Testing of Air Quality for Supplied Air Respirators / Compressor Air Quality Testing
Contamination in compressor supplied air can be a serious health risk. Testing of Air quality for supplied air respirators provide confidence to the workers required to use supplied air respirators.
Testing Requirements for Air Quality Supplied Air Respirators
The compressor breathing air quality requirement for supplied air respirators is often one of the least understood elements of a respiratory protection program.
Workplace Health and Safety Law requires that breathing air meet specified requirements and be tested to an agreed schedule as detailed in Australian Standard 1715:2009, Selection, Use and Maintenance of Respiratory Equipment. Checks are required to identify that there are no contaminates in the supplied air and that sufficient air is provided to the user
As part of the respirator protection program for a compressor air supply system, it is necessary to check the quality of the air regularly. Air quality checks should be conducted to an appropriate schedule. In many situations annual checks are sufficient to show if there is any deterioration in the system. The frequency of testing should be reviewed dependant on the usage and results of the testing.
Method for Testing Air Quality Supplied Air Respirators
Onsite testing is conducted by our technicians using use the Dräger Breathing Air Test Kit Method, Aerotest Simultan to determine the concentration of oil, water vapour, carbon monoxide (CO), and carbon dioxide (CO2) contained in the breathing air that is delivered to workers. Real-time monitoring equipment is used to determine the oxygen content. The capability of the compressor is assessed and a determination made on its ability to supply sufficient air to each person using a respirator connected to the system.
Air Quality for Supplied Air Respirators Parameters
The parameters for the air quality for supplied air respirators are detailed below.
|
Component Analysed |
Specification |
| Capacity | > 170 L/min for each person |
| Oxygen | 19.5% to 22% |
| Carbon Monoxide | < 11mg/m3 (10ppm) |
| Carbon Dioxide | < 1400 mg/m3 (800 ppm) |
| Oil | < 1mg/m3 |
| *Water | < 100 mg/m3 |
| Air Temperature | 15°C to 25°C |
| Odour | Not Objectionable |
* Cylinder initially filled to pressure of at least 12 MPa.
The specification for water content does not specifically apply to low pressure breathing air supply systems, however high water content can lead to contamination of the supply lines and associated contamination of the breathing air.
Trained Technicians Air Quality Supplied Air Respirators
All testing is conducted by trained technicians using accredited state-of-the-art sampling and analysis methodologies. Testing can be conducted for industrial breathing air systems such as air hoods used for spray painting, and airline systems used in confined spaces, welding and chemical applications.
Our technicians can assist resolve any issues that are identified and will issue certification for the system once testing shows that the legislative requirements for breathing air quality have been met.
Download a generic Air Quality Supplied Air Respirator Certificate.
For detailed advice on assessment and specific control measures for your workplace contact our consultants.
For further information on testing air quality for supplied air respirators click here.
