SIST EN IEC 62990-1:2023

Workplace atmospheres - Part 1: Gas detectors - Performance requirements of detectors for toxic gases (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)

This part of IEC 62990 specifies general requirements for design, function and performance, and describes the test methods that apply to portable, transportable, and fixed equipment for the detection and concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours in workplace atmospheres and other industrial and commercial applications. This document is applicable to continuously sensing equipment whose primary purpose is to provide an indication, alarm and/or other output function the purpose of which is to indicate the presence of a toxic gas or vapour in the atmosphere and in some cases to initiate automatic or manual protective action(s). It is applicable to equipment in which the sensor generates an electrical signal when gas is present.
This document applies to two types of equipment:
- Type HM (Health Monitoring) ‘occupational exposure’ equipment: For occupational exposure measurement, the performance requirements are focused on uncertainty of measurement of gas concentrations in the region of Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELV). The upper limit of measurement will be defined by the manufacturer in accordance with 4.2.1.
- Type SM (Safety Monitoring) ‘general gas detection’ equipment: For general gas detection applications (e.g. safety warning, leak detection), the performance requirements are focused on alarm signalling. The upper limit of measurement will be defined by the manufacturer according to the intended use of the equipment. In general, the requirements for accuracy will be higher for Type HM equipment than for Type SM equipment. The same equipment may meet the requirements of both Type HM and Type SM. For equipment used for sensing the presence of multiple gases this document applies only to the detection of toxic gas or vapour.
This document is not applicable to equipment:
- with samplers and concentrators such as sorbents or paper tape having an irreversible indication;
- used for the measurement of gases and vapours related to the risk of explosion;
- used for the measurement of oxygen; – used only in laboratories for analysis or measurement;
- used only for process measurement purposes;
- used in the domestic environment;
- used in environmental air pollution monitoring;
- used for open-path (line of sight) area gas measurement;
- used for ventilation control in car parks or tunnels.

Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre - Teil 1: Gasmessgeräte - Anforderungen an das Betriebsverhalten von Geräten für die Messung toxischer Gase (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)

Atmosphères des lieux de travail - Partie 1: Détecteurs de gaz - Exigences d'aptitude à la fonction des détecteurs de gaz toxiques (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)

IEC 62990-1:2019 spécifie les exigences générales pour la conception, la fonction et l’aptitude au fonctionnement, et décrit les méthodes d’essai qui s’appliquent aux matériels portables, transportables et fixes pour la détection et le mesurage de la concentration des gaz et des vapeurs toxiques dans les atmosphères des lieux de travail et d’autres applications industrielles et commerciales.
Le présent document s’applique aux matériels à fonctionnement continu dont l’objectif principal est de donner une indication, une alarme et/ou une autre fonction de sortie, le but étant de signaler la présence d’un gaz ou d’une vapeur toxique dans l’atmosphère et, dans certains cas, de déclencher une ou des actions protectrices manuelles ou automatiques. Il s’applique aux matériels dont le capteur produit un signal électrique en présence d’un gaz.
Le présent document s’applique à deux types de matériels:
• Les matériels “d'exposition professionnelle” de type HM (surveillance de la santé):
Pour le mesurage de l’exposition professionnelle, les exigences d’aptitude à la fonction ciblent l'incertitude de mesure des concentrations de gaz dans l’étendue d’application des valeurs limites d’exposition professionnelle (OELV – Occupational Exposure Limit Values). La limite supérieure de mesure est définie par le constructeur conformément à 4.2.1.
• Les matériels de “détection générale de gaz” de type SM (surveillance de la sécurité):
Pour les applications de détection générale de gaz (par exemple, avertissement de sécurité, détection de fuite), les exigences d’aptitude à la fonction ciblent la signalisation d’alarme. La limite supérieure de mesure est définie par le constructeur en fonction de l’utilisation prévue du matériel.
Généralement, les exigences d’exactitude sont plus strictes pour les matériels de type HM que pour les matériels de type SM. Les mêmes matériels peuvent satisfaire aux exigences applicables aux deux types HM et SM.
Pour les matériels qui permettent de détecter la présence de plusieurs gaz, le présent document s’applique uniquement pour la détection des gaz ou vapeurs toxiques.
Le présent document ne s’applique pas aux matériels:
- comportant des échantillonneurs et des concentrateurs tels que des sorbants ou une bande de papier qui présentent une indication irréversible;
- utilisés pour le mesurage des gaz et vapeurs liés au risque d’explosion;
- utilisés pour le mesurage de l’oxygène;
- utilisés uniquement en laboratoires pour l’analyse ou le mesurage;
- utilisés uniquement pour la mesure de processus;
- utilisés dans l’environnement domestique;
- utilisés dans la surveillance de la pollution atmosphérique;
- utilisés pour le mesurage des gaz avec emplacement à chemin ouvert (champ de vision);
- utilisés pour la commande de la ventilation dans les parcs de stationnement ou les tunnels.
Le contenu du corrigendum de décembre 2019 a été pris en considération dans cet exemplaire.

