Breathing Air Quality Testing
What Do We Do?
Fire System Services provides structured breathing air quality testing for compressors supplying both SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) systems.
This service provides ongoing assurance that breathing air quality is routinely verified against recognised standards and supported by clear, professional documentation suitable for audits, compliance records, and corporate governance requirements.
Breathing air samples can be taken directly from the compressor discharge point or filling station and analysed against the applicable standards, including AS/NZS 1715 for SCBA breathing air systems and EN 12021 for SCUBA breathing air. This provides confidence that the air supplied to users meets the required safety and quality parameters.
AS/NZ 1715: 2009 Selection, Use & Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment
AS/NZS 1715:2009 is the Australian/New Zealand Standard for the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Appendix A covers the minimum air quality requirements for compressed breathing air used in respiratory protective equipment (RPE). It outlines limits for various contaminants, including odour, oxygen content, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oil vapour.
The required capacity for respiratory protection air services should be calculated at a minimum of 170 l/min per person, measured at the respirator.
The key points covered in AS/NZS 1715:2009 Appendix A include:
- Odour: Air used to supply respirators shall have no objectionable or nauseous odour.
- Oxygen Content: The standard sets the minimum and maximum permissible oxygen levels in breathing air to ensure the wearer’s safety and health.
- Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide: AS/NZS 1715:2009 provides limits for carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations to prevent harmful effects on the respiratory system.
- Oil Vapour: The standard specifies the maximum allowable level of oil vapour in breathing air to help prevent respiratory irritation and adverse health effects.
- Odour: Air used to supply respirators shall have no objectionable or nauseous odour.
Air Quality Parameters Tested
- Oil Mist and Hydrocarbon Contamination
- Carbon Dioxide – (CO2)
- Carbon Monoxide – (CO)
- Moisture and Dew Point – (H2O)
Testing is performed using the latest Dräger Aerotest Alpha breathing air analysis equipment and genuine Dräger Gas Detection Tubes.
The Dräger Aerotest Alpha system provides a reliable method of assessing breathing air quality, including the detection of oil contamination without requiring oil-specific test tubes matched to the compressor lubricant in use. This enables accurate and repeatable testing across a wide range of compressor systems.
Reporting and Compliance
Following each test, Fire System Services provides a detailed test report outlining:
- Test location and equipment details
- Air quality results for each parameter tested
- Pass/fail assessment against the applicable standard
- Recommendations where corrective actions are required
- Historical trending of results where applicable
Regular testing allows results to be trended over time, supporting the early identification of developing issues within compressor systems, filtration equipment, and maintenance programs before they impact air quality or operational readiness.
Organising an Air Quality Test
The most affordable and easiest way to obtain a quality breathing air analysis test is to send a filled 200Bar SCUBA or 300Bar SCBA cylinder, along with the air compressor serial number and the date the air cylinder was filled.
Information required:
- Air compressor location
- Air compressor model and serial number
- Filtration unit used
Upon completion, we will send you the air sample test details and return the SCUBA/SCBA cylinder to your facility.
International Breathing-Air Standards
| Parameter | BS EN 12021 & EN12021:2014 (Europe) | CGA G-7.1-2011 Grade D (US) | AS-NZS 1715: 2009* (Australia and New Zealand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odour | The gas shall be free from any unsatisfactory odour or taste. | None (no pronounced odour) | No objectionable or nauseous odour |
| Oxygen | (21 ± 1)% | 19.5% – 23.5% | 19.5% – 22% |
| Carbon Dioxide | ≤ 500 PPM | ≤ 1000 PPM | ≤ 800 PPM |
| Carbon Monoxide | ≤ 5 PPM | ≤ 10 PPM | ≤ 10 PPM |
| Oil | ≤ 0.5 mg/m³ | ≤ 5 mg/m³ | ≤ 1 mg/m³ |
| Water in Systems Up To 40 Bar | Where the apparatus is used and stored at a known temperature, the pressure dew point shall be at least 5°C below the likely lowest temperature. Where the conditions of use and storage of any compressed air supply are not known, the pressure dew point shall not exceed -11°C. | Dew point ≤ 50°F (67 PPM v/v). For SCBA use in extreme cold, a dew point not to exceed -65°F (24 ppm v/v), or the dew point must be 10°F lower than the coldest temperature where the respirator is worn. | — |
| Water in High-Pressure Systems | From 40 to 200 bar: ≤ 50 mg/m³ Higher than 200 bar: ≤ 35 mg/m³ HP charging comp.: ≤ 25 mg/m³ |
— | Must contain no more than 100 mg/m³ for cylinders initially filled to at least 120 bar pressure. |
SCBA/SCUBA Cylinder Testing & Air Fills Call us today at 1300 883 473 or email us at info@firesys.com.au
About Drager Tubes
Fire System Services uses Dräger Tubes for all quality sampling tests. This allows us to be confident that the air we provide is of the safest quality.
- Reliable method for gas measurement
- Can detect over 500 different gases
- The results are directly shown at the end of the measurement process
- Measurement time ranges from 5 seconds to 15 minutes
Dräger-Tubes are a reliable solution for quick and accurate gas measurements. Pre-calibrated and user-friendly, they help ensure safety wherever air contaminants must be measured. Drager gas detector tubes and MicroTubes can detect over 500 different gases, particularly at lower concentrations.
Tried and tested a million times: Worldwide, the Dräger Short-term Tubes have proven to be a very cost-effective and reliable method for the measurement of gases. Decreasing occupational exposure values, special customer requirements, and new legal regulations made it necessary to develop even more sensitive Dräger-Tubes.
Whether you need to monitor workplace air quality or conduct technical gas analysis, trust Dräger for precise and efficient gas detection with Dräger-Tubes.
Product Information
Our Air Fills
When it comes to air fills, Bauer has been a leader with Air Compressors.
Fire System Services has invested in Bauer filling systems to deliver some of the safest and cleanest air fills available.
Whether it’s admiring colorful reefs, exploring gentle slopes, or diving into steep drop-offs, many divers seek to enjoy the underwater world and have a carefree holiday.
However, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and be aware of potential risks. Even experienced divers may overlook the dangers of contaminated air.
Insufficiently filtered air from the compressor can pose serious health risks to sports divers. Some may underestimate these risks in an attempt to cut costs, but the savings are often insignificant compared to the potential consequences.
The PureAir standard provides scuba diving enthusiasts with peace of mind, as it is only awarded to companies with BAUER breathing air compressors that meet the highest quality standards.
The exclusive BAUER PureAir seal guarantees that divers receive pure breathing air in accordance with European Standards.
Our Services
The Company offers the following services for Air Cylinder Fills.
- 200Bar & 300Bar Air Fills
- Air Bank Cylinder Hydro Tests
- SCUBA Air Pistol Cylinder Hydro Tests & Refills
- Composite SCBA Gas Cylinder Repairs
- Gas Cylinder Valve Replacements
- Hydrostatic Pressure Testing
We can help if you have imported a gas cylinder from overseas and must meet compliance to refill it according to the Gas Cylinder Test Scheme.
