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Writer's pictureChristian Foley

The Importance of Breathing Air Quality Testing in Commercial and Industrial Settings

When it comes to ensuring safety and compliance in commercial and industrial environments, breathing air quality testing is a critical yet often overlooked component. Clean, high-quality air isn’t just a regulatory requirement - it’s a cornerstone of workplace safety and efficiency.


In this article, we’ll explore why breathing air quality testing is essential, the industries that rely on it, and how your business can benefit from professional testing services.


Why Breathing Air Quality Testing Matters

Breathing air quality testing ensures that the air supplied through compressed air systems meets strict health and safety standards. Contaminants like oil, moisture, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and solid particles can compromise the quality of compressed air, posing serious risks to personnel and equipment.


Key Benefits of Breathing Air Quality Testing:


  1. Compliance with Regulations: Businesses must adhere to standards such as BS EN 12021:2014, which specifies limits for contaminants in breathing air

  2. Employee Safety: High-quality air prevents health issues like respiratory problems and ensures a safe working environment

  3. Equipment Longevity: Contaminants can damage equipment, leading to costly repairs or replacements


Industries That Rely on Breathing Air Quality Testing

Several industries depend on clean and safe compressed air for their operations. These include:


  • Healthcare: Hospitals and medical facilities require pure breathing air for patient care and surgical procedures

  • Manufacturing: Industries like pharmaceuticals, food processing, and electronics depend on uncontaminated air to maintain product quality and meet stringent hygiene standards

  • Diving and Marine Operations: Divers use breathing air in their tanks, making its quality a matter of life and death

  • Automotive and Aerospace: Spray painting and other precision tasks demand clean, moisture-free air for optimal results


Common Contaminants in Compressed Air Systems

Testing identifies and measures the presence of harmful substances, including:


  • Oil Mist: From compressors, oil contamination can damage tools and equipment and pose health risks

  • Water Vapor: Excess moisture leads to corrosion in piping and machinery

  • Carbon Monoxide: Even small amounts of CO can be hazardous, causing headaches, nausea, or worse

  • Particulates: Solid particles can clog systems and affect air purity


How Our Professional Breathing Air Quality Testing Can Help

At Southern Air Systems, we specialise in comprehensive breathing air quality testing for businesses across the south of England. Our expert technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to ensure your compressed air meets or exceeds regulatory standards.



  • Over two decades of experience in air compressor services

  • Friendly, family-run business committed to personalised service

  • Expertise in various compressed air systems, including pipe installations and air dryers

  • Fully compliant testing procedures for peace of mind


Ready to Ensure Your Air Quality?

Don’t let poor air quality compromise your operations, or employee safety. Contact Southern Air Services today for expert breathing air quality testing services. Serving the south of England, including the Isle of Wight, we’re your trusted partner for air compressor solutions.


Call us now or email us to schedule your breathing air quality test!

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