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AS/NZ 1715 : 2009 Selection, Use & Maintenance of Respiratory Protective Equipment
What does the AS/NZS 1715:2009 Appendix A – Air Quality Requirements cover?
AS/NZS 1715:2009 is the Australian/New Zealand Standard for the selection, use, and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment (RPE). Appendix A covers the minimum air quality requirements for compressed breathing air used in respiratory protective equipment (RPE). It outlines the limits for various contaminants such as odour, oxygen content, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and oil vapour.
The required capacity for respiratory protection air services should be calculated at a minimum of 170 l/min per person measured at the respirator.
The key points covered in AS/NZS 1715:2009 Appendix A include:
- Odour: Air used to supply respirators shall have no objectionable or nauseous odour
- Oxygen Content: The standard sets the minimum and maximum permissible levels of oxygen content in the breathing air to ensure the safety and health of the wearer.
- Carbon Dioxide and Carbon Monoxide: AS/NZS 1715:2009 provides limits for carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide concentrations to prevent harmful effects on the respiratory system.
- Oil Vapour: The standard specifies the maximum allowable level of oil vapor in the breathing air to prevent respiratory irritation and adverse health effects.
- Odour: Air used to supply respirators shall have no objectionable or nauseous odour
International Breathing-Air Standards
| Parameter | BS EN 12021 & EN12021:2014 (Europe) | CGA G-7.1-2011 Grade D (US) | AS-NZS 1715: 2009* (Australia and New Zealand) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Odour | The gas shall be free from unsatisfactory odour or taste. | None (No pronounced odour) | No objectionable or nauseous odour |
| Oxygen | (21 ± 1)% | 19.5% – 23.5% | 19.5% – 22% |
| Carbon Dioxide | ≤ 500 PPM | ≤ 1000 PPM | ≤ 800 PPM |
| Carbon Monoxide | ≤ 5 PPM | ≤ 10 PPM | ≤ 10 PPM |
| Oil | ≤ 0.5 mg/m³ | ≤ 5 mg/m³ | ≤ 1 mg/m³ |
| Water in Systems Up To 40 Bar | Where the apparatus is used and stored at a known temperature the pressure dewpoint shall be at least 5°C below likely lowest temperature. Where the conditions of usage and storage of any compressed air supply is not known the pressure dewpoint shall not exceed -11°C. | Dewpoint ≤ 50°F (67 PPM v/v), for SCBA use in extreme cold a dew point not to exceed -65°F (24 ppm v/v) or the dewpoint must be 10°F lower than the coldest temperature where the respirator is worn. | — |
| Water in High Pressure Systems | From 40 to 200 bar: ≤ 50 mg/m³ Higher than 200 bar: ≤ 35 mg/m³ HP Charging Comp: ≤ 25 mg/m³ | — | Contain no more than 100 mg/m³ for cylinders initially filled to at least 120 bar pressure. |
Note – Also ensure that the test point volume and pressure is sufficient for the RPD being used. For AS-NZS 1715 the minimum requirement is 170 l/min continuous flow for each person, measured at the respirator.
Above is an extract only for full details refer to the individual standards.
Why air quality matters
Compressed air used in respiratory protective equipment (RPE) must meet strict quality standards, because the safety of your team depends on it. When workers rely on supplied-air respirators or breathing apparatus, the air they breathe must be clean, odour-free and free of harmful contaminants.
RPE is considered the last line of defence when other control measures (like ventilation or elimination) aren’t practical. That makes the quality of compressed air absolutely critical. Contaminants like carbon monoxide, oil vapour, excessive carbon dioxide, and low oxygen levels can cause serious health risks, ranging from headaches and nausea to unconsciousness or even death.
At Basil V. R. Greatrex (BVRG), we help businesses meet the minimum air quality requirements set out in Appendix A of AS/NZS 1715:2009, ensuring every air supply system is safe, compliant, and regularly tested.
Testing intervals and service scope
According to AS/NZS 1715:2009 Appendix A, compressed breathing air must be tested at regular intervals, typically every 6 months, or more frequently if indicated by your risk assessment or operating conditions.
Our air quality testing services include:
- Analysis of oxygen content
- Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels
- Oil mist or vapour concentration
- Odour detection and reporting
- Full certification and documentation for compliance
We work with a wide range of industries where high-quality breathing air is essential, including:
- Mining and tunnelling operations
- Confined space entry and rescue
- Diving and underwater construction
- Chemical and manufacturing environments
- Emergency services and hazardous materials teams
Whether you’re setting up a new system or maintaining an existing one, our experienced technicians ensure your air supply meets the strict requirements of Appendix A every time.
Why air quality compliance is only one part of the Standard
AS/NZS 1715:2009 sets out not just air quality standards (Appendix A), but broader requirements for respirator selection, fit testing, and ongoing maintenance. While BVRG specialises in air and gas quality testing, we also support organisations in understanding their full obligations under the standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is AS/NZS 1715:2009 Appendix A and why is it important?
Appendix A of AS/NZS 1715:2009 outlines the minimum air quality requirements for compressed breathing air used in respiratory protective equipment (RPE). It ensures the air supplied to workers is safe, clean and free from harmful contaminants, helping protect users of airline and self-contained breathing apparatus in high-risk environments like manufacturing, construction and confined spaces.
What contaminants are tested under Appendix A?
Appendix A specifies limits for odour, oxygen content, carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and oil vapour in compressed breathing air. These contaminants can cause serious health issues if not properly controlled.
What is the acceptable oxygen level in compressed breathing air?
AS/NZS 1715:2009 requires oxygen levels to be within a safe range, typically around 19.5% to 23.5%, to ensure sufficient breathable air for workers. Levels outside this range can lead to dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness.
What happens if my air fails the test?
If your compressed air doesn’t meet Appendix A requirements, you’ll need to identify and correct the source of contamination, such as poor filtration, faulty compressors, or oil carryover. BVRG provides guidance to help you resolve the issue and retest for compliance.
Who needs to comply with Appendix A?
Any business that supplies compressed air to respiratory protective equipment, such as in confined space entry, diving, mining, tunnelling, or chemical handling, must comply with Appendix A to protect workers and meet WHS obligations.
How often should compressed breathing air be tested?
Compressed air used in airline or BA systems must be tested at appropriate intervals (e.g., every 6 months) to ensure safety from moisture, oil, carbon monoxide, etc., per AS/NZS 1715 and BVRG’s services.
What documentation is provided after testing?
BVRG supplies full certification, including a detailed report of test results for each contaminant, air sample location, and testing date. This documentation supports your compliance with AS/NZS 1715:2009 and workplace safety audits.