Operator Cabin Pressurisation Systems

Protect operators with a dual HEPA filtration system in a pressurised cabin.

BreatheSafe Closed Circuit Dual HEPA Filtration System for Operator Cabin

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Advanced Protection for Operator Cabins

Dual HEPA-Filtered, Pressurised, Monitored and Controlled

Intelligent Air Filtration Technology

BreatheSafe system intelligently regulates and maintains positive cabin pressure at a preset level, preventing dust ingress.

Closed-Circuit Filtration System

BreatheSafe closed-circuit system ensures every air entry point is HEPA-filtered, eliminating unfiltered airflow and maximising protection.

Complete System Solutions

Fully integrated operator air filtration and pressurisation systems, custom-designed to suit a wide range of mining equipment and heavy-duty vehicle.

Applications

Support a wide range of industries, including Mining, Civil Construction, Tunneling, Landfill, Agriculture, Smelters etc.

BreatheSafe Components

TL pressuriser installation on a Komatsu PC490LC-11 excavator
Cabin Pressurisation

TL High-Pressure HEPA Pressuriser

Equipped with a HEPA H14 filter, variable speed motor and fully IP66-rated design, it delivers high-performance cabin pressurisation and reliable protection in harsh environments.

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How It Works

Pressurise The Cabin With Clean Air (1st HEPA)

The BreatheSafe system protects operators by pressurising cabins with HEPA-filtered air, preventing hazardous dust, silica, and airborne contaminants from entering.

Our HEPA air filtration system helps you exceed industry standards, such as MSHA, ISO 23875 or RS20. Ensuring a safer work environment in mining, construction, and heavy industries while reducing respiratory risks.

Recirculating and Filtering In-Cabin Air (2nd HEPA)

Even in a sealed cabin, contaminants can be introduced through clothing and equipment. BreatheSafe continuously recirculates in-cabin air, filtering it twice through HEPA-grade filtration to remove fine dust, allergens, and pathogens.

The second stage of filtration maximises efficiency to shorten decay time, rapidly reducing airborne contaminants and restoring clean air within minutes. It means that operators breathe cleaner air faster, minimising exposure to harmful particles while enhancing HVAC efficiency and overall cabin air quality.

Air Quality Controller Monitors The Air

BreatheSafe controllers monitor air quality in real time, eliminating manual inspections and reducing dust exposure. By analysing particulates, pressure, and temperature, they optimise system performance and extend component life.

The OnGuard controller features an automated high-dust and CO₂ flush, purging contaminants when needed. This maintains optimal air quality, prevents CO₂ buildup, and reduces operator fatigue, ensuring a safer, more productive work environment.

Filtering VOCs Using Activated Carbon Add On

Industries such as mining, agriculture, landfills, smelters, and industrial processing expose operators to volatile organic compounds (VOCs), exhaust fumes, and chemical vapours, increasing health risks.

The BreatheSafe activated carbon module effectively absorbs harmful gases, preventing toxic airborne chemicals from accumulating inside the cabin.

Powered Recirculation Filter Add-On (3rd HEPA)

In extreme environments where airborne dust levels remain consistently high, continuous removal of particulates is essential for maintaining safe cabin conditions.

The BreatheSafe Powered Recirculation Filter unit draws in dusty cabin air, filters it through a HEPA H14 filter, and recirculates clean air back.

Reducing cabin decay time and minimising dust loading on the HVAC recirculation filter.

Is Your Fleet Ready for WES to WEL?

Australia’s workplace exposure limits are changing from 1 December 2026. Review your cabin filtration and pressurisation systems with BreatheSafe to identify improvements that help protect operators and support your exposure control requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cabin pressurisation system, and why is it important?

A cabin pressurisation system supplies filtered air into an enclosed cabin, maintains positive pressure, and includes an in-cabin recirculation filter to create a "closed circuit" pressurisation system. This helps ensure cabin air is continuously filtered before reaching the operator’s breathing zone and the HVAC unit, especially sensitive components such as the condenser coil.

It is essential to have a cabin pressurisation system when operating in environments with respirable dust, silica, asbestos, or other hazardous airborne contaminants. Many Tier 1 and Tier 2 mine sites require enclosed cabins with pressurisation systems to help meet site safety requirements and protect operators. You cannot see it does not mean you are safe. Hazardous dust such as silica and asbestos can be invisible to the eye, but still present a serious health risk.

How should I prepare for the transition from WES to WEL?

