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ISO 23875 Cabin Air Quality Standard 

Performance requirements for air quality control systems in operator enclosures for mining.

Scope: International Standards for Operator Cabins

What is ISO 23875 and Why Does It Matter?

ISO 23875 is an international standard published in February 2021 and updated in 2022, designed to unify the design, testing, operation, and maintenance of air quality control systems for operator enclosures, particularly in mining and heavy machinery industries. It aims to minimise exposure to harmful contaminants like respirable silica and carbon dioxide, protecting operator health, improving safety, and promoting productivity. By providing clear requirements and testing methods, ISO 23875 helps companies achieve their exposure reduction goals, ensuring compliance with global safety standards while enhancing operator comfort and morale.

Who Does the ISO 23875 Apply To?

ISO 23875 is particularly relevant to mining companies, equipment manufacturers, and health and safety professionals involved in the design, operation, and maintenance of air quality control systems for operator enclosures. It also applies to regulatory authorities and industry consultants responsible for ensuring compliance with safety standards. Organizations seeking to protect workers, minimize exposure to harmful contaminants, and align with global safety benchmarks are strongly encouraged to adopt this standard. Compliance not only supports health and safety goals but also enhances operational efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.

ISO 23875:2021/Amd 1:2022 Requirements

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  1. Monitor Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) Levels:
      • Sustained CO₂ levels must not exceed ambient CO₂ + 400 ppm.
  2. Respirable Particulate Matter – Decay Test:
      • Maximum particulate concentration before and after the decay test: ≤ 25 μg/m³.
      • Decay time for respirable particulate matter: ≤ 120 seconds.
  3. Cabin Pressurisation During Operation:
      • Minimum sustained pressure: ≥ 20 Pa.
      • Maximum sustained pressure: ≤ 200 Pa.
  4. Filter System:
      • External air and recirculation filters must meet ISO 29463 classification standards.
      • Use prefilters or powered precleaners to extend filter life and improve efficiency.
Source: ISO 23875:2021/Amd 1:2022, Section 4 – Requirements and Section 5 – Performance Testing
  1. Operator Enclosure:
      • The enclosure must be sealed to prevent contaminant ingress caused by vibration or leaks.
      • Safety structures like ROPS and FOPS must NOT be modified without manufacturer approval.
      • Use materials that resist particulate accumulation and are easy to clean.
  2. Air Quality Control System:
      • External air must pass through high-efficiency filters before entering the enclosure.
      • The system must include a pressurisation mechanism.
      • Filters must comply with ISO 29463 for efficiency and classification.
  3. Ventilation and Airflow:
      • Design airflow to minimise operator exposure to contaminants:
      • Supply air through the top half of the enclosure.
      • Return air through the bottom half to remove particulates efficiently.
  4. Noise and Visibility:
      • The system must not produce hazardous noise levels.
      • Added components must not impede operator visibility. If unavoidable, provide mitigation measures like cameras or mirrors.
Source: ISO 23875:2021/Amd 1:2022, Section 4.2 – Engineering Design
  1. Pressure Monitoring:
      • Device accuracy: ±10 Pa.
      • Resolution: 5 Pa minimum.
  2. Carbon Dioxide Monitoring:
      • Use NDIR sensors with:
      • Range: 0 to 5000 ppm.
      • Accuracy: ±3%.
      • Response time: ≤ 20 seconds.
      • Altitude and temperature compensation.
  3. Monitor Alarm Threshold:
      • First alarm: Visual and audible alert at ambient + 400 ppm CO₂.
      • Second alarm: Repeated visual and audible alert at 2,500 ppm CO₂.
Source: ISO 23875:2021/Amd 1:2022, Section 4.3 – Monitoring Devices
  1. Scheduled Maintenance
      • Set a maintenance schedule with planned intervals to prevent system failures.
      • Document inspections, replacements, and service history for traceability.
  2. Accessible Design
      • Design systems for quick, tool-free access to filters and components.
      • Arrange components for efficient servicing without unnecessary dismantling.
  3. Filter Inspection and Replacement
      • Inspect filters for wear or damage and replace as needed.
      • Ensure proper sealing during installation to maintain performance.
      • Record filter details, including batch number, production date, and efficiency classification.
  4. Clear Filter Labeling
      • Use ISO-compliant labels showing manufacturer, lot number, efficiency, and airflow.
      • Include machine-readable labels (e.g., QR codes) for quick information retrieval.
Source: ISO 23875:2021/Amd 1:2022, Section 4 – Requirements and Section 6 – Operation and maintenance instructions

