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Compressed air
2.
Compressed air for BA normally originates from a compressor system. The maintenance,
examination and testing of compressors should be carried out according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. The siting of air inlets to compressors should follow the same principles as for
fresh air hose. However, because compressors themselves can generate and concentrate a
wide range of contaminants, you should take extra care in assuring air quality.
3.
As the BA wearer’s life and health depend on the air supplied by the compressor, you should
ensure that the air supplied meets the quality requirements in British Standard BS EN 12021
Respiratory protective devices. Compressed air for breathing apparatus,* in addition to the
pressure and airflow rate requirements of the BA manufacturer.
4.
Compressors which are moved from site to site, such as those used by the emergency services
or on construction sites, will require a higher standard of maintenance and should be sited so
that the quality of air they provide is not compromised by nearby contaminants.
* BS EN 12021 states: ‘Compressed air for breathing apparatus shall not contain any contaminants at
a concentration which can cause toxic or harmful effects. In any event all contaminants shall be kept
to as low a level as possible and shall be far below the national exposure limit. Combination effects of
more than one contaminant shall be taken into account.’ (1999)Respiratory protective equipment at
work Page 48 of 59
Periodic testing of air quality
5.
The purpose of periodically testing air quality is to make sure that the control measures you
have put in place are delivering the air quality required by BS EN 12021. You should base the
frequency of such tests on a risk assessment, but they should take place at least every three
months, and more often when the quality of air cannot be assured to these levels.
6.
As part of the risk assessment, if a mobile compressor is being used consideration should be
given as to how often the air supply should be checked when the compressor is moved. Testing
for these components may be carried out using any appropriate method, eg:
simple colour change tubes;
on-line gas testers;
sample collection for laboratory analysis elsewhere.
7.
The supplier of your compressor or BA should be able to advise you on the best method for
you. You should keep records of air quality tests for five years.
© Crown copyright material is reproduced with the permission of the Controller of HMSO and Queen’s Printer
for Scotland.
Source Acknowledgement:
HSG53 Respiratory Protective Equipment at Work ISBN 978 0717 6454 2 Health and Safety Executive 2013
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0
