CHECKLIST FOR BREATHING AIR QUALITY AND USE

CHECKLIST FOR BREATHING AIR QUALITY AND USE

Check that at your facility:

General

Compressed breathing air meets the requirements for Grade D breathing air.

Compressed oxygen is not used in respirators that have previously used compressed air.

Oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5 percent are used only in equipment designed for oxygen service or distribution.

Breathing air couplings are incompatible with outlets for other gas systems.

Breathing gas containers are marked with appropriate NIOSH certification.

Breathing Air Cylinders

Cylinders are tested and maintained according to DOT 49 CFR Part 173 and 178.

A certificate of analysis for breathing air has been obtained from the supplier.

Moisture content in the cylinder does not exceed a dew point of –50⁰F at 1 atmosphere pressure.

Compressors

Are constructed and situated to prevent contaminated air from getting into the system.

Are set up to minimize the moisture content.

Are equipped with in-line air purifying sorbent beds and/or filters that are maintained or replaced following manufacturer’s instructions.

Are tagged with information on the most recent change date of the filter and an authorizing signature.

Carbon monoxide does not exceed 10ppm in the breathing air from compressors that are not oil-lubricated.

High-pressure and carbon monoxide alarms are used on oil-lubricated compressors, or that the air is monitored often enough to ensure that carbon monoxide does not exceed 10ppm if only a high-temperature alarm is used.