Exceed ISO 23875 with BreatheSafe

Performance Requirements

ISO 23875

BreatheSafe
  • CO₂ Monitoring: Maintain levels ≤ ambient CO₂ + 400 ppm.
  • Particulate Matter Decay: ≤ 25 μg/m³ after ≤ 120 seconds.
  • Cabin Pressurization: 20–200 Pa during operation.
  • Filter Requirements: ISO 29463 compliant with prefilters/powered precleaners for extended life and efficiency.
  • ✅ Complete Air Quality Data Monitoring:
  • BreatheSafe’s range of controllers monitors real-time air quality data, including CO₂, particulate matter, temperature, and more.

✅ HEPA Filters:
BreatheSafe’s system is equipped with a HEPA pressuriser and in-cab recirculation filters, providing maximum protection for operators.

✅ High Capacity Pressurisation:
Meeting our commissioning requirements ensures every machine will exceed 250 Pa in maximum pressure and consistently maintain 50 Pa during operation.

Engineering Design

ISO 23875

BreatheSafe
  • Operator Enclosure: Seal to prevent leaks or vibration ingress; use easy-to-clean, particulate-resistant materials. Do not modify ROPS/FOPS without manufacturer approval.
  • Air Quality Control: Use high-efficiency filters with pressurisation and filter all external air before entry.
  • Ventilation: Design airflow to reduce contamination by supplying air from the top and returning it through the bottom.
  • Noise & Visibility: Minimise noise; ensure visibility or mitigate with cameras/mirrors if obstructed.

✅Customised Install Kits:
BreatheSafe’s system has customised mounting kits and efficient sealing kits that mount to existing bolt holes allowing ZERO modification to the ROPS/FOPS design.

✅ Customised HEPA Return Air Filter:
Customised HEPA return air filter delivers maximum protection for operators by ensuring clean, efficient air circulation directly into the OEM HVAC system.

✅ Variable Speed Motor Minimises Noise:
BreatheSafe’s variable speed motor optimises the pressuriser’s airflow, maintaining preset pressure levels while reducing operating noise and enhancing efficiency.

Monitoring and Alarm

ISO 23875

BreatheSafe
  • Pressure Monitoring: Accuracy ±10 Pa, resolution ≤5 Pa.
  • Carbon Dioxide Monitoring: NDIR sensors with 0–5000 ppm range, ±3% accuracy, ≤20-second response, and altitude/temperature compensation.
  • Alarm Thresholds:
    • 1st alarm: Visual/audible at 1,000 ppm CO₂.
    • 2nd alarm: Repeated alerts at 2,500 ppm CO₂.

✅ High Accuracy With Minimal Resolution:
BreatheSafe’s range of controllers offers high accuracy at ±2% Pa, with a resolution of ≤0.3 Pa.

✅ Particulate Decay Test:
BreatheSafe’s system achieved an 85-second decay time with 96% particulate matter reduction in 40 seconds, compared to the OEM system’s 435-second decay time and 55% reduction in 40 seconds.

✅ Alarm Threshold:
BreatheSafe’s range of controllers is equipped with visual and audible alarms and allow users to customise CO₂ alarm thresholds to meet specific site requirements.

Routine Maintenance

ISO 23875

BreatheSafe
  • Scheduled Maintenance: Establish routine intervals to prevent failures; document inspections, replacements, and service history for traceability.
  • Accessible Design: Ensure tool-free access to filters and components for efficient servicing with minimal dismantling.
  • Filter Inspection & Replacement: Check for wear or damage, ensure proper sealing, and log batch numbers, production dates, and efficiency classifications.
  • Clear Filter Labeling: Use ISO-compliant labels with manufacturer details, lot numbers, efficiency ratings, and airflow direction; include QR codes for quick data access.

✅ Commissioning System:
Our BeSafe commissioning system documents installations to ensure compliance with industry standards, verify system performance, and support warranty claims. This provides a reliable record for troubleshooting and consistent quality assurance across all projects.

✅ Easy Maintenance System:
Our TL pressurisers have a Twist-Lock design for easy access and quick replacement. Its variable-speed motor extends the filter lifespan, outperforming other pressurisers on the market.

✅ Filter Catalogue:
We test and catalogue our filters per EN1822 to maintain quality and enhance traceability. This guarantees optimal performance, simplifies maintenance, and enhances reliability.

