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Air Quality and Breathing Air Testing
An advantage of compressed air is that it is plentiful: it is taken from the air around us.
Further processes, like drying and filtering, can improve the air purity for different uses.
One of those uses, in healthcare, recreational and commercial diving, and protecting those working in hazardous environments, will be for breathing.
That air must be of the highest purity. But despite coming from the air we breathe, compressed air might not be pure enough. If it is not, you risk causing respiratory health issues, facing fines, and possibly legal consequences.
Why compressed air is not always suitable for breathing
We breathe air without thinking about it. We rarely consider its composition. The air consists of 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, but the remaining 1% can pose a problem for our breathing.
That 1% will include contaminants and water vapour. When air is compressed, the concentration of these can be increased. The compressed air system might also add contaminants such as microscopic drops of oil from the compressor or bacteria from within the system.
Because compressed air for breathing is delivered directly through a face mask, these can be dangerous for the user.
The standards you must meet
In the UK, breathing air is regulated by BS EN 12021:2014. This gives strict limits on air quality. It must be between 19.5% and 23.5% oxygen, have less than 500 ppm of carbon dioxide, and less than 5 ppm of carbon monoxide. Due to the thresholds being so rigorous, it often means the air is purer than normal ‘fresh’ air!
It is recommended that your air is tested at least every three months. You may need to test more frequently based on your circumstances, especially if your compressor is in a polluted or humid environment. You should always check if a user reports any ill effects.
How to meet breathing air quality standards
A high-quality compressed air system supported by regular servicing and rigorous testing is critical to meeting those standards.
We offer the latest Atlas Copco air compressors and accessories, such as dryers for removing water vapor and filters for air purification, ensuring you meet the highest standards.
Naturally, our engineers are fully qualified for breathing air testing. With regular servicing, you can be confident you are not putting users at risk. Contact Search Air today to ensure your breathing air is as pure as possible.
Legal Requirement
Search Air can assist with breathing air tests in accordance with HSE guidelines to ensure safety of your employees
Oil Contamination Test
Don’t risk production losses, test for oil contamination
Microbiological Testing
Harmful microorganisms may be in your compressed air, we can provide a trained auditor to establish for you
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Legal Requirement
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Oil Contamination Test
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Microbiological Testing
Breathing Air Quality Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Can you breathe compressed air?
Not all compressed air is automatically safe for breathing. While it originates from the surrounding air, it must undergo thorough drying and filtration to remove contaminants that may be introduced or concentrated during the compression process. Proper treatment ensures that pollutants such as moisture, oil, and particulates are eliminated, making the air safe for respiratory use.
How can you check compressed air quality?
Testing air quality requires specialised equipment to measure the air’s composition and the presence of contaminants. Our engineers perform regular quality audits and use the latest, accurately calibrated equipment to ensure your air quality is reliable.
What are the common contaminants in compressed air?
They are mostly the same as the contaminants in the air we breathe, like soot, pollen, and tiny amounts of carbon monoxide and other gases. It can also contain particles from the compressed air system, like rust, oil, or even bacteria from piping.
Want to know more about Air Quality Testing?
Contact us