Air Purity

Modern, forward thinking air analysis.

Astonishingly enough, a great deal of air purity analysis is still carried out using stain tubes – 1940s technology! Whilst this is better than nothing there are many disadvantages, not least the poor accuracy. However, the biggest failing of the stain tube method is the estimation of potential COSHH contaminants as listed in EH40. Whilst effectively being ignored by the stain tube method, this is a clear-cut legal requirement with additional legal implications with regards to an employer’s “Duty of Care” as defined by the Health and Safety at Work acts.

At OEMA, we have developed the method to deal with this requirement in full using FTIR spectroscopy. This is the most effective system for BA analysis currently available, as recognised by the MoD. Our APA program will ensure full compliance with the new standard (and COSHH!), conveniently and more importantly cost effectively. Our main aim is to provide you with the confidence and peace of mind that the air you’re breathing is safe.

Providing a fast, reliable service.

OEMA will carry out your analysis with precision and accuracy, ensuring a fast, reliable service. We test in accordance with varying customer needs, ranging from British Standards to Defstan for the military. This particular aspect of our services takes us across the globe, supporting our Royal Naval defence fleet, where timing, accuracy and commitment are critical.

The analysis is carried out using FTIR. FT-IR stands for Fourier Transform InfraRed, the preferred method of infrared spectroscopy. In infrared spectroscopy, IR radiation is passed through a sample. Some of the infrared radiation is absorbed by the sample and some of it is passed through (transmitted). The resulting spectrum represents the molecular absorption and transmission, creating a molecular fingerprint of the sample. Like a fingerprint no two unique molecular structures produce the same infrared spectrum. This makes infrared spectroscopy useful for several types of analysis.

Advantages of FTIR Spectroscopy for Breathing Air Analysis.

  • Uncertainty of measurement circa +/-2%.
  • Calibration to National Standards checked daily.
  • Known and calibrated analytes have concentrations determined by computer software. Unknown contaminants are analysed by highly qualified staff in laboratory conditions. Carried out by an independent laboratory.
  • Full spectrum analysis. Over 300 contaminants can be monitored in a single pass.
  • Fully compliant with BS-EN12021:2014.
  • Meets COSHH obligations with ease.
  • No initial cost.
  • Permanent record. As the scan is computer generated it can be stored indefinitely, to be available for scrutiny. Therefore, provides genuine evidence to support litigation.
  • Value for money. Very low cost for such a sophisticated method.
  • No disposal requirements.
  • No consumable costs.

For more information,
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