Zrak na delovnem mestu - 1. del: Detektorji plina - Zahteve za delovanje detektorjev strupenih plinov (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)

Ta del standarda IEC 62990 določa splošne zahteve za zasnovo, delovanje in zmogljivost ter opisuje preskusne metode, ki se uporabljajo za prenosno, premično in fiksno opremo za zaznavanje oziroma merjenje koncentracij strupenih plinov ali hlapov v zraku na delovnem mestu ter pri drugih industrijskih in komercialnih aplikacijah. Ta dokument se uporablja za neprekinjeno delujočo merilno opremo, katere primarni namen je izdati opozorilo, alarm in/ali drugo izhodno funkcijo, ki opozori na prisotnost strupenih plinov ali hlapov v ozračju in v nekaterih primerih tudi sproži samodejne ali ročne zaščitne ukrepe. Uporablja se za opremo, v kateri senzor ob prisotnosti plina ustvari električni signal.
Dokument se uporablja za dve vrsti opreme:
• Oprema za »poklicno izpostavljenost« vrste HM (Health Monitoring): za merjenje poklicne izpostavljenosti so zahteve za delovanje osredotočene na negotovost merjenja koncentracij plinov v območju mejnih vrednosti poklicne izpostavljenosti (OELV). Zgornjo mejo meritev določi proizvajalec v skladu s točko 4.2.1.
• Oprema vrste SM (Safety Monitoring) za »splošno zaznavanje plina«: za splošno zaznavanje plina (npr. varnostno opozorilo, zaznavanje puščanja) so zahteve za delovanje osredotočene na alarmno signalizacijo. Zgornjo mejo meritev določi proizvajalec v skladu s predvideno uporabo opreme. Na splošno so zahteve glede natančnosti višje za opremo vrste HM kot za opremo vrste SM. Ista oprema lahko izpolnjuje zahteve za vrsto HM in vrsto SM. Pri opremi, ki se uporablja za zaznavanje prisotnosti več plinov, se ta dokument uporablja le za zaznavanje strupenih plinov ali hlapov.
Ta dokument se ne uporablja za opremo, ki se uporablja:
– z vzorčevalniki in koncentratorji, kot so sorbenti ali papirnati trakovi, ki imajo nepovratni prikaz;
– za merjenje plinov in hlapov v zvezi z nevarnostjo eksplozije;
– za merjenje kisika;
– le v laboratorijih za analize ali merjenje;
– samo za namene merilnega postopka;
– v domačem okolju;
– pri nadzoru onesnaženja zraka v okolju;
– za merjenje plina z odprto merilno potjo (linija pogleda);
– za nadzor prezračevanja v parkirnih hišah in predorih.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 27-Feb-2022
• Publication Date: 22-Nov-2022
• ICS: 13.040.30 - Workplace atmospheres
• ICS: 13.320 - Alarm and warning systems
• Technical Committee: EXP - Product for explosive atmospheres
• Current Stage: 6060 - National Implementation/Publication (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 18-Oct-2022
• Due Date: 23-Dec-2022
• Completion Date: 23-Nov-2022
• Ref Project: EN IEC 62990-1:2022 - Workplace atmospheres - Part 1: Gas detectors - Performance requirements of detectors for toxic gases

Relations

• Replaces: SIST EN 45544-3:2015 - Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours - Part 3: Performance requirements for apparatus used for general gas detection
• Effective Date: 18-Oct-2022
• Replaces: SIST EN 45544-2:2015 - Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours - Part 2: Performance requirements for apparatus used for exposure measurement
• Effective Date: 18-Oct-2022
• Replaces: SIST EN 45544-1:2015 - Workplace atmospheres - Electrical apparatus used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours - Part 1: General requirements and test methods
• Effective Date: 18-Oct-2022
• Amended By: SIST EN IEC 62990-1:2023/A11:2023 - Workplace Atmospheres - Part 1: Gas detectors - Performance requirements of detectors for toxic gases
• Effective Date: 15-Jun-2021

Overview

EN IEC 62990-1:2022 (Workplace atmospheres - Part 1) defines performance, design and test requirements for gas detectors used to detect toxic gases and vapours in workplace atmospheres. Applicable to portable, transportable and fixed equipment, this standard covers continuously sensing detectors that produce an electrical signal to indicate gas presence and provide indication, alarm and/or output functions - and in some cases initiate protective actions. It distinguishes two equipment classes: Type HM (Health Monitoring) for occupational exposure measurement around Occupational Exposure Limit Values (OELV), and Type SM (Safety Monitoring) for general detection, leak and alarm applications.

