updates from 38 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2026 www.hpmag.co.uk Testing to BS ISO 8573 To test a compressed air system accurately for contamination in accordance with BS ISO 8573, the test methodology and sampling method detailed in BS ISO 8573 parts 2 to 9 must be followed using the correct test equipment. This recommends using either a ‘full flow’ sampling methodology or a ‘partial flow isokinetic’ sampling methodology. The BCAS BPG102 food and beverage guide states that the compressed air purity for safe food and beverage production shall be tested and verified at least twice per year, unless otherwise identified in the HACCP process, or in accordance with the manufacturer/supplier’s recommendations using the methods identified in the guide, in compliance with the relevant BS ISO 8573 standards. Where BS ISO 8573 test methodology is not practical, either due to the type of test points installed or the equipment available, indicative testing can be carried out using fixed or portable test equipment. However, in these cases, test results must be considered as indicative only. How to test Most compressed air purity tests can be carried out on site, with results available immediately following the test. Some tests, however, such as for microbiological content (according to ISO 8573-7), require a sample to be sent away to a laboratory for growth of viable microbiological cultures, if present. Breathing air testing, in accordance with BS EN 12021:2014 and COSHH regulations, recommends testing at least every three months and more frequently when the purity of the air supplied cannot be assured. The required breathing air or medical air test procedures are Getting compressed air purity maintenance right Compressed air maintenance is not only about keeping the supply of compressed air continuous – it’s also about ensuring the right air quality. The BCAS team talks you through the appropriate test methods to ensure air purity. Contact BCAS at Tel: 020 7935 2464 e-mail: info@bcas.org.uk website: www.bcas.org.uk detailed in the relevant standards. Sampling points should be placed in appropriate locations, which provide a representative sample of the compressed air. There are certain industry requirements (such as food, or pharmaceutical) and recommendations for air purity testing, including test methodology, equipment to be used and periodicity. Compressed air specialists or third-party service providers may offer air purity testing as a service, but in any case, equipment operators must be trained properly in the use of the test equipment and the interpretation of the generated test results The need for competence Training and competence requirements will depend on the complexity of the system, the defined tasks, and the availability of technical staff. However, the golden rule is that personnel carrying out maintenance work must be qualified to undertake any tasks in a competent and safe manner. Qualified implies that the person has undergone a level of training and assessment appropriate to the task expected of them. Competent implies that the person has the necessary skills, experience, and physical ability to perform the required work. Some examples of levels of competence within an organisation may be: User/operator – requires knowledge of how to start and stop the system safely as well as basic emergency procedures. These are the people with the most dayto-day responsibility for the compressed air provision on-site and therefore are the most critical in maintaining safe operating procedures and behaviours Checker – in addition to the above, this person carries out basic checks like warning/ indicator lamps, gauge or meter readings, fluid level checking and any obvious visible or audible abnormalities. There is no expectation to take any corrective actions beyond reporting any issues and initiating an emergency shut down or local isolation if appropriate Basic maintenance – should be able to carry out replenishing procedures and tasks safely which may be specified as a regular requirement in the user manual or to rectify minor problems reported by the checker Comprehensive maintenance – these individuals should have sufficient manufacturer/supplier training to undertake all routine maintenance Comprehensive repairs – Unlike comprehensive maintenance, comprehensive repairs by their nature can be unpredictable, costly and can cause major disruption to production. It is therefore most critical that the organisations and individuals undertaking this work have the resources (stock) and knowledge/training, to diagnose, and undertake the repair in an expedient and cost-effective manner Learn more about BCAS here: https://www.bcas.org.uk/.
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