ISO 23875

BreatheSafe

Performance Requirements
CO₂ Monitoring: Maintain levels ≤ ambient CO₂ + 400 ppm.

Particulate Matter Decay: ≤ 25 μg/m³ after ≤ 120 seconds.

Cabin Pressurization: 20–200 Pa during operation.

Filter Requirements: ISO 29463 compliant with prefilters/powered precleaners for extended life and efficiency.
  • ✅ Complete Air Quality Data Monitoring:
  • BreatheSafe’s range of controllers monitors real-time air quality data, including CO₂, particulate matter, temperature, and more.

✅ HEPA Filters:
BreatheSafe’s system is equipped with a HEPA pressuriser and in-cab recirculation filters, providing maximum protection for operators.

✅ High Capacity Pressurisation:
Meeting our commissioning requirements ensures every machine will exceed 250 Pa in maximum pressure and consistently maintain 50 Pa during operation.

Engineering Design
Operator Enclosure: Seal to prevent leaks or vibration ingress; use easy-to-clean, particulate-resistant materials. Do not modify ROPS/FOPS without manufacturer approval.

Air Quality Control: Use high-efficiency filters with pressurisation and filter all external air before entry.

Ventilation: Design airflow to reduce contamination by supplying air from the top and returning it through the bottom.

Noise & Visibility: Minimise noise; ensure visibility or mitigate with cameras/mirrors if obstructed.
  • ✅Customised Install Kits:
    BreatheSafe’s system has customised mounting kits and efficient sealing kits that mount to existing bolt holes allowing ZERO modification to the ROPS/FOPS design.
  • ✅ Customised HEPA Return Air Filter:
    Customised HEPA return air filter delivers maximum protection for operators by ensuring clean, efficient air circulation directly into the OEM HVAC system.
  • ✅ Variable Speed Motor Minimises Noise:
    BreatheSafe’s variable speed motor optimises the pressuriser’s airflow, maintaining preset pressure levels while reducing operating noise and enhancing efficiency.

Monitoring and Alarm
Pressure Monitoring: Accuracy ±10 Pa, resolution ≤5 Pa.

Carbon Dioxide Monitoring: NDIR sensors with 0–5000 ppm range, ±3% accuracy, ≤20-second response, and altitude/temperature compensation.

Alarm Thresholds:

    • 1st alarm: Visual/audible at 1,000 ppm CO₂.
    • 2nd alarm: Repeated alerts at 2,500 ppm CO₂.
  • ✅ High Accuracy With Minimal Resolution:
    BreatheSafe’s range of controllers offers high accuracy at ±2% Pa, with a resolution of ≤0.3 Pa.
  • ✅ Particulate Decay Test:
    BreatheSafe’s system achieved an 85-second decay time with 96% particulate matter reduction in 40 seconds, compared to the OEM system’s 435-second decay time and 55% reduction in 40 seconds.
  • ✅ Alarm Threshold:
    BreatheSafe’s range of controllers is equipped with visual and audible alarms and allows users to customise CO₂ alarm thresholds to meet specific site requirements.

Routine Maintenance
Scheduled Maintenance: Establish routine intervals to prevent failures; document inspections, replacements, and service history for traceability.

Accessible Design: Ensure tool-free access to filters and components for efficient servicing with minimal dismantling.

Filter Inspection & Replacement: Check for wear or damage, ensure proper sealing, and log batch numbers, production dates, and efficiency classifications.

Clear Filter Labeling: Use ISO-compliant labels with manufacturer details, lot numbers, efficiency ratings, and airflow direction; include QR codes for quick data access.
  • ✅ Commissioning System:
    Our BeSafe commissioning system documents installations to ensure compliance with industry standards, verify system performance, and support warranty claims. This provides a reliable record for troubleshooting and consistent quality assurance across all projects.
  • ✅ Easy Maintenance System:
    Our TL pressurisers have a Twist-Lock design for easy access and quick replacement. Its variable-speed motor extends the filter lifespan, outperforming other pressurisers on the market.
  • ✅ Filter Catalogue:
    We test and catalogue our filters per EN1822 to maintain quality and enhance traceability. This guarantees optimal performance, simplifies maintenance, and enhances reliability.

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*Disclaimer: This information is based on current ISO 23875 regulations. For the latest updates, please refer to the ISO 23875 website.
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