Key topics and requirements

• Scope and applicability: Focused on toxic gas/vapour detection; excludes oxygen-only sensors, explosive-risk gas measurement standards, open-path systems, environmental air pollution monitoring, laboratory-only analysers, process-only instruments and domestic applications.
• Design and functional requirements: Requirements for indicating devices, alarm signalling, fault signals, adjustments, battery-powered operation, software-controlled equipment, and labelling/instruction manuals.
• Performance and test methods: Standardised tests include mechanical, environmental, electrical, stability, fault-signal and performance tests; methods for time of response and recovery; aspirated vs diffusion sampling tests.
• Measurement quality for Type HM: Defines methods to calculate uncertainty of measurement and the lower limit of measurement, with acceptance criteria tailored to occupational-exposure use where accuracy requirements are higher than Type SM.
• Interoperability and system integration: Requirements for transmitters used with separate control units and for detector systems.
• Documentation and conformity: Specification of mandatory marking, user instructions and calibration considerations.

Applications and who uses it

EN IEC 62990-1 is used by:

• Manufacturers and designers of fixed and portable toxic gas detectors to meet performance and safety claims.
• Test laboratories and certification bodies performing conformity testing and type-approval.
• Occupational hygienists, EHS managers and plant safety engineers selecting detectors for monitoring worker exposure (Type HM) or for leak/alarm systems (Type SM).
• System integrators and maintenance providers responsible for installation, calibration and ongoing performance verification.
• Procurement teams and regulators who need to specify compliant equipment for industrial and commercial workplaces.

Keywords: workplace atmospheres, gas detectors, toxic gases, performance requirements, uncertainty of measurement, occupational exposure, alarm signalling, portable gas detectors, fixed gas detectors.

Related standards

Referenced/harmonized documents include IEC 60079-29-x series, ISO 6145 series and ISO 20581/EN 482 (as noted in the standard’s bibliography) - useful for explosive-atmosphere detectors, gas calibration methods and workplace exposure measurement.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-januar-2023
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 45544-1:2015
SIST EN 45544-2:2015
SIST EN 45544-3:2015
Zrak na delovnem mestu - 1. del: Detektorji plina - Zahteve za delovanje
detektorjev strupenih plinov (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)
Workplace atmospheres - Part 1: Gas detectors - Performance requirements of detectors
for toxic gases (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)
Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre - Teil 1: Gasmessgeräte - Anforderungen an das
Betriebsverhalten von Geräten für die Messung toxischer Gase (IEC 62990-1:2019 +
COR1:2019)
Atmosphères des lieux de travail - Partie 1: Détecteurs de gaz - Exigences d'aptitude à
la fonction des détecteurs de gaz toxiques (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN IEC 62990-1:2022
ICS:
13.040.30 Kakovost zraka na delovnem Workplace atmospheres
mestu
13.320 Alarmni in opozorilni sistemi Alarm and warning systems
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN IEC 62990-1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM October 2022
ICS 29.260.20 Supersedes EN 45544-1:2015; EN 45544-3:2015;
EN 45544-2:2015
English Version
Workplace atmospheres - Part 1: Gas detectors - Performance
requirements of detectors for toxic gases
(IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)
Atmosphères des lieux de travail - Partie 1: Détecteurs de Arbeitsplatzatmosphäre - Teil 1: Gasmessgeräte -
gaz - Exigences d'aptitude à la fonction des détecteurs de Anforderungen an das Betriebsverhalten von Geräten für
gaz toxiques die Messung toxischer Gase
(IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019) (IEC 62990-1:2019 + COR1:2019)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2022-08-17. CENELEC 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 CENELEC 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 CENELEC member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the
same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Türkiye and the United Kingdom.

European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2022 CENELEC All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC Members.
Ref. No. EN IEC 62990-1:2022 E

