Stationary source emissions - Requirements on proficiency testing schemes for emission measurements

This document specifies requirements on
—the competence of proficiency testing providers,
—the test facility characteristics, and
—the design, operation and evaluation of proficiency testing schemes by means of interlaboratory comparisons.
All these aspects are necessary in order to organise and conduct proficiency testing on industrial emissions that is ‘Fit for the Purposes’ declared in the scope of the proficiency testing.
Requirements on the competence of proficiency testing providers cover personnel, organisation, equipment and environment.
Requirements on the test facility characteristics cover measurement sections, measurements ports and working area for the participants.
Requirements on the proficiency testing schemes cover
—the design, including planning, preparations, homogeneity and stability of test atmospheres and statistical design,
—the operation, including handling and instruction of participants, and
—testing results evaluation, including statistical data.
This document supplements the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17043.
This document supports the application of proficiency testing schemes for checking the performance of testing laboratories in the context of qualification, accreditation and related quality checks in relation to the application of standardized measurement methods such as standard reference methods (SRM) or alternative methods (AM).

Emissionen aus stationären Quellen - Anforderungen an Eignungsprüfungsprogramme für Emissionsmessungen

Dieses Dokument ergänzt die Anforderungen der EN ISO/IEC 17043 durch die Bereitstellung von Klarstellungen und zusätzlichen Informationen für Eignungsprüfungsprogramme für Emissionsmessungen. Es enthält spezifische Anforderungen für:
—   die Kompetenz von Anbietern von Eignungsprüfungen;
—   die Eigenschaften von Eignungsprüfungsanlagen; und
—   den Aufbau, den Betrieb und die Auswertung von Eignungsprüfungsprogrammen durch Vergleichsprüfungen zwischen Laboratorien.
Alle diese Aspekte sind notwendig, um Eignungsprüfungen für Emissionsmessungen zu organisieren und durchzuführen.
Die Anforderungen an die Kompetenz der Anbieter von Eignungsprüfungen umfassen Personal, Organisation, Ausrüstung und Umgebung.
Die Anforderungen an die Eigenschaften von Eignungsprüfungsanlagen umfassen Messstrecken, Messöffnungen und den Arbeitsbereich für die Teilnehmer.
Die Anforderungen an die Eignungsprüfungsprogramme umfassen:
—   die Gestaltung, einschließlich der Planung, der Vorbereitungen, der Homogenität und Stabilität der Prüfatmosphären und des statistischen Modells;
—   den Betrieb, einschließlich der Handhabung und Einweisung der Teilnehmer;
—   die Berechnung und Verwendung der zugewiesenen Werte; und
—   die Auswertung der Prüfergebnisse, einschließlich der statistischen Daten.
Dieses Dokument unterstützt die Anwendung von Eignungsprüfungsprogrammen zur Überprüfung der Leistung von Prüflaboratorien im Rahmen der Qualifizierung, Akkreditierung und damit verbundenen Qualitätsprüfungen in Bezug auf die Anwendung genormter Messverfahren wie Standardreferenzverfahren (SRM) oder Alternativverfahren (AM).
Dieses Dokument ist nur in Verbindung mit EN ISO/IEC 17043 anwendbar.

Émissions de sources fixes - Exigences relatives aux programmes d'essais d'aptitude destinés aux mesurages des émissions

Le présent document complète les exigences de l’EN ISO/IEC 17043 en clarifiant et en apportant des informations supplémentaires sur les programmes d’essais d’aptitude pour les mesurages des émissions. Il donne les exigences spécifiques pour :
   la compétence des organisateurs d’essais d’aptitude ;
   les caractéristiques des installations d’essai d’aptitude ; et
   la conception, l’exécution et l’évaluation des programmes d’essais d’aptitude basés sur des comparaisons interlaboratoires.
Tous ces aspects sont nécessaires pour organiser et effectuer les essais d’aptitude sur les mesurages des émissions.
Les exigences relatives à la compétence des organisateurs d’essais d’aptitude couvrent le personnel, l’organisation, les équipements et l’environnement.
Les exigences relatives aux caractéristiques des installations d’essai d’aptitude couvrent les sections de mesurage, les orifices de mesurage et la zone de travail réservée aux participants.
Les exigences relatives aux programmes d’essais d’aptitude couvrent :
   la conception, notamment la planification, les préparations, l’homogénéité et la stabilité des atmosphères d’essai ainsi que le plan statistique ;
   l’exécution, notamment la gestion et les instructions données aux participants ;
   le calcul et l’utilisation de valeurs assignées ; et
   l’évaluation des résultats d’essai, notamment les données statistiques.
Le présent document vient en support de la mise en œuvre des programmes d’essais d’aptitude destinés à vérifier la performance des laboratoires d’essai dans le cadre de la qualification, de l’accréditation et des contrôles qualité associés en rapport avec l’application de méthodes de mesurage normalisées telles que des méthodes de référence normalisées (SRM) ou des méthodes alternatives (AM).
Le présent document est applicable en association avec l’EN ISO/IEC 17043 uniquement.

