Breathing Air Quality Testing in the UK

Oct 18 2023 11:49AM

Breathing Air Quality Testing in the UK:

Breathing air quality testing (also known as air purity testing) is a vital process that ensures the safety and health of workers who use indirectly air fed Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) in their jobs. RPE is a type of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that protects the individual from inhaling harmful substances, such as dust, fumes, gases, vapors, or are working in oxygen-deficient atmospheres. RPE can also be either supplied air, which delivers clean air from a source outside the contaminated area e.g., Compressor system as breathing apparatus (BA). Industries who commonly use this kind of equipment are, fabrication companies; welding, fiberglass, glass processing & paint spraying etc.

However, breathing air can only provide effective protection if the breathing air quality is adequate and safe for the wearer. Breathing air quality can be affected by various factors, such as the source of the air, the type and condition of the compressor and filtration system, the location and length of the air supply lines, the frequency and method of maintenance, the presence of environmental or operational contaminants. Therefore, it is essential and in fact a requirement to conduct air quality tests at a minimum of every three months to ensure that the breathing air meets the required standards and regulations.

Breathing Air Quality Standards and Regulations In the UK

In the UK, there are several standards and regulations that specify the minimum quality requirements for breathing air, as well as the frequency and methods of testing. The main ones are:

• EN 12021:2014: This is the European standard for compressed gases for beathing apparatus. It applies to both supplied air and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). It defines the acceptable levels of oxygen. Carbon monoxide, cardon dioxide, oil, water, and other contaminants in breathing air. It also specifies the methods of sampling and analysis for each parameter.
• COSHH L5: This is the approved code of practice (ACOP) for the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations 2002. It applies to all workplaces where hazardous substances are use or generated. It covers the selection, use, and maintenance of RPE, as well as the quality of breathing air. It refers to EN 12021:2014 for the minimum quality requirements for breathing air.
• HSG 53: This is the guidance document for respiratory protective equipment at work. It provides practical advice on how to comply with COSHH L5 and other relevant regulations. It covers the risk assessment, selection, use, and maintenance of REP, as well as the quality of breathing air. It also refers to EN 12021:2014 for the minimum quality requirements for breathing air.

According to these standards and regulations, beathing air quality tests should be carried out at least every three months or more frequently if there has been a change in or any concerns relating to the production process. The tests should be performed by a competent person using suitable equipment and methods. The test results should be recorded and kept for at least 5 years.

Arions’ air quality testing methods

At Arion, we use a industry leading Draeger system to test the purity of the breathing air. Our equipment is a state-of-the-art instrument that measures the levels of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, oxygen, moisture, oil, and other potential contaminants in the air in accordance with requirements of EN12021:2014. The F6000 does not require any chemical re-agent tubes, making it suitable for environments where glass products are not allowed. Air purity testing ensures that the breathing air is safe and compliant with the relevant regulations and prevents harm.

What we test for and why

To find out more about Arions air purity testing visit: Air Purity Testing - Arion Training & Development (arionltd.co.uk)