European foreword
This document (EN IEC 62990-1:2022) consists of the text of IEC 62990-1:2019 and
IEC 62990-1:2019/COR1:2019 prepared by IEC/TC 31 “Equipment for explosive atmospheres” in cooperation
with ISO/TC 146 “Air quality, sub-committee 2: Workplace atmospheres”.
The following dates are fixed:
• latest date by which this document has to be (dop) 2023-08-27
implemented at national level by publication of an
identical national standard or by endorsement
• latest date by which the national standards (dow) 2025-08-27
conflicting with this document have to be withdrawn
This document, together with EN IEC 62990-1/A11:2022, supersedes EN 45544-1:2015, EN 45544-2:2015
and EN 45544-3:2015.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent
rights. CENELEC 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 committee. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CENELEC website.
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 62990-1:2019 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard without any modification.
In the official version, for Bibliography, the following notes have to be added for the standards indicated:
IEC 60079-29-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-1
IEC 60079-29-2 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-2
IEC 60079-29-3 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-3
IEC 60079-29-4 NOTE Harmonized as EN 60079-29-4
ISO 6145-1 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-1
ISO 6145-4 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-4
ISO 6145-5 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-5
ISO 6145-6 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-6
ISO 6145-7 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-7
ISO 6145-9 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-9
ISO 6145-10 NOTE Harmonized as EN ISO 6145-10
ISO 20581 NOTE Harmonized as EN 482

IEC 62990-1
Edition 1.0 2019-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
colour
inside
Workplace atmospheres –
Part 1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements of detectors for toxic gases

Atmosphères des lieux de travail –

Partie 1: Détecteurs de gaz – Exigences d'aptitude à la fonction des détecteurs

de gaz toxiques
INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
INTERNATIONALE
ICS 29.260.20 ISBN 978-2-8322-7080-6

– 2 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019

CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 8
3 Terms and definitions . 8
4 General requirements . 16
4.1 Overview. 16
4.2 Design . 17
4.2.1 General . 17
4.2.2 Indicating devices . 17
4.2.3 Alarm signal . 19
4.2.4 Fault signals . 19
4.2.5 Adjustments . 20
4.2.6 Battery-powered equipment . 20
4.2.7 Gas detection transmitter for use with separate gas detection control
units . 20
4.2.8 Separate gas detection control units for use with gas detection
transmitter(s) . 21
4.2.9 Software-controlled equipment . 21
4.3 Labelling and marking . 22
4.4 Instruction manual . 23
5 Test methods . 25
5.1 General . 25
5.2 General requirements for tests . 26
5.2.1 Samples and sequence of tests . 26
5.2.2 Preparation of equipment before each test. 27
5.2.3 Mask for calibration and test . 28
5.3 Normal conditions for test . 28
5.3.1 General . 28
5.3.2 Test gas(es) . 28
5.3.3 Flow rate for test gases . 28
5.3.4 Power supply . 29
5.3.5 Temperature . 29
5.3.6 Pressure . 29
5.3.7 Humidity . 29
5.3.8 Acclimation time . 29
5.3.9 Orientation . 29
5.3.10 Communications options . 29
5.3.11 Gas detection equipment as part of systems . 30
5.4 Tests . 30
5.4.1 General . 30
5.4.2 Unpowered storage . 30
5.4.3 Measurement of deviations . 31
5.4.4 Mechanical tests . 31
5.4.5 Environmental tests . 33
5.4.6 Performance tests . 36
5.4.7 Electrical tests . 41

IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 3 –
5.4.8 Stability . 44
5.4.9 Fault signal tests . 45
5.4.10 Software controlled equipment . 46
5.4.11 Protection against water . 46
6 Uncertainty of measurement and lower limit of measurement for type HM

equipment . 47
6.1 General . 47
6.2 Method of calculation of uncertainty of measurement . 47
6.2.1 Basic concept . 47
6.2.2 Sources of uncertainty . 48
6.2.3 Calculation of relative expanded uncertainty . 53
6.3 Method of calculation of lower limit of measurement . 54
6.4 Acceptance criteria . 55
6.4.1 Uncertainty of measurement . 55
6.4.2 Lower limit of measurement . 55
6.5 Relation between uncertainty and accuracy . 55
Annex A (normative) Gas specific performance requirements . 56
Annex B (informative) Determination of time of response and time of recovery . 57
B.1 Aspirated equipment . 57
B.1.1 Test rig . 57
B.1.2 Equipment without internal pump . 57
B.1.3 Equipment with internal pump . 57
B.2 Equipment that samples by diffusion . 58
B.2.1 Calibration mask method . 58
B.2.2 Diffusion or flow methods . 58
Bibliography . 60

Figure 1 – Relationship between indication range and measuring range . 14
Figure 2 – Warm-up time in clean air (typical) . 15
Figure 3 – Warm-up time in standard test gas (typical) . 15
Figure 4 – Example of zero uncertainty . 16
Figure B.1 – Schematic example of test rig for use with aspirated equipment . 58
Figure B.2 – Schematic example of test chamber for diffusion method . 59
Figure B.3 – Schematic example of test chamber for flow method . 59

Table 1 – Factors to be considered in the expanded uncertainty estimate . 48
Table A.1 – Gas specific performance requirements . 56

– 4 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
WORKPLACE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 1: Gas detectors –
Performance requirements of detectors for toxic gases

FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
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agreement between the two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an international
consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation from all
interested IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
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8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 62990-1 has been prepared by Joint Working Group (JWG) 45 of
IEC technical committee 31: Equipment for explosive atmospheres in cooperation with
ISO technical committee 146: Air quality, sub-committee 2: Workplace atmospheres.
It is published as a dual logo standard.
The text of this International Standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
31/1463/FDIS 31/1480/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this International Standard can be found in
the report on voting indicated in the above table.

IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 5 –
This document has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2.
A list of all parts in the IEC 62990 series, published under the general title Workplace
atmospheres, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this document will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC website under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific document. At this date, the document will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
The contents of the corrigendum of December 2019 have been included in this copy.

IMPORTANT – The 'colour inside' logo on the cover page of this publication indicates
that it contains colours which are considered to be useful for the correct
understanding of its contents. Users should therefore print this document using a
colour printer.
– 6 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
INTRODUCTION
This part of IEC 62990 specifies general requirements for construction, testing and
performance of equipment intended to measure the concentration of toxic gas and vapour in
workplace atmospheres and other industrial and commercial applications. The performance
requirements are intended to apply under environmental conditions present at the site of
operation. However, because a wide range of environmental conditions are encountered in
practise, this document specifies requirements that have to be fulfilled by equipment when
tested under prescribed laboratory conditions.
This document applies to the following types of equipment: Health Monitoring (HM) and Safety
Monitoring (SM). For a given measurement task of Type HM equipment the range over which
the requirements must be met depends on the occupational exposure limit value. However, for
most toxic gases and vapours the occupational exposure limit values have not been
harmonized at the international level. Therefore, it was decided to use a reference value
instead of the occupational exposure limit value for the performance tests. The list of
reference values is given in Annex A. The reference values chosen are equal to or close to
the occupational exposure limit values used in different countries but are intended to be used
only for type testing equipment without any legal implications.
Electrical equipment used for the direct detection and direct concentration measurement of
toxic gases and vapours generate readings in clean air (nominally zero), which vary with
environmental conditions and time. This document therefore includes test methods and
requirements for acceptable variations in measured values at application of zero gas and of
defined test gases.
For gas detection equipment including additional function for detecting flammable gas and/or
oxygen, consideration should be given to the relevant standards.
General requirements for construction, testing and performance of gas detectors for
flammable gases and vapours are set out in IEC 60079-29-1, Explosive atmospheres –
Part 29-1: Gas detectors – Performance requirements of detectors for flammable gases.
General requirements for construction, testing and performance of open path detectors for
flammable gases are set out in IEC 60079-29-4, Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-4: Gas
detectors – Performance requirements of open path detectors for flammable gases.
Guidance for the selection, installation, use and maintenance of gas detecting equipment is
set out in IEC 60079-29-2: Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-2, Gas detectors – Selection,
installation, use and maintenance of detectors for flammable gases and oxygen.
Guidance for functional safety of fixed gas detection systems is set out in IEC 60079-29-3:
Explosive atmospheres – Part 29-3, Gas detectors – Guidance on functional safety of fixed
gas detection systems.
IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 7 –
WORKPLACE ATMOSPHERES –
Part 1: Gas detectors –
Performance requirements of detectors for toxic gases

1 Scope
This part of IEC 62990 specifies general requirements for design, function and performance,
and describes the test methods that apply to portable, transportable, and fixed equipment for
the detection and concentration measurement of toxic gases and vapours in workplace
atmospheres and other industrial and commercial applications.
This document is applicable to continuously sensing equipment whose primary purpose is to
provide an indication, alarm and/or other output function the purpose of which is to indicate
the presence of a toxic gas or vapour in the atmosphere and in some cases to initiate
automatic or manual protective action(s). It is applicable to equipment in which the sensor
generates an electrical signal when gas is present.
This document applies to two types of equipment:
• Type HM (Health Monitoring) ‘occupational exposure’ equipment:
For occupational exposure measurement, the performance requirements are focused on
uncertainty of measurement of gas concentrations in the region of Occupational Exposure
Limit Values (OELV). The upper limit of measurement will be defined by the manufacturer
in accordance with 4.2.1.
• Type SM (Safety Monitoring) ‘general gas detection’ equipment:
For general gas detection applications (e.g. safety warning, leak detection), the
performance requirements are focused on alarm signalling. The upper limit of
measurement will be defined by the manufacturer according to the intended use of the
equipment.
In general, the requirements for accuracy will be higher for Type HM equipment than for Type
SM equipment. The same equipment may meet the requirements of both Type HM and Type
SM.
For equipment used for sensing the presence of multiple gases this document applies only to
the detection of toxic gas or vapour.
This document is not applicable to equipment:
– with samplers and concentrators such as sorbents or paper tape having an irreversible
indication;
– used for the measurement of gases and vapours related to the risk of explosion;
– used for the measurement of oxygen;
– used only in laboratories for analysis or measurement;
– used only for process measurement purposes;
– used in the domestic environment;
– used in environmental air pollution monitoring;
– used for open-path (line of sight) area gas measurement;
– used for ventilation control in car parks or tunnels.

