Breathing air analysis EN12021

Contamination of compressed air for breathing air applications is a serious health risk. The quality of compressed air used in breathing apparatus is specified in the European standard EN12021: 2014

Air up to 40 bar for compressed air breathing apparatus must have a pressure dew point sufficiently low to prevent condensation and freezing. When operating and storing the device at a known temperature, the pressure dew point should be at least 5°C below the likely lowest temperature. If the conditions of use and storage of the compressed air supply are unknown, the pressure dew point should not exceed -11°C.

This leads directly to the conclusion that breathing apparatus, connected to a compressed air line network where the pressure dew point is not <+3°C (ISO 8573.1, Class 4; refrigeration dryer quality) cannot meet the standard!

The requirements according to EN12021:

Oxygen 21% ± 1%
Residual oil vapor - droplets or mist <0.5 mg/m³
Odor and taste neutral
Carbon dioxide < 500 ml/m³
Carbon monoxide < 5 ml/m³
Pressure dew point -11°

The only way to check if your air supply is suitable for breathing is to test regularly. All test reports must be kept for at least 5 years.

Global standards for breathing air quality

	UK & Europe	United States	Canada
Standard	EN12021	CGA7.1 / OSHA Grade D	CAN3-Z180.1-M85
Lowest pressure dewpoint	-31◦C	Depending on application	< 5◦C lowest syst. temp.
Max. restoil damp	0,01 mg/m³	5 mg/m³	1mg/m³
Taste & odor	Neutral	Neutral	Neutral
Allowable O² level	21% ± 1%	19,5 ~ 23,5%	20 tot 22%
Allowable CO level	< 5 ppm	10 ppm	< 5 ppm
Allowable CO² level	< 500 ppm	1000 ppm	< 600 ppm