Breathing air.
The term "breathing air" describes a compressed air whose oxygen content must be as close as possible of the atmospheric air, i.e. 21%, and which is below the levels of CO (carbon monoxide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide). It is also a matter of eliminating impurities, controlling the hygrometry and preventing any taste or odour in the ambient air.
In profesionnal use, we find Process air and medical air.
Breathable industrial air is used in the diving bottles, by firemen and plungers or in a corrosive environment (paint, solvents, powders and irritant products) or by specialized workers ( toxic area operations in industries, nuclear services, military applications)
Breathable medical air is used in the hospital environment and in applications involving medical or pharmaceutical use.
Air quality and protection of workers in the industrial environment
Among the main risks for an employee working in a confined or insalubrious environment (dust, particles, COV - volatile organic compounds), there is a lack of oxygen (anoxia), a shortage of oxygen (hypoxia or hypoxemia) and intoxication with carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide (CO and CO2). This lethal risk requires the application of the EN12021 standard in hazardous work situations.
This is the case in enclosed or poorly ventilated environments, and on sites for solvents, powders, dust, or gas. The standard is for highest rates in toxic gas and lowest for oxygen.
EN12021 standard (extract) :
- Oxygen : 21% (+/-1%)
- CO2 < 500 ppm
- CO < 5 ppm
- VOC / Oil Vapour< 0,5 ppm
The breathing air system must not contain any liquid water.
The dew point must be low enough to avoid any condensation or icing, i.e. -5°C in relation to the lowest temperature. If the lowest temperature is not known, the dew point must remain below -11°C.
