Accurately Monitor Contaminants in Breathing Air Lines

Regulatory standards for compressed breathing air exist in most countries and dictate the protection required for workers using breathing apparatus (BA). Compressed breathing air regulations such as BS EN 12021:2014, guidelines from Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) and the EH40 are in place to ensure that breathing air lines are free from contaminants which could endanger life.

Tasks like tank cleaning, paint spraying and inspections require the use of BA kits where simple face masks don’t offer enough worker protection due to the volume of gas, dust or vapours. The safe use of breathing apparatus needs to be supported by regular testing for contaminants that can get into the air line.

AIRQUAL-1 Compressed Breathing Air Quality Test Kit from a1-cbiss has been designed to comply with the compressed breathing air regulations for testing contaminants within compressed breathing air lines.

The AIRQUAL-1, is used for low pressure (below 145 psi) respiratory devices in aerospace, diving, chemical, petrochemical, oil and gas and utility industries.

What does the AIRQUAL-1 measure?
The AIRQUAL-1 Compressed Breathing Air Quality Test Kit monitors levels of oil mist, water vapour, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. 

How does the AIRQUAL-1 measure contaminants?
Gastec Airtec tubes are colorimetric tubes which show a colour stain within the glass tube to indicate the level of gas present. The Gastec Airtec tubes are supplied to detect oil mist, water vapour, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.

In addition to the detection of the compressed air contaminants listed above, AIRQUAL-1 also features an oxygen analyser allowing for constant real-time display of the oxygen content within the compressed air system.

Does the AIRQUAL-1 monitor for anything else?
The AIRQUAL-1 can also be used to indicate the level of contamination, as well as, operating flow, temperature and pressure.

How is the AIRQUAL-1 packaged?
At 4kg and packaged in a protective, aluminium casing, the AIRQUAL-1 is rugged and lightweight.  It does not require charging, meaning that it can even be used in situations where power isn’t accessible.

Why test breathing air to EN12021 standards?
It is imperative that breathing air is tested often and thoroughly for contaminants in compressed breathing air, excessive levels of CO, CO2, oil and mist can cause the user to become lightheaded, nauseous and dizzy.

High levels of contaminants can be caused by saturated filters or incorrect compressor servicing; these factors would not necessarily be picked up in the initial stages of servicing, adding emphasis to the importance of compressed air testing.

It’s difficult to detect CO or CO2 as, until they’re at a harmful level, they don’t give off any taste or odour. In addition to potential health risks, contaminated air can also create problems such as inefficient filtration which in the long run can lead to unnecessary costs.

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