collection (ICS 13.040.30) and relates to specific measurement and method standards (for example ISO 17736, ISO 17735 and ISO 20581) that provide detailed procedures.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Isocyanates, workplace atmospheres, air sampling, analytical methods, industrial hygiene, exposure assessment, derivatization, HPLC, sampling strategy.