Emisije nepremičnih virov - Zahteve za sheme preverjanja usposobljenosti za izvajanje meritev emisij

Ta dokument določa zahteve za:
– kompetentnost ponudnikov preverjanja usposobljenosti;
– značilnosti preskuševalnega prostora;
– projektiranje, delovanje in vrednotenje shem preverjanja usposobljenosti z medlaboratorijskimi primerjavami.
Vsi ti vidiki so potrebni za organizacijo in izvedbo preverjanja usposobljenosti za industrijske emisije, ki »ustreza namenom«, navedenim v obsegu preverjanja usposobljenosti.
Zahteve v zvezi s kompetentnostjo ponudnikov preverjanja usposobljenosti zajemajo osebje, organizacijo, opremo in okolje.
Zahteve v zvezi z značilnostmi preskuševalnega prostora zajemajo merilne odseke, merilne priključke in delovno območje za udeležence.
Zahteve v zvezi s shemami preverjanja usposobljenosti zajemajo:
– projektiranje, vključno z načrtovanjem, pripravo, homogenostjo in stabilnostjo preskuševalnih atmosfer ter statističnim načrtovanjem;
– delovanje, vključno z obravnavo in posredovanjem navodil udeležencem;
– vrednotenje rezultatov preverjanja, vključno s statističnimi podatki.
Ta dokument dopolnjuje zahteve iz standarda EN ISO/IEC 17043.
Ta dokument podpira uporabo shem preverjanja usposobljenosti za preverjanje delovanja preskusnih laboratorijev v okviru kvalifikacije, akreditacije in s tem povezanih preverjanj kakovosti v zvezi z uporabo standardiziranih metod merjenja, kot so standardne referenčne metode (SRM) ali alternativne metode (AM).

General Information

Status
Published
Public Enquiry End Date
04-May-2021
Publication Date
07-Dec-2022
Technical Committee
Current Stage
6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
Start Date
17-Nov-2022
Due Date
22-Jan-2023
Completion Date
08-Dec-2022

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Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 17656:2023
01-januar-2023
Emisije nepremičnih virov - Zahteve za sheme preverjanja usposobljenosti za
izvajanje meritev emisij
Stationary source emissions - Requirements on proficiency testing schemes for emission
measurements
Emissionen aus stationären Quellen - Anforderungen an Eignungsprüfungsprogramme
für Emissionsmessungen
Émissions de sources fixes - Exigences relatives aux programmes d'essais d'aptitude
destinés aux mesurages des émissions
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 17656:2022
ICS:
13.040.40 Emisije nepremičnih virov Stationary source emissions
SIST EN 17656:2023 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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SIST EN 17656:2023

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SIST EN 17656:2023


EN 17656
EUROPEAN STANDARD

NORME EUROPÉENNE

October 2022
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.040.40
English Version

Stationary source emissions - Requirements on proficiency
testing schemes for emission measurements
Émissions de sources fixes - Exigences relatives aux Emissionen aus stationären Quellen - Anforderungen
programmes d'essais d'aptitude destinés aux an Eignungsprüfungsprogramme für
mesurages des émissions Emissionsmessungen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 12 September 2022.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.





EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 17656:2022 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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EN 17656:2022 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 General requirements . 7
4.1 Basic items for proficiency testing schemes for emission measurements . 7
4.2 Impartiality . 8
4.3 Confidentiality . 8
5 Structural requirements . 9
6 Resource requirements . 9
6.1 General . 9
6.2 Personnel . 9
6.3 Facilities and environmental conditions . 10
6.4 Externally provided products and services . 10
7 Process requirements . 11
7.1 Communication with participants . 11
7.2 Planning of a proficiency testing scheme . 12
7.2.1 General . 12
7.2.2 Choice of method or procedure. 13
7.2.3 Statistical design . 14
7.2.4 Determination of assigned values . 14
7.3 Operations related to the production of the test atmosphere . 14
7.3.1 Preparation of the test atmosphere . 14
7.3.2 Homogeneity and stability assessment of the test atmosphere . 15
7.3.3 Handling and storage of proficiency test items . 17
7.3.4 Packaging, labelling and distribution of proficiency test items . 17
7.3.5 Instructions for participants . 17
7.4 Data analysis and evaluation and reporting of proficiency testing scheme results . 18
7.4.1 Data analysis . 18
7.4.2 Evaluation of performance . 18
7.4.3 Proficiency test reports . 20
8 Management system requirements . 20
Annex A (informative) Overview on selected proficiency testing facilities providing
proficiency testing schemes for emission measurements . 21
Bibliography . 23