– 8 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their
content constitutes requirements 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.
IEC 60068-2-6, Environmental testing – Part 2-6: Tests – Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60079-0, Explosive atmospheres – Part 0: Equipment – General requirements
IEC 60529, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 61000-4-29, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-29: Testing and measurement
techniques – Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations on d.c. input power port
immunity tests
IEC 61000-6-3, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-3: Generic standards –
Emission standard for residential, commercial and light-industrial environments
IEC 61000-6-4, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 6-4: Generic standards –
Emission standard for industrial environments
IEC 61326-1, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements – Part 1: General requirements
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following
addresses:
• IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
• ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
gas properties
3.1.1
ambient air
normal atmosphere surrounding the equipment
3.1.2
clean air
air that is free of gases or vapours which the sensor is sensitive to or which influence the
performance of the sensor
3.1.3
occupational exposure limit value
OELV
limit of the time-weighted average of the concentration of a chemical agent in the air within
the breathing zone of a worker in relation to a specified reference period
Note 1 to entry: The term “limit value” is often used as a synonym for “occupational exposure limit value”, but the
term “occupational exposure limit value” is preferred because there is more than one limit value (e.g., biological
limit value and occupational exposure limit value).

IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 9 –
Note 2 to entry: Occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) are often set for reference periods of 8 h, but can
also be set for shorter periods or concentration excursions.
[SOURCE: ISO 18158:2016, 2.1.5.4, modified (Note 2 to entry is shortened)]
3.1.4
reference value
value used as the basis to specify requirements such as measuring
range, resolution and alarm set point
Note 1 to entry: The term reference value is used in this document because for most toxic gases and vapours the
occupational exposure limit values have not been harmonized at the International level.
3.1.5
poisons
substances that lead to temporary or permanent change of
performance, particularly loss of sensitivity of the sensing element
3.1.6
toxic gas
gas or vapour that can be harmful to human health and/or the performance of persons due to
its physical or physico-chemical properties
Note 1 to entry: For the purpose of this document, the term “toxic gas” includes “toxic vapours”.
3.1.7
volume fraction
quotient of the volume of a specified component and the sum of the volumes of all
components of a gas mixture before mixing, all volumes referring to the pressure and the
temperature of the gas mixture
Note 1 to entry: The volume fraction and volume concentration take the same value if, at the same state
conditions, the sum of the component volumes before mixing and the volume of the mixture are equal. However,
because the mixing of two or more gases at the same state conditions is usually accompanied by a slight
contraction or, less frequently, a slight expansion, this is not generally the case.
3.1.8
zero gas
gas recommended by the manufacturer, which is free of toxic gases and interfering and
contaminating substances, the purpose of which is calibration or adjustment of the equipment
zero
3.1.9
standard test gas
test gas with a composition specified for each item of equipment and gas and/or vapour to be
used for all tests unless otherwise stated
3.1.10
time-weighted average concentration
TWA concentration
concentration of gas in air averaged over a reference period
3.1.11
reference period
specified period of time for which the occupational exposure limit value of a chemical agent
applies
Note 1 to entry: The reference period is usually 8 h for long-term measurements and 15 min for short-term
measurements.
[SOURCE: ISO 18158:2016, 2.1.5.7, modified (term “biological agent” deleted as not
relevant to the current document)]

