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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY SHOULD I TEST MY COMPRESSED BREATHING AIR SUPPLY?

In order to remain compliant with local regulations, systems supplying breathing air are required to be routinely tested. Ongoing monitoring of air supply systems also supports the protection of the individuals using the breathing air supply.

Most compressed breathing air applications fall under standards and sampling protocols identified by the CSA. Typically testing is required every 6 months, however is dependent on the system, location and intended use. Please refer to the appropriate standard for your application.

Learn More

CSA Guidelines.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HIGH PRESSURE AND LOW PRESSURE?

Compressed breathing air systems are typically either low pressure or high pressure systems based on operating pressure of the compressor system. The technical description in CSA Z180.1 defines it as: Low Pressure is 15 psi to 2216psi (manufacture’s rating), and High Pressure is 2216psi and above.
In practical sampling terms, we use two types of cylinders.
  1. Low Pressure cylinders are designed for systems with an operating pressure range of 15-160 psi.  Never use a low pressure cylinder on a high pressure system.
  2. High pressure cylinders are designed for sampling systems with an operating pressure range of 2216 psi and above.  It is recommended that high pressure systems delivery pressure be regulated down to 1000psi when sampling.

WHEN DO I TAKE AN AMBIENT SAMPLE?

An ambient air system is one that pumps air from an area of fresh air to an area of poor air quality and have a manufacture’s stated operating pressure of less than 15psi. In this scenario a tedlar bag is used for sample collection and is available for order.

WHAT TESTS DO YOU OFFER?

We provide analysis packages that are suitable for the assessment of compressed breathing air used for a number of applications such as; Supplied air respirators, supplied air suits, SCBA and SCUBA, hyperbaric chambers and medical gas pipeline systems. All our packages can be found through the ordering tools based on your industry and application needs. If there are specific testing requirements beyond those listed please contact us.

WHAT REGULATIONS DOES BUREAU VERITAS LABORATORIES FOLLOW?

Compressed gas testing is completed in accordance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) guidelines. Analysis packages are available for CSA Z180.1 (Compressed breathing air systems), CSA Z275.2 (Occupational Diving Operations), CSA Z275.1 (Hyperbaric facilities), Z7396.1 (Medical gas pipeline systems).

WHAT REGULATION DO I NEED TO FOLLOW?

The standards and guidelines provided by CSA are specific to the application the breathing gas is being used for. Follow the learn more options under our Testing Services for additional details to assist with choosing the right package.

Learn More

CSA Guidelines.
Testing Services

IS BUREAU VERITAS LABORATORIES ACCREDITED?

Bureau Veritas is accredited by government agencies, including SCC and NELAP along with a variety of state specific and AIHA-LAP and ASTM accreditations. These accreditations are awarded through on-site audits, check samples, round robin studies and strict compliance with the industry’s standard operating procedures.

Learn More

SSC
NELAP
AIHA
A S TM

HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

Once you’ve submitted your online order, our team will begin to assemble your cylinders for transit. The order is shipped to the address you specified using commercial couriers. Once you have received your sampling kit, proceed to sample, complete the chain of custody, repackage and return to Bureau Veritas Laboratories. When we have received the returned cylinders, you will receive a confirmation notice of analysis and results will be ready within about 5 business days from then. A certificate of results will be emailed to you once completed.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET RESULTS?

Once cylinders are returned, results are typically ready within 5 business days.

HOW DO I GET MY RESULTS?

Results are provided in PDF format via email.

WHAT IS A GAS TRANSIT UNIT (CYLINDER)?

