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Frequency of Breathing-Air Tests
Low Pressure Systems
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.
In the UK national forward to EN12021 advises that samples should be taken and analysed at least
every three months or more frequently if there has been a change in, or concerns relating to, the
production process.
In the HSE guideline document Respiratory Equipment at Work (HSG53) it states you should base the
frequency of such tests on a risk assessment, but again they should take place at least every three
months, and more often when the quality of air cannot be assured to these levels.
For mobile breathing-air compressors, in the UK, COSHH stipulates that, the employer should ensure
that wherever a compressor is located, the quality of air it supplies is not compromised by nearby
contaminants. We strongly therefore recommend that for mobile compressors the air quality is
tested whenever it is first moved into a new position or prevailing wind conditions change.
The final decision on frequency of test is the responsibility of the Employer and needs to not only
reflect local legislation but also the task and frequency of use. It should be incorporated into their risk
assessment and updated regularly to reflect results from ongoing breathing-air tests to maintain a
robust control system.
High Pressure Systems
Whilst up to a 3 month periodicity for testing may be suitable for low pressure breathing-air systems,
further consideration should be given to high pressure compressors where the life of filter elements
are normally much shorter, typically 50 hours for a HP filter cartridge and this is reduced further in
high ambient temperatures.
Accordingly for these systems we recommend that your risk assessment for testing HP systems should
be based on the expected filter life and an air quality test should first be completed when new filter
elements are fitted and then again when they reach 50% of their life based on the hours run usage.
Subsequent tests would then be dependent on usage with a maximum interval between tests of 3
months.
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