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European foreword
This document (EN 17656:2022) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 264 “Air quality”,
the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by April 2023, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by April 2023.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
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Introduction
Proficiency testing based on interlaboratory comparisons are widely used for a number of purposes and
their use is increasing internationally. Typical purposes for proficiency testing can include:
— evaluation of the performance of laboratories for specific tests or measurements and monitoring
laboratories' continuing performance;
— identification of problems in laboratories and initiation of actions for improvement which, for
example, may be related to inadequate test or measurement procedures, effectiveness of staff
training and supervision, or calibration of equipment;
— establishment of the effectiveness and comparability of test or measurement methods;
— provision of additional confidence to laboratory customers;
— identification of interlaboratory differences;
— education of participating laboratories based on the outcomes of such comparisons;
— validation of uncertainty claims.
The need for ongoing confidence in laboratory performance is not only essential for laboratories and
their customers but also for other interested parties, such as regulators, laboratory accreditation bodies
and other organizations that specify requirements for laboratories. EN ISO/IEC 17011 requires
accreditation bodies to take account of laboratories' participation and performance in proficiency testing.
The European Accreditation Organization (EA) recommends including such activities and their results
more strongly in the demonstration of competence.
EN ISO/IEC 17043 specifies general requirements on the competence of proficiency testing providers.
Their competence covers the design, the performance and the evaluation of proficiency tests.
EN ISO/IEC 17043 explicitly states that this document can be used as a basis for the specification of
specific technical requirements in specific fields of application.
This document is based on EN ISO/IEC 17043 and is designed such that it can be generally applied in
combination with the most current version of EN ISO/IEC 17043. The structure of this document is
aligned with the general structure of standards elaborated by ISO/CASCO.
NOTE ISO/CASCO has specified the following “Terms of Reference” for the revision of ISO/IEC 17043:2010:
Revise ISO/IEC 17043:2010 to insert new CASCO common elements and to make editorial changes to informational
Annex B. Possibly make minor editorial clarifications in technical requirements to clarify PT for inspection and
sampling. Align with other CASCO standards (e.g., ISO/IEC 17025 and ISO 17034 and related standards, e.g. ISO 13528
and ISO Guide 35). Help solve an outdated structure and requirements for management system, also confusion in
symbols for statistical calculations. Bring harmony in structure and management system requirements for users who
also operate testing and calibration laboratories and/or production of reference materials. Finally, bring consistency
in requirements for 3rd party accreditation bodies.
This document supplements EN ISO/IEC 17043 by providing clarification and additional information for
proficiency testing schemes in the field of emission measurements. However, it will not re-state all the
provisions of EN ISO/IEC 17043 and users are reminded of the need to comply with all the relevant
criteria detailed in EN ISO/IEC 17043.
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1 Scope
This document supplements the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17043 by providing clarification and
additional information for proficiency testing schemes for emission measurements. It gives specific
requirements for:
— competence of proficiency testing providers;
— proficiency testing facility characteristics; and
— design, operation and evaluation of proficiency testing schemes by means of interlaboratory
comparisons.
All these aspects are necessary in order to organize and conduct proficiency testing on emission
measurements.
Requirements on the competence of proficiency testing providers cover personnel, organisation,
equipment and environment.
Requirements on the proficiency testing facility characteristics cover measurement sections,
measurements ports and working area for the participants.
Requirements on the proficiency testing schemes cover:
— design, including planning, preparations, homogeneity and stability of test atmospheres and
statistical design;
— operation, including handling and instruction of participants;
— calculation and use of assigned values; and
— testing results evaluation, including statistical data.
This document supports the application of proficiency testing schemes for checking the performance of
testing laboratories in the context of qualification, accreditation and related quality checks in relation to
the application of standardized measurement methods such as standard reference methods (SRM) or
alternative methods (AM).
This document is applicable in combination with EN ISO/IEC 17043 only.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 15259, Air quality - Measurement of stationary source emissions - Requirements for measurement
sections and sites and for the measurement objective, plan and report
EN ISO 17034, General requirements for the competence of reference material producers (ISO 17034)
EN ISO/IEC 17043, Conformity assessment - General requirements for proficiency testing (ISO/IEC 17043)
ISO 13528:2022, Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison
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3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO/IEC 17043 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
homogeneity
uniform distribution of chemical and physical properties of the sample gas within the geometry of the
measurement plane
3.2
stability
uniform distribution of chemical and physical properties of the sample gas within the sampling time
3.3
measurement site
place on the waste gas duct in the area of the measurement plane(s) consisting of structures and technical
equipment, for example working platforms, measurement ports, energy supply
Note 1 to entry: Measurement site is also known as sampling site.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.11]
