Compressed Air Quality Testing

What is Air Quality Testing

Breathing air quality testing to AS 1715:2009 Appendix A for workers using compressed air line or
cylinder respirators provides reassurance that the air they are breathing is adequately safe in their
harsh working environments.

AS1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment, sets out
requirements and guidelines for respiratory protection. The Australian Standard includes discussion
of respiratory hazards, the assessment of associated risks and various methods of control including
the use of respiratory protective equipment (RPE).

How is Air Quality Testing Conducted for Compressed Air

As part of the assessment, inline breathing respiratory protection requires an assessment on the
compressed breathing air quality, including testing the following:

 Air Temperature Testing

 Air Humidity Testing
 Oxygen (O2) Testing
 Water Vapour (H2O) Testing
 Carbon Monoxide (CO) Testing
 Carbon Dioxide (CO2) Testing
 Oil Mist Testing
 Odour Air Quality Test

The compressor line or cylinder should be filled initially to at least 12 MPa and subsequently tested
to ensure the air quality of the breathing air. The capacity of the breathing air should be 180 litres per
minute (L/min) for each person. Compressor lines with a ring circuit are recommended to reduce the
potential of flow reduction due to multiple lines feeding off the same compressor.

What Instrumentation is Used for Compressed Air Quality Testing

Breathing air quality testing is conducted by specific colorimetric apparatus and direct reading
instruments which are connected to the compressor lines or cylinder, downstream of the filters. This
ensures the breathing air quality of workers using full face positive pressure respiratory equipment.

Why Use Safe Environments for Air Quality Testing

We are Occupational Hygienists, not mechanics… We can provide atmospheric air monitoring
assessments, gas detection and personal fit checking to ensure that the respiratory program is
effective. Not only do we understand the types of contaminants you need to control; we can assist is
reducing exposures to eliminate the need for in line compressed respirators.

Results of compressed air quality testing are provided instantly with a full report provided within a
couple of days to document the findings. The reports should be collated within an Occupational
Health and Safety Management System.

How Often Should Air Quality Testing be Conducted

Safe Environments recommend a program of regular breathing air quality testing on a quarterly basis
to ensure that workers breathing compressed air are not placed at undue risk. Breathing air quality
testing should be conducted and reported to AS 1715-2009 Appendix A – Air Quality Requirements.