Breathing Air Testing
Often referred to as air purity testing or air quality testing, ensures that air used for human consumption is safe and free from contaminants and has a safe level of oxygen content.
The air also needs to be tested to ensure no harmful levels of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are present.
Odours and moisture levels are also checked and tested.
A wide variety of industries and applications use breathing air including:
- Manufacturing
- Paint Spraying
- Confined Space
- Emergency Services
- Healthcare
- Dental
- Pharmaceutical
- Oil and gas
- Holistic Therapies
- Scuba diving centres and training schools
- Commercial Diving Contractors
What you need to know
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and Local Authority (LA) enforce the Control of Substances Hazardous to Heath Regulations (COSHH) 2002.
Breathing air requires to be tested initially before first use if equipment has recently been installed then at an interval not exceeding 3 months.
Testing may also be required if the equipment is relocated or if there is reason to suspect the air may be contaminated.
The European standard for testing breathing air is EN 12021.
Breathing Airline Testing (EN12021)
In environments where air-fed RPE is used – such as spray booths, confined spaces, or industrial workspaces – it’s essential to verify the quality of the breathing air being supplied.
Velocity Safety offers Breathing Airline Testing in accordance with EN 12021, ensuring your air supply is:
- Free from contaminants like carbon monoxide, oil mist, and water vapour
- Delivered at the correct flow rate and pressure
- Fully compliant with HSE and manufacturer requirements for RPE systems
- Tested using calibrated instruments with full traceability
Whether you’re using compressors or cylinders, our testing service ensures compliance, protects your workforce, and gives peace of mind during audits or regulatory visits.
Our Breathing Air Testing Process – Compliant with BS EN 12021:2014
We help you verify that the air your team breathes is safe, clean, and compliant. Here’s how our process works:
1. Pre-Test Equipment Check
We inspect the compressor, airline, or cylinder setup to confirm safe testing conditions.
2. Sampling Point Selection
Air is tested at the breathing apparatus coupling or dedicated test port – as close to end-user delivery as possible.
3. Real-Time Analysis & Sampling
Using calibrated test kits, we analyse for key parameters: oxygen content, CO, CO₂, oil mist, water vapour, and odour.
4. Documentation & Standards Comparison
Test results are benchmarked against BS EN 12021:2014 requirements and HSE expectations.
5. Certification & Action Plan
You receive a detailed report including pass/fail status, results breakdown, and any remedial advice.
If your air fails the test, we’ll explain the likely cause and what you need to do to restore compliance.
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd
Why choose Velocity Safety Ltd for your Breathing Air Testing requirements.
- Trained engineers
- Air tested in accordance with EN 12021.
- Calibrated electronic instrumentation used for complete traceability.
- We can test both low and high pressure up to 300 bar.
- Over 12 years experience in the health and safety industry.
- Our consultants hold occupational hygiene qualifications.
- Fully Insured
- Fast turnarounds available
- Mobile service available nationwide
- Advice and guidance available
What Others Say About Us…
Whether it’s confined space teams or spray booth operators – clients trust our testing to keep their air systems clean and compliant.
“After many issues with the inspectors from our insurer I contacted Ross to quote. He saved us just over £3000 in the first year. He also does weekends for us to reduce downtime.”
Joe, Civils Company Midlands
“After spending £20k purchasing the wrong powered air units for our factory on our previous PPE supplier/H&S advisors recommendations, Ross came in and told us what we needed, why we needed it and what cost savings could be had over the life of the equipment. I just wish we found him sooner.”
David, Engineering Company North West
“Great Service, Great guy nothing is too much trouble.”
John, Groundworks Company North West
Other Services Available:
- Sales, service, repair and refurbishment of confined space equipment.
- Air fills available.
- Gas monitor calibrations
- PSSR Examinations
- LEV Testing
- Respirator face fit testing
- LOLER Examinations
- RPE & RPD Examination and servicing
- Fire Extinguisher Servicing
- PFPE Examinations
- Fall Arrest Block and winch servicing
- Eyebolt testing
- Slip Testing
- Consultancy
FAQs – Breathing Air Quality Testing
Breathing air compliance is critical in confined spaces and hazardous environments. Here’s what employers and safety managers need to know:
Why is breathing air testing important?
Contaminated air can cause illness, unconsciousness, or death. Testing proves your supply is clean and compliant.
What does the test check for?
We analyse oxygen %, CO, CO₂, oil mist, water vapour, and odour – in line with BS EN 12021:2014.
Is it a legal requirement?
Yes. Under COSHH, employers must ensure air quality meets safety standards.
How often should I test?
At least every 3 months and when the compressor is moved or re-sited.
What if the air fails the test?
We’ll identify the likely cause (e.g. poor filtration, compressor contamination) and recommend next steps to restore compliance.
Do I need to shut down operations?
Usually not. Testing is quick and non-intrusive. We’ll work around your team’s schedule where possible.
Can you test on-site?
Yes – our engineers can test at your premises using portable calibrated equipment.
Will I get documentation?
Absolutely. You’ll receive a test certificate and full breakdown of results, including standards referenced.
Do you supply filters or parts?
We don’t sell hardware – but we’ll advise honestly on what’s needed and where to get it.
Can you test breathing air quality near me?
Yes. Our Breathing Air Testing service is available nationwide – but we’re particularly active in industrial regions across the North West such as Manchester, Warrington, Chorley, and Preston. Whether your system is supplied from a compressor or cylinder, we check purity levels, odour, water vapour, oil content, and pressure – all in line with BS EN 12021.
Whatever your Breathing Air Testing requirements are you can be sure you’re in honest, reliable and safe hands.
Contact Velocity Safety today 01254 933 486 or Contact Us
Schedule Breathing Air Quality Testing
Confirm your compressed air supply is safe for breathing use. Our BS EN 12021 testing service checks for contaminants and oxygen levels – keeping your air systems compliant and staff protected.
01254 933 486
info@velocitysafety.co.uk
Velocity Safety
Unit 7 Whitebirk Enterprise Centre,
Lower Phillips Road,
Blackburn,
Lancashire
BB1 5UD