3.4
measurement plane
plane normal to the centreline of the duct at the sampling position
Note 1 to entry: Measurement plane is also known as sampling plane.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.13]
3.5
measurement port
opening in the waste gas duct along the measurement line, through which access to the waste gas is
gained
Note 1 to entry: Measurement port is also known as sampling port or access port.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.18]
3.6
measurement line
line in the measurement plane along which the measurement points are located, bounded by the inner
duct wall
Note 1 to entry: Measurement line is also known as sampling line.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.15]
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3.7
measurement point
position in the measurement plane at which the sample stream is extracted or the measurement data are
obtained directly
Note 1 to entry: Measurement point is also known as sampling point.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.16]
3.8
standard reference method
SRM
reference method prescribed by European or national legislation
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.9]
3.9
reference method
RM
measurement method taken as a reference by convention, which gives the accepted reference value of
the measurand
Note 1 to entry: A reference method is fully described.
Note 2 to entry: A reference method can be a manual or an automated method.
Note 3 to entry: Alternative methods can be used if equivalence to the reference method has been demonstrated.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.8]
3.10
measurement method
method described in a written procedure containing all the means and procedures required to sample
and analyse, namely field of application, principle and/or reactions, definitions, equipment, procedures,
presentation of results, other requirements and measurement report
[SOURCE: EN 14793:2017, 3.4]
3.11
alternative method
AM
measurement method which complies with given criteria with respect to the reference method
Note 1 to entry: An alternative method can consist of a simplification of the reference method.
[SOURCE: EN 14793:2017, 3.3, modified – “the criteria given by this European Standard” has been
replaced by “given criteria”]
4 General requirements
4.1 Basic items for proficiency testing schemes for emission measurements
Application of EN ISO/IEC 17043 to proficiency testing on emission measurement methods require
specific solutions due to the specific nature of emission measurements.
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The specific nature of emission measurements includes:
— complex gas matrix including pollutants of interest and possible interferents;
— wide concentration ranges;
— water-vapour content (condensing or non-condensing);
— high sample gas temperature;
— sample stability and sample transport.
Different technical designs of proficiency testing facilities are possible to address the points above.
NOTE Interlaboratory testing facilities are typically used as proficiency testing facilities.
Test atmospheres can be obtained:
— from real boilers, furnaces or burning devices using their real emissions;
— using ambient air as main matrix and adding known quantities of solid, liquid or gaseous compounds
for pollutants of interest and possible interferents;
— using only synthetic gaseous, liquid and/or solid reference materials for pollutants of interest and
possible interferents.
Proficiency testing facilities can have different mechanical designs:
— single pass facilities, in which the test atmosphere is treated in order to obtain the required
conditions at the measurement planes, purified and then released;
— recirculating facilities, in which the test atmosphere is treated in order to obtain the required
conditions at the measurement planes and recirculated several times before it is purified and then
released.
Proficiency testing facilities can provide different solutions regarding the type of sampling system:
— internal dimensions and flow rate in the proficiency testing facility allow the implementation of
sampling systems compliant with the measurement method;
— special sampling systems prepared by the proficiency testing provider, e.g. due to reduced
dimensions of the proficiency testing facility.
All these parameters affect the characteristics of the proficiency testing facility and the proficiency testing
schemes that can be hosted.
4.2 Impartiality
The requirements on impartiality specified in EN ISO/IEC 17043 apply.
4.3 Confidentiality
In case of proficiency testing schemes, where participants have to take samples in parallel or have to
measure in parallel, the proficiency testing provider has no obligation to ensure confidentiality of the
identity of the participants among themselves.
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5 Structural requirements
The structural requirements specified in EN ISO/IEC 17043 apply.
NOTE The structural requirements include e.g. requirements on organization, activities and management
structure of the proficiency testing provider.
6 Resource requirements
6.1 General
The general resource requirements specified in EN ISO/IEC 17043 apply.
6.2 Personnel
The proficiency testing provider shall employ at least one technical supervisor as well as sufficient
technical personnel and, depending on the proficiency testing scheme, additional scientific personnel for
compliance with the offered services. The proficiency testing provider should employ at least one deputy
to the technical supervisor. The deputy has to meet all requirements of the technical supervisor. The
proficiency testing provider shall ensure the competence and impartiality of the personnel.
The technical personnel shall have appropriate technical education for working in the corresponding
proficiency testing schemes or shall have working experience in the framework of proficiency testing
schemes.
The technical supervisor shall demonstrate:
— knowledge of measurement techniques and practical experience in the field of the corresponding
proficiency testing scheme including the design, performance and evaluation of proficiency tests;
— knowledge of quality management procedures, specifically in the sense of EN ISO/IEC 17043.
Furthermore, evidence shall be provided on:
— a conceptual and scientific activity in emissions monitoring and/or standardization field; and
— a statistical and mathematical knowledge.
