Breathing Air

For compressed air fed breathing mask to meet global breathing air quality standards as needed by application

EN12021:2014 regulates the air quality requirement for air used in breathing apparatus. It is the employer’s responsibility under the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that the air fed to its employees complies with this standard. Click here to see the BCAS fact sheet relating to this standard.

Breathing air can be used for a variety of applications, notably:

Paint spraying
Shot and bead blasting
Asbestos removal
Tank cleaning
Chemical transportation
Clean rooms and ventilation chambers
Tunnelling, demolition

The typical compressed air requirement per person is dependent on the type of work carried out and the type of breathing air equipment used.

Level Of Work

Levels	Examples	Peak Air Intake (L/min.)
Low	Seated work Light work with arm and leg (writing, sewing, driving, etc.) Light work standing up (classify materials, etc.) Walk at < 3.5 km/h on level surface	100
Moderate	Sustained work with arm and hand (hammer, carry materials, push or pull light carts) Walk at 5.5 km/h on level surface	150
High	Hard work with arm and hand (carry heavy materials, dig, etc.) Walk from 5.5 to 7km/h on level surface Push or pull heavy weights	200
Very High	Intensive activity at speed (climbing ladders, stairs, work with axe, digging or move heavy loads, etc.) Walk at > 7 km/h on level surface	250

Note: in extreme conditions, air intake can exceed 600 L/min

The above figures are for face masks only. For suits, air intake should be doubled.

Maziak can provide a full assessment of your requirements, ensure your compliance with the latest standard, and carry out the required periodic air quality testing of your breathing air points.