1.1 This International Recommendation provides procedures for testing and verifying the performance of a portable gas chromatograph (GC) for use in measuring potentially hazardous chemical pollutants associated with hazardous waste sites as mandated by national laws and regulations. This Recommendation does not intend to exclude any other equivalent means of measurement or analysis of such pollutants. A portable instrument is self-contained, or an integrated compact assembly that is capable of carrying out a complete analysis on site and operates on battery power; however, it may have the option of operating on alternating current (AC) power. Several types of portable gas chromatographs that employ a range of techniques for introducing samples and for detecting individual compounds of interest are available. The major components specified in this Recommendation reflect examples of current technology and are not intended to exclude new developments. Laboratory based GCs are covered in the OIML International Recommendation R 82 Gas chromatographs for measuring pollution from pesticides and other toxic substances. 1.2 Sample components of interest for detection by a portable GC are components that can pass through its column in detectable amounts without undergoing significant irreversible adsorption or decomposition and which can be detected. Examples of general compound types of hazardous chemical pollutants that may be detected by a portable GC are listed in Annex A. l.3 Sampling plans, sample preparation, and measurement methods are beyond the scope of this Recommendation. 1.4 Instruments that meet the requirements of this Recommendation have flexibility in some major components depending on their specific application. The following such components are covered: • direct air sampling devices and syringe injection devices for either gaseous or liquid samples; • packed and capillary columns operating under fixed or adjustable temperature control; • packed and capillary columns operating at ambient temperature and under certain other environmental conditions; • photoionization detectors (PID), flame ionization detectors (FID), argon ionization detectors (AID), and electron capture detectors (ECD). Note: The detectors mentioned above have the broadest applicability and therefore those most commonly used in field applications. Other detectors may be appropriate and may also meet the requirements of this Recommendation for specific applications. 1.5 Instrument performance better than the criteria prescribed for these applications may be achieved by optimizing the performance of each major component of the measuring system. In such cases, success depends on the knowledge, skill, and experience of the operator. 1.6 This Recommendation does not address requirements and tests for instruments which may be necessary for personal safety. Therefore, users should determine whether the instruments meet the safety and labeling requirements specified in national regulations