The following can be used to demonstrate competence:
— an appropriate course of study in natural sciences or engineering at a university or a technical college
or other relevant technical courses;
— evidence of knowledge provided by either presentation of measurement reports, undertaking
examinations and skill assessments;
— evidence of experience acquired using training records, which demonstrate a specified minimum
amount of work that has provided relevant knowledge and practical experience.
Personnel shall be contracted (permanently or project-related). Contracts shall include at least the
following:
— description of the duties, responsibilities, authorities;
— temporal extent of contract;
— regulations on confidentiality, independence and freedom of conflicting interests;
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— integration in the quality management system;
— requirements for education and training;
— storage of personal data such as training material.
The technical supervisor and the additional technical and scientific personnel shall regularly improve
their skills. In addition to internal trainings, essential elements of further education are participation in
courses which deal with e.g. proficiency testing schemes, new measurement methods or legal aspects in
emission monitoring.
6.3 Facilities and environmental conditions
The proficiency testing provider shall ensure that appropriate accommodation and equipment are
available for carrying out all the proficiency testing activities, in line with the proficiency test or for
performing measurements with continuously recording instruments. This includes the equipment and
facilities for the generation, treatment, adjustment, calibration, check, and, if necessary, storage of the
test atmosphere, as well as the quality assurance of the generated test atmosphere.
The proficiency testing facility, where sampling is performed, shall provide a sufficient number of
measurement planes meeting the requirements of EN 15259 for all participants.
In case of proficiency tests for grid measurements, the proficiency testing facility should allow for each
participant to make measurements according to EN 15259 with at least two measurement lines and at
least four measurement points in the measurement plane.
The proficiency testing provider shall specify (minimum) performance criteria for all measuring systems
for measurands, which affect the calculation of the assigned value or the evaluation of the participants or
serve for the control of the homogeneity and stability of the test atmosphere according to 7.3.2, by putting
in place appropriate maintenance and calibration schemes. Measuring systems, which do not meet the
performance criteria limits, shall not be used until a successful improvement has been demonstrated.
The proficiency testing provider shall determine the ambient conditions which can have a significant
influence on the quality of the test atmosphere and the quality of checks and calibrations performed. This
includes the conditions required by relevant specifications and measurement methods. The proficiency
testing provider shall check and monitor these conditions and shall record all relevant monitoring
activities.
The proficiency testing provider shall demonstrate that the required conditions for the quality of the test
atmosphere and the quality of the checks and calibrations or for the measurements during the
preparation or during the performance of the proficiency test are met at any time.
The proficiency testing provider shall have the competence to apply test methods to determine
homogeneity, stability and content which can be based on existing demonstration of competence of the
application of these test methods according to EN ISO/IEC 17025.
In case of standard methods, compliance with the performance criteria specified in the standard shall be
demonstrated. In-house methods require validation.
The results shall be provided to the participants or evaluators of proficiency tests on request.
Confidentiality of the assigned values shall be guaranteed.
6.4 Externally provided products and services
The proficiency testing provider can subcontract parts of the organization of the proficiency testing
schemes. However, he shall have the competence to evaluate the subcontracted results. The
subcontracted work shall be clearly specified for each proficiency testing scheme. The participants shall
be informed in advance, at least in a general way, on the subcontracting of parts of the proficiency testing
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scheme. Such information could be for instance “Parts of this proficiency testing scheme are performed
by a competent subcontractor”.
Planning of the proficiency testing scheme, evaluation of performance and authorization of the final
report or the confirmation or participation shall not be subcontracted.
The preparation of sample material can be subcontracted if tests of the content, homogeneity and stability
or other necessary sample characteristics are included in the preparation process.
The proficiency testing provider shall verify the competence of the subcontractor and that the
subcontractor meets the relevant requirements of the corresponding standards. The extent of the
verification of the subcontractor's competence depends on the complexity of the adopted tasks.
The competence of subcontractors can be demonstrated e.g. by:
— accreditation of the subcontractor as testing or calibration laboratory according to
EN ISO/IEC 17025 for the corresponding test methods; and/or
— accreditation of the subcontractor as proficiency testing provider according to EN ISO/IEC 17043 for
the corresponding tasks.
A contract shall be concluded between the proficiency testing provider and the subcontractor which shall
include at least the following:
— precise designation of the companies involved;
— confidentiality;
— precise description of the activities to be performed and the specifications to be met, e.g. during
preparation of the test items;
— exclusion of further subcontracting.
Furthermore, the contract with the subcontractor shall specify that raw data, which will not be forwarded
to the proficiency testing provider such as calibration data or equipment books, shall be archived for a
period consistent with contractual or legal obligations and completely submitted to the proficiency
testing provider on request.
NOTE Oral agreements or administrative cooperation are also contracts.
The activities of subcontractors should be in
...

