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Discussion on Respirable Air
Many older compressed air systems may have air that is unfit for human use without secondary air
treatment. This is due largely to the presence of objectionable oil vapors and odors. Rules and
regulations governing air quality when using compressed air for respiration are quite specific.
Precautions must be observed when using compressed air for breathing purposes.
W WARNING
To meet NIOSH requirement 42 CFR 84, subpart 84.150 for minimum and maximum airflow
(4-15 cfm, 113-425 lpm), the air control valves approved for use with the 3M respirators must
be operated within the supply pressure ranges and hose lengths stated in their User Instructions.
Failure to do so may adversely affect respirator performance and result in sickness or death.
You must comply with OSHA standard 29 CFR 1910.134, which states that, "Airline couplings
shall be incompatible with outlets for other gas systems to prevent inadvertent servicing of
airline respirators with nonrespirable gases or oxygen." In Canada, refer to the requirements of
CSA standard Z180.1. Failure to do so may result in sickness or death.
Your employer must provide breathing air that meets at least the requirements of the
specification for Grade D breathing air, as described in the Compressed Gas Association
Commodity Specification G-7.1-1997 in the United States. In Canada, refer to CSA standard
Z180.1, table for the quality of compressed breathing air. Failure to do so may result in
sickness or death.
There is no assurance that by using the 3M™ Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator
Panel 256-02-00, with Carbon Monoxide Filtration and Monitor the filtered compressed air will
meet the requirements of Grade D breathing air. In Canada, refer to the requirements of CSA
standard Z180.1.
The line pressure must be kept within safe limits, 125 psig (8.75 kg/cm
and water, unless trapped or filtered out, may continue downstream in concentrated form and
adversely affect the performance of the respirator and may result in sickness or death.
Oil mist from the compressor lubricating oil must not be present when the air reaches the air
control device. Excessive amounts of water vapor and any particulate matter should also be
removed as they may affect performance of the air control devices.
Where large amounts of aerosols of oil, water and other liquids are present, an optional coalescing
prefilter, such as the 3M™ W-3012 Coalescing Filter Assembly, may be installed on the input side
of the filter and regulator panel with CO filtration.
NOTE: Carbon monoxide
Although it is theoretically possible that oil lubricated compressors can create carbon monoxide
(CO) if the compressor overheats, studies have shown that the location of the compressor's air
intake is the most likely source of carbon monoxide contamination.
regulation [29 CFR (1910.134)(i)], periodic CO monitoring, rather than continuous CO
monitoring with an alarm, is acceptable if the oil lubricated compressor is equipped with a high
temperature alarm and automatic shut-down. In Canada, follow CSA Z180.1 regarding oil
lubricated compressors.
1
Formation of carbon monoxide in air compressors, Am. Ind. Hyg. Assoc. J (40), June 1979,
pp. 548-551
2
) maximum. Dirt, oil
1
According to OSHA
6
PRODUCTS, ACCESSORIES AND PARTS
3M™ Portable Compressed Air Filter and Regulator Panel 256-02-00,
with Carbon Monoxide Filtration and Monitor
1 Case
2 Inlet Block
3 Pressure Relief Valve
4 Hex Nipple – 3/8"
5 Prefilter
6 Tube Locking Collar
7 Drain Tube
8 Base
9 Aluminum Tube Third Stage
10 Aluminum Tube Fourth Stage
11 Base Bracket
12 Manifold
13 Carbon Monoxide Monitor
14 Manifold Bracket
15 Bracket Bolts (3 each)
16 Manifold Bolts (5 each)
17 Manifold Washer (5 each)
18 Tubing St. Elbow (2 each)
19 Tubing
20 Air Regulator
21 Outlet Block
22 1/8" Hex Pipe Plug
23 Close Nipple – 1/8"
24 Air Sample Metering Valve
25 Air Sample Hose Connector
26 Pressure Gauge, 0-160 psig
Fig. 3
7
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