  1. The stainless steel sample transit cylinders are the ideal device for your sampling needs.  It allows you to accurately capture air within a pressured system and transport it between facilities, while maintaining the best sample integrity.
  2. Our sampling cylinders are designed and assembled to capture samples of compressed gases.  They met DOT (3E) and TC-3EM specifications and are equipped with rupture valves, pressure gauges, have simple connectors to allow for easy connection to the outlet of a compressor and have maximum pressure levels clearly labelled.
  3. The are the only available gas sampling unit that ensure a total representative sample is collected for analysis.  Other commercially available units do not.
  4. Bureau Veritas Laboratories collaboration with the Canadian Standards Association was integral in the design of the recognized industry standard unit for compressed gas sampling.
All cylinders are assembled and certified prior to each use and shipped in a protective foam lined case.

IS CYLINDER RENTAL INCLUDED IN THE COST OF ANALYSIS?

Yes. Sampling cylinders are provided for 21 days. This period, starting from the day of outbound shipping to the renter’s location, allows for the movement of cylinders from Bureau Veritas Laboratories to requester, the collection of samples and the return shipment to Bureau Veritas Laboratories. Cylinders returned after the 21 day period, (22 to 60 days outstanding) will be subject to a rental fee of $10.00 per day per cylinder. Cylinders not returned to Bureau Veritas Laboratories within 60 days, will be considered lost and a charge for $1500.00 per cylinder will be issued to cover replacement costs.

Cylinders returned but unused will have a charge of 25% of the original analysis and rental costs applied.
It is expected that sampling cylinders are returned in the same condition as received by the Renter, except for normal wear and tear. In addition to any replacement costs of lost cylinders, Bureau Veritas Laboratories reserves the right to charge the Renter for any out of pocket expenses incurred in relation to the recovery and/or repair of any rented cylinders or other equipment.

All equipment is to be returned to:

Bureau Veritas Laboratories. Att: Air Quality.
6740 Campobello Rd. Mississauga, Ontario. L5N 2L8.

HOW MUCH DO I COLLECT?

  1. Low pressure systems – fill the cylinder to a minimum of 40 psig and a maximum of 150 psig.
  2. High Pressure systems – fill the cylinder to a maximum of 1000 psig.

IS THERE SOMEONE THAT CAN COME AND TAKE THE SAMPLES?

Bureau Veritas Laboratories only provides the cylinders for sampling and the analysis of your gas mixture. If you require a recommendation on a company that provides sampling services, please contact us with your request.

WHAT IS A CHAIN OF CUSTODY?

A blank chain of custody (CoC) is provided with your sampling kit. The CoC is the chronological documentation or “paper trail”, of your sampling event, the analysis packages you require and the sequence of custody between sampling site and laboratory. It is important to complete all required information prior to submitting your samples. Incomplete information can lead to delays in processing your submission.

A Excel version can be found here:

DOWNLOAD COC FORM.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO RECEIVE MY CYLINDERS ONCE ORDERED?

  1. Our standard delivery window is within 10 days of receiving your order.
  2. Delivery times will be dependent on your location.
  3. In general, orders shipped to Southern Ontario and Quebec are available via overnight/next-day shipping.
  4. The Maritimes and Prairies require 2-3 business days for transit.
  5. Shipments to Newfoundland and British Columbia require at least 4 days transit time.
  6.  Our team will provide you with information on when your order has shipped and expected delivery dates.

CAN I RETURN EMPTY/UNUSED CONTAINERS?

Yes. Send them to Bureau Veritas Laboratories. 6740 Campobello Rd. Mississauga. Ontario. L5N 2L8, via any commercial courier. Please include documentation that these are empty/unused and not to be analysed.

I LOST MY REPORT – CAN I GET ANOTHER ONE?

Please contact our service team who can provide you with another certificate. There is a $25 reissue fee for additional copies or replacement certificates.

HOW AND WHERE DO I SEND THE FILLED CYLINDERS FOR TESTING?

Cylinders and any associated connections provided to you can be placed in the shipping container they were supplied in and returned. Please ensure you include the chain of custody and any other documentation associated with your samples.

Any commercial courier providers can be used to return cylinders for analysis and should be sent to:

Bureau Veritas Laboratories. Att: Air Quality.
6740 Campobello Rd. Mississauga, Ontario. L5N 2L8.