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 17656:2021
01-april-2021
Emisije nepremičnih virov - Zahteve za sheme preverjanja usposobljenosti za
izvajanje meritev emisij
Stationary source emissions - Requirements on proficiency testing schemes for emission
measurements
Emissionen aus stationären Quellen - Anforderungen an Ringversuche für
Emissionsmessungen
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 17656
ICS:
13.040.40 Emisije nepremičnih virov Stationary source emissions
oSIST prEN 17656:2021 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 17656:2021

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oSIST prEN 17656:2021


DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
prEN 17656
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

April 2021
ICS 13.040.40
English Version

Stationary source emissions - Requirements on proficiency
testing schemes for emission measurements
 Emissionen aus stationären Quellen - Anforderungen
an Ringversuche für Emissionsmessungen
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 264.

If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.

Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.


EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2021 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 17656:2021 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Technical requirements. 9
4.1 General . 9
4.2 Personnel . 10
4.3 Equipment, accommodation and environment . 11
4.4 Design of proficiency testing schemes . 12
4.4.1 Planning . 12
4.4.2 Preparation of the test atmosphere . 14
4.4.3 Homogeneity and stability . 14
4.4.4 Statistical design . 17
4.4.5 Assigned values . 17
4.5 Choice of method or procedure. 17
4.6 Operation of proficiency testing schemes . 17
4.6.1 Instructions for participants . 17
4.6.2 Test items handling and storage . 18
4.6.3 Packaging, labelling and distribution of test items . 18
4.7 Data analysis and evaluation of proficiency testing scheme results . 18
4.7.1 Data analysis and records . 18
4.7.2 Evaluation of performance . 18
4.8 Reports . 21
4.9 Communication with participants . 21
4.10 Confidentiality . 22
5 Management requirements . 22
5.1 Organization . 22
5.2 Management system. 22
5.3 Document control . 22
5.4 Review of requests, tenders and contracts . 22
5.5 Subcontracting services . 22
5.6 Purchasing services and supplies . 23
5.7 Service to the customer . 23
5.8 Complaints and appeals . 23
5.9 Control of nonconforming work . 23
5.10 Improvement . 23
5.11 Corrective actions . 23
5.12 Preventive actions . 23
5.13 Control of records . 23
5.14 Internal audits . 23
5.15 Management reviews . 23
Annex A (informative) Overview on selected test facilities providing proficiency testing
schemes for emission measurements . 24
A.1 General . 24
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A.2 RSE Loop experimental test bench . 24
A.3 INERIS experimental test bench . 24
A.4 HLNUG Emission Simulation Apparatus (ESA) . 24
A.5 NPL Recirculating Stack Simulator . 25
A.6 VITO PT Air test facility . 25
A.7 FORCE Technology Real stack inter-comparison measurements . 25
A.8 VTT Real stack inter-comparison measurements . 25
Bibliography . 26

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European foreword
This document (prEN 17656:2021) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 264 “Air quality”,
the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.

