Failing to comply with health and safety law can lead to an unlimited fine and, for the most serious offences, a prison sentence of up to two years.
What better reason to call Air Quality Limited ?
Under the COSHH Approved Code of Practice (HSE L5), air supplied to breathing apparatus should meet the breathing air standard BS EN 12021:2014. The main requirements are:
| Property | Requirement (BS EN 12021:2014) |
|---|---|
| Oxygen | 21% ± 1% by volume. |
| Carbon monoxide | Not more than 5 ppm (5 ml/m³). |
| Carbon dioxide | Not more than 500 ppm (500 ml/m³). |
| Oil (droplets or mist) | Not more than 0.5 mg/m³. |
| Odour and taste | No significant odour or taste. |
| Water vapour | Pressure dew point at least 5°C below the lowest likely temperature where the equipment is used and stored. Where that temperature is not known, the pressure dew point must not exceed −11°C. |
| Liquid water | No liquid water present. |
The standard covers the quality of the air itself. Air-fed equipment also needs a sufficient supply: BS EN 14594 sets a minimum of 120 litres per minute for continuous-flow equipment, and the manufacturer’s figure for your equipment applies. For the wearer’s comfort, we recommend an air temperature of 15–22°C at the mask.
| Also worth knowing… |
|---|
| Manufacturers recommend that all systems are fitted with an alarm to alert the supervisor or user to a failure of the air supply. |
| Compressed air used for breathing, or in food and drink production, must be clean and properly controlled, as it directly affects health and safety. |
| Where it is on standby for use in an emergency evacuation of buildings or an area within buildings, it has to have a current certificate at all times. |
| COSHH requires records of the examination and testing of control measures, including ventilation and RPE, to be kept for at least five years, and health surveillance records for at least 40 years. |
Ensuring that your air supply complies with the above legislation could improve the productivity of your business, since an excess of Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide in the air causes lethargy.