Breathing Air Quality Testing
At Airia, we provide professional breathing air quality testing services to ensure your compressed air systems meet BS EN 12021 safety requirements. Whether you operate a welding shop, car body shop, or large industrial facility, we help you protect yourself and your employees while maintaining compliance with UK health and safety regulations.
01794 519 900
200
Years of combined experience across our team of fully trained and certified engineers
24/7
Access to Airia’s call-out system & contact with service engineers
365
Full support throughout the year
Why breathing air testing is important
Compressed air used for breathing must be clean, safe, and free from harmful contaminants. Air compressors and filtration systems can sometimes fail to remove pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and water vapour, which can lead to serious health risks and mean non-compliance with HSE guidelines.
Under BS EN 12021, employers must test breathing air quality regularly to confirm it’s safe. Regular testing is a legal requirement and an important part of protecting employees working in spaces where dangerous fumes and contaminants are present.
What we test for
Our breathing air quality test checks for factors listed in BS EN 12021, including:
- Oxygen content
- Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
- Carbon monoxide (CO)
- Oil mist and vapour
- Water vapour
Our engineers use high-quality equipment and deliver fast, accurate results. Following the test, you’ll be given a report which includes measured values, pass/fail status, and recommendations if action is needed.
Industries we work with
We work with businesses across a wide range of industries, including:
- Welding workshops
- Car body shops
- Manufacturing and production plants
- Pharmaceutical and food processing facilities
- Chemical and engineering sites
Whether you use fixed air lines, mobile compressors, or masks, we can test your system to ensure compliance and safety.
How often should you test?
The HSE recommends breathing air testing at least every three months, or whenever a system is changed, moved, or maintained. Regular testing helps prevent contamination issues and ensures compliance with BS EN 12021. We can offer breathing air quality testing as part of our service packages, so you know you’re always compliant.
Our Service & Maintenance Plans
At Airia, we offer two service and maintenance plans, and we’ll put together a package based on the equipment you have, the make and model, how much it’s used, and where you’re based.
Air Plan Cover
Includes full cost of nominated spares, oils, labour, and travel to carry out pre-planned service visits
Nominated spares are covered by Airia’s parts and labour guarantee between service visits
Access to Airia’s 24/7 call out system (call outs are chargeable additional to contract)
Database covering all maintenance planning which provides full-service history for all equipment
Air Plan+ Cover
Includes full cost of nominated spares, oils, labour, and travel to carry out pre-planned service visits
Parts and labour breakdown cover on all parts included within the compressor package
A 24/7 ‘no quibble’ call out system (call outs during working hours included in contract)
Database covering all maintenance planning which provides full-service history for all equipment
Discover our financing options, enabling you to invest in business equipment without drawing on critical working capital.
Frequently Asked Questions
We’re here to answer your questions, find answers to popular queries here, or get in touch with our expert team today.
How often should breathing air be tested?
Testing frequency depends on your industry and risk assessment, but most organisations require testing every 3 months. Airia can advise on the correct schedule and provide planned testing to keep you compliant.
What standards do you test to?
Airia tests breathing air in accordance with BS EN 12021:2014, the recognised standard for breathing air quality in the UK. This ensures your air supply is safe, compliant, and suitable for use with breathing apparatus.
Can Airia test breathing air on‑site?
Yes. Airia’s engineers can carry out breathing air quality testing directly at your premises, ensuring minimal disruption and fast results.
A Dedicated Service Support Team
Airia have built a great team of fully trained and certified engineers, available twenty-four hours a day for emergency call outs. We cover the following areas:
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Berkshire
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Dorset
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East Sussex
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Hampshire
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Isle of Wight
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Kent
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Oxfordshire
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Surrey
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West Sussex
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Wiltshire