– 10 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
3.2
types of equipment
3.2.1
alarm-only equipment
equipment with an alarm but not having an indication of measured value
3.2.2
aspirated equipment
equipment that samples the gas by drawing it to the gas sensor
Note 1 to entry: A hand operated or electric pump is often used to draw gas to the sensor.
3.2.3
automatically aspirated equipment
aspirated equipment with an integral pump or separate pump, which is connected directly to
the equipment
3.2.4
continuous duty equipment
equipment that is powered for long periods of time, but may have either continuous or
intermittent sensing
Note 1 to entry: Within this document, all equipment is regarded as continuous duty.
3.2.5
diffusion equipment
equipment in which the transfer of gas from the atmosphere to the sensor takes place without
aspirated flow
3.2.6
fixed equipment
equipment fastened to a support, or otherwise secured in a specific location when energized
3.2.7
portable equipment
equipment intended to be carried by a person during its operation
Note 1 to entry: Portable equipment is battery powered and includes, but is not limited to
a) hand-held equipment, typically less than 1 kg, which requires use of only one hand to operate,
b) personal monitors, similar in size and mass to the hand-held equipment, that are continuously operating while
they are attached to the user, and
c) larger equipment that can be operated by the user while it is carried either by hand, by a shoulder strap or
carrying harness and which may or may not have a hand directed probe.
3.2.8
transportable equipment
equipment not intended to be carried by a person during operation, nor intended for fixed
installation
3.2.9
gas detection transmitter
fixed gas detection equipment that provide a conditioned electronic signal or output indication
to a generally accepted industry standard (such as 4-20 mA), intended to be utilized with
separate gas detection control units or signal processing data acquisition, central monitoring
and similar systems, which typically process information from various locations and sources
including, but not limited to gas detection equipment

IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 11 –
3.2.10
gas detection control unit
equipment intended to provide display indication, alarm functions, output contacts or alarm
signal outputs or any combination when operated with remote sensor(s)
3.2.11
separate gas detection control unit
equipment intended to provide display indication, alarm functions, output contacts or alarm
signal outputs or any combination when operated with gas detection transmitter(s)
3.2.12
equipment with integral sensor(s)
equipment that provides display indication, alarm functions, output contacts and/or alarm
signal outputs using a sensor which is within or directly assembled to the equipment housing
3.2.13
accessory
component which can be fitted to the equipment for special purpose
EXAMPLE: External gas pump, sampling probe, hoses, collecting cone, weather protection device.
3.3
sensors
3.3.1
sensing element
part of the sensor which is sensitive to the gas/vapour to be measured
3.3.2
sensor
assembly in which the sensing element is housed and that may also contain associated circuit
components
3.3.3
integral sensor
sensor which is within or directly assembled to the equipment housing
3.3.4
remote sensor
sensor which is installed separately, but is connected to a gas detection control unit, gas
detection transmitter, or to transportable or portable equipment
3.4
supply of gas to equipment
3.4.1
sample line
means by which the gas being sampled is conveyed to the sensor
Note 1 to entry: Accessories such as filter or water trap are often included in the sample line.
3.4.2
sampling probe
separate accessory sample line which is optionally attached to the equipment
Note 1 to entry: It is usually short (e.g. of the order of 1 m) and rigid, although it can be telescopic. In some
cases, it is connected by a flexible tube to the equipment.

– 12 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
3.4.3
adjustment
procedure carried out to minimize the deviation of the measured value from the test gas
concentration
Note 1 to entry: When the equipment is adjusted to give an indication of zero in clean air, the procedure is
called ’zero adjustment’.
3.4.4
calibration
procedure which establishes the relationship between a measured value and the
concentration of a test gas
Note 1 to entry: If the deviation at calibration is too high, usually an adjustment will be carried out subsequently.
3.4.5
field calibration kit
means of presenting test gas to the equipment for the purpose of calibrating, adjusting or
verifying the operation of the equipment
Note 1 to entry: The field calibration kit can be used for verifying the operation of the alarms if the concentration
of the test gas is above the alarm set-point.
Note 2 to entry: A mask for calibration and test is an example of a field calibration kit.
3.4.6
mask for calibration and test
device that can be attached to the equipment to present a test gas to the sensor in a
reproducible manner
3.5
signals and alarms
3.5.1
alarm set point
setting of the equipment at which the measured concentration will cause the equipment to
initiate an indication, alarm or other output function
3.5.2
TWA alarm set point
setting of the equipment at which the measured time weighted average concentration will
cause the equipment to initiate an indication, alarm or other output function
3.5.3
indication
representation of the measured value on an output or display
Note 1 to entry: The indication may be affected by suppression of indication, filtering or averaging.
3.5.4
fault signal
audible, visible or other type of output, different from the alarm signal, permitting, directly or
indirectly, a warning or indication that the equipment is not working satisfactorily
3.5.5
latching alarm
alarm that, once activated, requires deliberate action to be deactivated
3.5.6
measured value
calculated concentration of gas and/or vapour that results from processing sensor signal

IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 13 –
Note 1 to entry: The measured value may be further processed before indication on output or display
(e.g. time-weighted average, suppression of indication, etc.).
3.5.7
measuring principle
type of physical or physico-chemical detection principle and the measurement procedure to
determine the measured value
3.5.8
special state
any state of the equipment other than those in which monitoring of gas concentration and/or
alarming is the intent
Note 1 to entry: Special state includes warm-up, calibration mode or fault condition.
3.5.9
indication range
range of measured values of gas concentration over which the equipment is capable of
indicating (see Figure 1.
3.5.10
lower limit of indication
smallest measured value within the indication range
SEE Figure 1)
3.5.11
upper limit of indication
largest measured value within the indication range
SEE Figure 1.
3.5.12
measuring range
range of measured values of gas concentration over which the accuracy of the equipment lies
within specified limits
SEE Figure 1.
3.5.13
lower limit of measurement
smallest measured value within the measuring range
SEE Figure 1.
Note 1 to entry: The lower limit of measurement is always zero for type SM equipment.
3.5.14
upper limit of measurement
largest measured value within the measuring range
SEE Figure 1.
Note 1 to entry: Indications below the lower limit of measurement or above the upper limit of measurement will not
necessarily meet the requirements of this document.

– 14 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
Lower limit of indication
Upper limit of indication
Zero
Indication range
Measuring range
Lower limit of measurement Upper limit of measurement
IEC
Figure 1 – Relationship between indication range and measuring range
3.6
times
3.6.1
drift
variation in the equipment indication over time at any fixed gas volume fraction (including
clean air) under constant ambient conditions
3.6.2
final indication
indication given by the equipment after stabilization
3.6.3
stabilization
state when three successive indications of an equipment at a constant gas volume fraction,
taken at 2 minute intervals or twice the respective t(90), whichever is less, indicates no
changes greater than ± the lower limit of measurement for type HM equipment or ±1 % of the
upper limit of measurement for type SM equipment
3.6.4
time of response
t(x)
time interval, with the equipment in a warmed-up condition, between the time when an
instantaneous change between clean air and the standard test gas is produced at the
equipment inlet, and the time when the indication reaches a stated percentage (x) of the final
indication
Note 1 to entry: For alarm-only equipment the stated indication can be represented by the activation of the alarm
set at a stated value.
3.6.5
time of recovery
t(x)
time interval, with the equipment in a warmed-up condition, between the time when an
instantaneous change from standard test gas to clean air is produced at the equipment inlet
and the time when the indication reaches a stated percentage (x) of the initial indication
Note 1 to entry: For alarm-only equipment the stated indication can be represented by the de-activation of the
alarm set at a stated value.
IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019 – 15 –
3.6.6
warm-up time
time interval, with the equipment in a stated atmosphere, between the time when the
equipment is switched on and the time when the indication reaches and remains within the
stated tolerances
Note 1 to entry: See equipment warm-up time in Figures 2 and 3.

Power off in Power on in
clean air clean air
Specified
Equipment
0 tolerance band
}
zero
on zero indication
Time
0 Warm-up time
(see 3.6.6) IEC
Figure 2 – Warm-up time in clean air (typical)

Power off Power on
in standard in standard
test gas test gas
Specified
Volume fraction
tolerances of
of standard
}
the indication
test gas
Zero in
clean air
Time
Warm-up time
(see 3.6.6)
IEC
Figure 3 – Warm-up time in standard test gas (typical)
3.7
uncertainty
3.7.1
expanded uncertainty
U
quantity defining an interval about a result of a measurement, expected to encompass a large
fraction of the distribution of values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand
[SOURCE: ISO 18158:2016, 2.4.2.5]
3.7.2
measurand
particular quantity subject to measurement
[SOURCE: ISO 18158:2016, 2.3.8]
Indication
Indication
– 16 – IEC 62990-1:2019 © IEC 2019
3.7.3
coverage factor
k
numerical factor used as a multiplier of the combined standard uncertainty in order to obtain
an expanded uncertainty
3.7.4
non-random uncertainty
uncertainty associated with non-random errors
3.7.5
random uncertainty
uncertainty associated with random errors
3.7.6
zero uncertainty
quantity defining an interval about zero expected to encompass a large fraction of the
distribution of values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurement in clean air
Note 1 to entry: In Figure 4, the mean value of the measured values in clean air is not equal to zero to illustrate
that there can be an offset due to drift. The mean value can be above or below zero.
Distribution of measured
values in clean air
Zero Lower limit of Indication
measurement
IEC
Figure 4 – Example of zero uncertainty
3.8
miscellaneous
3.8.1
special tool
tool required to gain access to, or to adjust the equipment controls
Note 1 to entry: The design of the tool is intended to discourage unauthorised interference with the equipment.
4 General requirements
4.1 Overview
In addition to the requirements of this document, parts of the gas detection equipment
intended for use in explosive atmospheres shall comply with the relevant construction and
explosion protection requirements as specified in the IEC 60079 series of standards. The
ambient temperature and pressure ranges of such equipment conforming to this document
shall not exceed the ambient temperature and pressure ranges of the Type(s) of Protection.
Probability
IEC 6299
...