Rank: Forum user 
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We currently employ an external contractor to carry out a six month check on our breathing air compressors. The contractor in question has advised of some changes coming that will require us to also carry out further checks at three month intervals. Can anyone advise where the change has come from and what we know must do?
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Rank: Super forum user
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I assume the checks are for oil and particulate contaminants from the compressor(s)?
I don't particularly get involved with this anymore, but why not ask your contractor for a referrence to the information he is giving you.
Then check it out yourself!!
Is it a British Standard etc?
If the compressors/air system is fairly new-ish - follow the manufacturers recommendations and/or contact the manufacturers for advice.
A general request for information where the change has come from, isn't too helpful as it could come from a number of sources.
I would guess your contractor is trying to drum up a litle more work.
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Rank: Forum user 
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CoSHH L5 "180 The quality of the air supplied to a breathing apparatus should be tested at least once every three months, and more frequently when the quality of....." available as a free PDF from the HSE website
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Rank: Forum user
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I know that Diving air is definitely every 3 months, and I'm sure that SCBA is also 3 months.
I think the tolerances are slightly less for air breathed At the surface too.
Will check spec back at office.
Phil
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Rank: Forum user
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This is for diving air. SCBA is similar, and at least every 3 months.
Taking into account the requirements of the National Foreword to BS EN 12021,2 the standards for breathing air are detailed below. All measurements are at atmospheric pressure.
■ The oxygen content shall be in the range of 21% (+_ 1) by volume (dry air).
■ Lubricant content (droplets or mist) shall not exceed 0.5 mg.m3.
■ Carbon dioxide content shall not exceed 3
500 ml.m (500 ppm).
■ Carbon monoxide content shall be as low as
3
possible but not exceed 3.5 mg.m (3 ppm).
■ The air shall be without significant odour or taste.
■ There shall be no free liquid water.
■ The maximum water content of the air measured
at:
a compressor system outlet for filling cylinders,
should not exceed 25 mg.m3.
a cylinder outlet, cylinder pressure from 40 to
200 bar, should not exceed 50 mg.m3.
a cylinder outlet, cylinder pressure >200 bar,
should not exceed 35 mg.m3.
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Rank: Forum user
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CoSHH L5 Paragraph 180 is as quoted above is all the info you need. 3 months or more frequent checks are required and have been since 2002.
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