With workplace exposure limits (WEL) replacing workplace exposure standards (WES) from 1 December 2026, review your current cabin filtration system and the updated exposure limits relevant to your operations.

BreatheSafe cabin pressurisation and HEPA filtration systems help reduce operators’ exposure to airborne dust. Contact us for a machine or fleet review to assess your existing setup and identify improvements to support the new requirements.

Why do my HVAC systems fail, and can a cabin pressurisation system help?

Common issues for HVAC units in dusty environments include blocked filters, poor cabin sealing, leaking door seals, contaminated outside air, unstable airflow, and dust build-up inside the HVAC unit.

Photo of a low-grade return air filter causing debris build-up on evaporator coil and leading to HVAC unit failure.

Photo of a low-grade return air filter causing debris build-up on evaporator coil and leading to HVAC unit failure.

From site experience, one of the most critical concerns is the dust built up, causing blockage of the evaporator coil. When dust and fine particles are allowed to circulate inside the cabin, they can build up on the evaporator coil, reduce cooling efficiency, restrict airflow, and increase stress on the HVAC system.

When fitted with a "closed-circuit" cabin pressurisation system, internal dust is continuously scrubbed by the HEPA recirculation filter, while the HEPA pressuriser helps maintain positive pressure. This reduces the chance of dust reaching the operator’s breathing zone and the HVAC unit. It also helps protect critical HVAC components, such as the evaporator coil and supports more reliable system performance in harsh environments.

Related Topic: What is a "Closed-Circuit Pressurisation System"?

What are the key requirements for a cabin pressurisation system?

A cabin pressurisation system should be designed to deliver both air quality performance and long-term durability in harsh operating environments.

From an air quality perspective, many sites now use global standards such as ISO 23875, along with regional requirements such as the MSHA Silica Rule in North America, to assess operator cabin protection. These standards and site requirements generally focus on key performance areas such as positive cabin pressure, high efficiency filtration, real-time monitoring, reducing decay time and maintaining clean air within the operator enclosure. This means a cabin pressurisation system should not only supply filtered air, but also provide reliable and measurable protection in harsh environments.

From a build quality perspective, the design of the system also matters. Variable speed pressurisers can also offer better control over cabin pressure and airflow than fixed speed units, helping the system respond more effectively to changing operating conditions. Rigid ducting can provide a more stable and durable airflow path than corrugated ducting, especially in harsh mining environments.

A well-designed cabin pressurisation system should not only filter air, but also maintain consistent performance over time in real-world site conditions.

Related Topic: ISO 23875 Cabin Air Quality Standard & MSHA Silica Rule

Does a cabin pressurisation system protect against gases and fumes?

A standard cabin pressurisation system with particulate filtration is designed to protect against dust and airborne particles, including respirable dust and silica. Particulate filters do not remove gases, fumes, or chemical vapours.

If your machines operate in environments with diesel exhaust, VOCs, landfill gases, smelter fumes, or other hazardous gases, an activated carbon filter should be used alongside the cabin pressurisation system to address both particulate and gas phase contaminants.

Related Topic: Working with hazardous gases and vapours

What maintenance spare parts are needed for a cabin pressurisation system?

Common maintenance spare parts include replacement fresh air filters (for pressurisers), panel recirculation filters, activated carbon filters, window and door seals, and gaskets.

Regular replacement of these parts is important to maintain airflow, cabin pressure, and filtration performance. Over time, loaded filters and worn seals can reduce the system’s ability to keep contaminated air out of the cabin and may affect overall system performance. It is also important to follow site maintenance guidelines and recommended service intervals when maintaining your cabin pressurisation system.

Media

BreatheSafe System Explanation

Worker demonstrating BreatheSafe system for compliance with ISO 23875 in an outdoor environment.

Exceed ISO 23875 with BreatheSafe

Diagram comparing air filtration systems highlighting recommended, best, and extreme options for optimal indoor air quality.

The Best Air Filtration System Setup

OnGuard Air Quality Manager device for monitoring indoor air quality, essential for occupational health and safety.

OnGuard Remote Controller

An InPress Cabin Pressure Monitor device used for monitoring and maintaining optimal cabin pressure in aircraft, ensuring safety and comfort for passengers and crew.

InPress Controller + CO₂ Sensor

Technician holding a pressure sensor filter in protective gear, demonstrating proper change procedures for optimal air quality and safety.

Filter Replacement Guideline

Other Solutions

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Electrical Cabinet Pressurisation

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Clean Room Pressurisation

Illuminated light bulb with the word "Goal" inside, symbolising achievement and focus in occupational safety and health.

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