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Introduction
Proficiency testing based on interlaboratory comparisons are widely used for a number of purposes and
their use is increasing internationally. Typical purposes for proficiency testing can include:
— evaluation of the performance of laboratories for specific tests or measurements and monitoring
laboratories' continuing performance;
— identification of problems in laboratories and initiation of actions for improvement which, for
example, may be related to inadequate test or measurement procedures, effectiveness of staff
training and supervision, or calibration of equipment;
— establishment of the effectiveness and comparability of test or measurement methods;
— provision of additional confidence to laboratory customers;
— identification of interlaboratory differences;
— education of participating laboratories based on the outcomes of such comparisons;
— validation of uncertainty claims.
The need for ongoing confidence in laboratory performance is not only essential for laboratories and
their customers but also for other interested parties, such as regulators, laboratory accreditation bodies
and other organizations that specify requirements for laboratories. EN ISO/IEC 17011 requires
accreditation bodies to take account of laboratories' participation and performance in proficiency testing.
The European Accreditation Organization (EA) recommends including such activities and their results
more strongly in the demonstration of competence.
EN ISO/IEC 17043 specifies general requirements on the competence of proficiency testing providers.
Their competence covers the design, the performance and the evaluation of proficiency tests.
EN ISO/IEC 17043 explicitly states that this standard can be used as a basis for the specification of specific
technical requirements in specific fields of application.
This document will supplement EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 by providing clarification and additional
information for proficiency testing schemes in the field of emission measurements. However, it will not
re-state all the provisions of EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 and users are reminded of the need to comply with
all the relevant criteria detailed in EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010.
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1 Scope
This document supplements the requirements of EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010 for proficiency testing schemes
for emission measurements. It specifies specific requirements for
— competence of proficiency testing providers,
— test facility characteristics, and
— design, operation and evalution of proficiency testing schemes by means of interlaboratory
comparisons.
All these aspects are necessary in order to organize and conduct proficiency testing on emission
measurements.
Requirements on the competence of proficiency testing providers cover personnel, organsation,
equipment and environment.
Requirements on the test facility characteristics cover measurement sections, measurements ports and
working area for the participants.
Requirements on the proficiency testing schemes cover
— design, including planning, preparations, homogeneity and stability of test atmospheres and
statistical design,
— operation, including handling and instruction of participants,
— calculation and use of assigned values, and
— testing results evaluation, including statistical data.
This document supports the application of proficiency testing schemes for checking the performance of
testing laboratories in the context of qualification, accreditation and related quality checks in relation to
the application of standardized measurement methods such as standard reference methods (SRM) or
alternative methods (AM).
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 17034, General requirements for the competence of reference material producers (ISO 17034)
EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, Conformity assessment — General requirements for proficiency testing
(ISO/IEC 17043:2010)
ISO 13528:2015, Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by interlaboratory comparison
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3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN ISO/IEC 17043 and the
following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
proficiency testing
evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory
comparisons
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.7]
3.2
interlaboratory comparison
organization, performance and evaluation of measurements or tests on the same or similar items by two
or more laboratories in accordance with predetermined conditions
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.4]
3.3
proficiency testing provider
organization which takes responsibility for all tasks in the development and operation of a proficiency
testing scheme
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.9]
3.4
proficiency testing scheme
proficiency testing designed and operated in one or more rounds for a specified area of testing,
measurement, calibration or inspection
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.11]
3.5
proficiency test item
sample, product, artefact, reference material, piece of equipment, measurement standard, data set or
other information used for proficiency testing
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.8]
3.6
participant
laboratory, organization or individual that receives proficiency test items and submits results for review
by the proficiency testing provider
[SOURCE: EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 3.6]
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3.7
homogeneity
uniform distribution of chemical and physical properties of the sample gas within the geometry of the
measurement plane
3.8
stability
uniform distribution of chemical and physical properties of the sample gas within the sampling time
3.9
measurement site
place on the waste gas duct in the area of the measurement plane(s) consisting of structures and technical
equipment, for example working platforms, measurement ports, energy supply
Note 1 to entry: Measurement site is also known as sampling site.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.11]
3.10
measurement plane
plane normal to the centreline of the duct at the sampling position
Note 1 to entry: Measurement plane is also known as sampling plane.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.13]
3.11
measurement port
opening in the waste gas duct along the measurement line, through which access to the waste gas is
gained
Note 1 to entry: Measurement port is also known as sampling port or access port.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.18]
3.12
measurement line
line in the measurement plane along which the measurement points are located, bounded by the inner
duct wall
Note 1 to entry: Measurement line is also known as sampling line.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.15]
3.13
measurement point
position in the measurement plane at which the sample stream is extracted or the measurement data are
obtained directly
Note 1 to entry: Measurement point is also known as sampling point.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.16]
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3.14
standard reference method
SRM
reference method prescribed by European or national legislation
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007, 3.9]
3.15
reference method
RM
measurement method taken as a reference by convention, which gives the accepted reference value of
the measurand
Note 1 to entry: A reference method is fully described.
Note 2 to entry: A reference method can be a manual or an automated method.
Note 3 to entry: Alternative methods can be used if equivalence to the reference method has been demonstrated.
[SOURCE: EN 15259:2007]
3.16
measurement method
method described in a written procedure containing all the means and procedures required to sample
and analyse, namely field of application, principle and/or reactions, definitions, equipment, procedures,
presentation of results, other requirements and measurement report
[SOURCE: EN 14793:2017, 3.8]
3.17
alternative method
AM
measurement method which complies with given criteria with respect to the reference method
Note 1 to entry: An alternative method can consist of a simplification of the reference method.
[SOURCE: adapted from EN 14793:2017, 3.3]
4 Technical requirements
4.1 General
Application of EN ISO/IEC 17043 to proficiency testing on emission measurement methods require
specific solutions due to the specific nature of emission measurements.
The specific nature of emission measurements include:
— complex gas matrix including pollutants of interest and possible interferents;
— wide concentration ranges;
— water-vapour content (condensing or non-condensing);
— high sample gas temperature;
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— sample stability and sample transport.
Different technical designs of test facilities are possible to address the points above.
Test atmospheres can be obtained:
— from real boilers, furnaces or burning devices using their real emissions;
— using ambient air as main matrix and adding know quantities of solid, liquid or gaseous compounds
for pollutants of interest and possible interferents;
— using only synthetic gaseous, liquid and/or solid reference materials for pollutants of interest and
possible interferents.
Test facilities can have different mechanical designs:
— single pass facilities, in which the test atmosphere is treated in order to obtain the required
conditions at the measurement planes, purified and then released;
— recirculating facilities, in which the test atmosphere is treated in order to obtain the required
conditions at the measurement planes and recirculated several times before it is released and then
purified.
Test facilities can provide different solutions regarding the type of sampling system:
— internal dimensions and flow rate in the test facility allow the implementation of sampling systems
compliant with the measurement method;
— special sampling systems prepared by the proficiency testing provider, e.g. due to reduced
dimensions of the test facility.
All these parameters effect the characteristics of the test facility and the proficiency testing schemes that
can be hosted.
4.2 Personnel
4.2.1 The proficiency testing provider shall employ at least one technical supervisor and at least one
deputy to the technical supervisor as well as sufficient technical personnel and, depending on the
proficiency testing scheme, additional scientific personnel for compliance with the offered services. The
proficiency testing provider shall ensure the competence and impartiality of the personnel.
The technical personnel shall have appropriate technical education for working in the corresponding
proficiency testing schemes or shall have working experience in the framework of proficiency testing
schemes.
4.2.2 The technical supervisor and the deputy shall demonstrate:
— knowledge of measurement techniques and practical experience in the field of the corresponding
proficiency testing scheme including the design, performance and evaluation of proficiency tests;
— knowledge of quality management procedures, specifically in the sense of EN ISO/IEC 17043.
Furthermore, evidence shall be provided on
— a conceptual and scientific activity in emissions monitoring and/or standardization field, and
— a statistical and mathematical knowledge as obtained typically in university studies in natural
sciences or engineering sciences.
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The following can be used to demonstrate competence:
— an appropriate course of study in natural sciences or engineering at a university or a technical college
or other relevant technical courses;
— evidence of knowledge provided by either presentation of measurement reports, undertaking
examinations and skill assessments;
— evidence of experience acquired using training records, which demonstrate a defined minimum
amount of work that has provided relevant knowledge and practical experience.
4.2.3 Personnel shall be contracted (permanently or project-related). Contracts shall include at least
the following:
— description of the duties, responsibilities, authorities;
— temporal extent of contract;
— regulations on confidentiality, independence and freedom of conflicting interests;
— integration in the quality management system;
— requirements for education and training;
— storage of personal data such as training material.
4.2.4 No additional information to EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 4.2.4.
4.2.5 No additional information to EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 4.2.5.
4.2.6 No additional information to EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 4.2.6.
4.2.7 The technical supervisor and the deputy as well as the additional technical and scientific
personnel shall regularly improve their skills. In addition to internal trainings, essential elements of
further education are participation in courses which deal with e.g. proficiency testing schemes, new
measurement methods or legal aspects in emission monitoring.
4.3 Equipment, accommodation and environment
4.3.1 The proficiency testing provider shall ensure that appropriate accommodation and equipment
are available for carrying out the whole proficiency testing activities in line with the proficiency test or
for performing measurements with continuously recording instruments. This includes the equipment
and facilities for the generation, treatment, calibration, check, and, if necessary, storage of the test
atmosphere, as well as the quality assurance of the generated test atmosphere.
The proficiency testing facility, where sampling is performed, shall provide a sufficient number of
measurement planes meeting the requirements of EN 15259 for all participants.
In case of proficiency tests for grid measurements, the facility should allow for each participant to make
measurements according to EN 15259 with at least two measurement lines and at least four
measurement points in the measurement plane.
The proficiency testing provider shall specify (minimum) performance criteria for all measuring systems
for measurands, which affect the calculation of the assigned value or the evaluation of the participants or
serve for the control according to 4.4.3.3, by putting in place appropriate maintenance and calibration
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schemes. Measuring systems, which do not meet the performance criteria limits, shall not be used until a
successful improvement has been demonstrated.
4.3.2 No additional information to EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 4.3.2.
4.3.3 No additional information to EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 4.3.3.
4.3.4 The proficiency testing provider shall determine the ambient conditions which can have a
significant influence on the quality of the test atmosphere and the quality of checks and calibrations
performed. This includes the conditions required by relevant specifications and measurement methods.
The proficiency testing provider shall check and monitor these conditions and shall record all relevant
monitoring activities.
The proficiency testing provider shall demonstrate that the required conditions for the quality of the test
atmosphere and the quality of the checks and calibrations or for the measurements during the
preparation or during the performance of the proficiency test are met at any time.
4.3.5 No additional information to EN ISO/IEC 17043:2010, 4.3.5.
4.3.6 The proficiency testing provider shall have the competence to apply test methods to determine
homogeneity, stability and content which can be based on existing demonstration of competence of the
application of these test methods according to EN ISO/IEC 17025.
In case of standard methods, compliance with the performance criteria specified in the standard shall be
demonstrated. In-house methods require validation.
The results shall be provided to the participants or evaluators of proficiency tests on request.
Confidentiality of the assigned values shall be guaranteed.
4.4 Design of proficiency testing schemes
4.4.1 Planning
4.4.1.1 The scope of the proficiency testing scheme shall be clearly defined in the planning
documents.
NOTE Typical proficiency testing schemes are on determination of particle mass concentration and mixtures
of inorganic and organic compounds as well as emission specific basic parameters.
In the planning of proficiency testing schemes, the proficiency testing provider should consider legal
requirements for emission measurements, such as measurement methods to be applied, emission limit
values to be monitored, sampling duration and number of measurements.
The relevant aspects related to the proficiency testing scheme shall be clearly identified and described
considering at least the chemical compounds subject of the proficiency testing scheme.
Proficiency testing schemes shall consider the number of different concentration levels and number of
samples to be taken derived from specified requirements based on typical application of the
measurement method.
Chemical and physical reactions between the chemical compounds shall be considered.
If the proficiency testing is organized to verify the capability of participant in relation to legal limit values,
the smallest concentration of a component to be determined shall be between 10 % and 30 % of the
lowest limit value in legal regulations. The high
...

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