BreatheSafe at the Underground Operators Conference

BreatheSafe at the Underground Operators Conference

BreatheSafe at the Underground Operators Conference

As the Underground Operators Conference approaches, we caught up with Kelvin Wright, BreatheSafe’s Western Region Sales Manger, to discuss why BreatheSafe is attending, the challenges facing underground mining, and how BreatheSafe is helping operators tackle air quality issues.

You can visit BreatheSafe at Stand 178 at the event.

Q1: Why is BreatheSafe attending the Underground Operators Conference?

Kelvin Wright: The Underground Operators Conference is one of the most targeted events for underground mining professionals. It brings together those directly involved in underground operations. We’re attending because it’s an excellent opportunity to engage with operators, OEMs, and contractors to understand their challenges and demonstrate how our technology can help them.

Q2: What makes underground mining so challenging when it comes to air quality?

Kelvin Wright: Underground mining environments are tough. Machines are constantly on the move, the conditions are harsh, and the equipment takes a real beating. The air quality can be significantly compromised due to the generation of hazardous dust particles like silica, silicate, and asbestos. Our goal is to showcase how our technology holds up in these environments and learn from attendees how we can continue to adapt to meet the industry’s needs.

Q3: Why is air quality in underground mining a pressing issue right now?

Kelvin Wright: Silica dust exposure is a major concern, especially with recent cases of silicosis coming to light. In March 2025, it was reported that 13 workers on Sydney tunnelling projects were diagnosed with silicosis. Just a year prior, in February 2024, two workers at Newmont’s Cadia gold mine were diagnosed with early-stage silicosis. These incidents have raised serious questions about current air quality regulations and whether they’re sufficient to protect workers.

The Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) has been calling for stricter silica exposure regulations since November 2024, and the NSW government recently formed a silica task force to enhance compliance monitoring. The pressure is on for the mining industry to address these risks head-on, and that’s where BreatheSafe comes in.

Q4: How does BreatheSafe technology help address these air quality challenges?

Kelvin Wright: The primary function of our systems is to create a clean, safe environment inside machinery cabins. We use High-Pressure HEPA Filtration Systems to prevent harmful airborne dust from entering, and we also scrub contaminants that do make their way inside whether from clothing, boots, or equipment. We also actively monitor CO₂ levels to ensure that operators aren’t exposed to hazardous concentrations.

Q5: How is BreatheSafe supporting compliance with new air quality regulations?

Kelvin Wright: Australia has adopted ISO 23875, which establishes strict requirements for air quality in operator enclosures. This standard requires controlling respirable dust, maintaining CO₂ levels, and conducting routine performance testing. Our systems are designed to not only meet but exceed these requirements, ensuring long-term safety and compliance.

It’s important to understand that this is not a set-and-forget solution. Mining operators need to approach air quality as a continuous commitment. Our OnGuard technology helps maintain compliance by offering real-time visibility into air quality metrics, allowing operators to take proactive measures.

Q6: Some people think that underground ventilation systems alone can manage air quality. Is that true?

Kelvin Wright: Not at all. Ventilation systems move dust through tunnels but don’t ensure a clean environment inside operator cabins. Dust is constantly generated during mining operations, and ventilation alone can’t stop respirable particles from getting into cabs. Our focus is on protecting the specific environment where the operator works, inside the cabin, regardless of what’s happening around it.

Q7: Is BreatheSafe focusing on light vehicles in underground settings?

Kelvin Wright: Yes, definitely. Light vehicles such as Land Cruisers are widely used underground in large volumes. As mines move towards electrification to reduce diesel emissions, we see a huge opportunity to improve air quality in these vehicles as well. Our systems can be integrated into light vehicles to ensure they meet stringent air quality standards.

Q8: Why should people visit BreatheSafe at Stand 178 during the conference?

Kelvin Wright: We want to talk directly with underground mining professionals about how we can support them. Whether it’s about meeting compliance standards, protecting operators, or integrating our technology into light vehicles, we’re here to find solutions together. Plus, you can see our High-Pressure HEPA Filtration Systems in action and learn more about how we’re making underground operations safer.

If you’re attending the Underground Operators Conference, drop by Stand 178 to talk with us. Let’s discuss how BreatheSafe can help keep your workers safe and your operations compliant. In underground mining, safety starts with the air you breathe.

Holiday Closure Dates

Holiday Closure Dates

Thank you to all our customers, suppliers, friends and family for a wonderful year!

During the holiday season, we close our warehouses and offices so our staff can relax and enjoy time with friends and family.

These dates are 3:45pm on 24th December until 6:30am on 4th January.

If you require urgent assistance, our email sales@breathe-safe.com will remain monitored during this time.

We wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday and look forward to working with you in 2022!

Meet and exceed ISO23875 with INPRESS TS Controller

Meet and exceed ISO23875 with INPRESS TS Controller

Meet and Exceed ISO23875

INPRESS TS Controller
Learn More About the INPRESS TL system

The new ISO 23875 standard places a greater emphasis on the air quality inside the operator cabin than has been previously addressed.

BreatheSafe has always focused on air quality

INPRESS TS unit
INPRESS TS unit

ISO 23875 for the Mining Industry

BreatheSafe systems meet and exceed this standard with our new INPRESS TS.

There are 5 performance requirements in ISO 23875

  1. Higher filter efficiency requirements
  2. Defined maximum CO2 level
  3. Recirculation and fresh air system requirements
  4. Established cab pressurisation levels
  5. Real-time operator cab monitoring

Learn more about BreatheSafe Cabin Air Purification Solution

INPRESS

INPRESS Auto Pressure Control

The INPRESS TS is the latest touchscreen monitor controller of the BreatheSafe system. It provides automatic control over the air filtration system and utilises a simple interface for a user-friendly experience.

ISO23875 Performance Requirements

The BreatheSafe High Pressure HEPA Filtration system meets and exceeds ISO23875 requirements

Filter Efficiency Requirements

BreatheSafe uses HEPA H14 filters at 99.99% efficient of particles 0.3 microns in size. This is more efficient and safe than the standard of H13.

Maximum CO2 Levels

Using maximums outlined in the standard, the TS alerts the operator when CO2 levels reach and pass acceptable levels, and increases airflow to minimise CO2.

Recirculation and Fresh Air

BreatheSafe systems are integrated into the OEM aircon system. Both the fresh and recirculated air are filtered through HEPA filters for optimal protection.

Pressurisation Levels

The TS automatically controls pressure levels to remain at a pre-set pressure by adjusting blower speed of the pressurisation unit.

Real Time Monitoring

The TS is equipped with live charts, auto-recording of events, and auto data logging to ensure prolonged safety.

Features

Automatic Pressure Monitor

The INPRESS TS (TLUCPMCO2) automatically controls the blower speeds to maintain preset cabin pressure. It does this by monitoring the pressure through its built-in pressure transducer.

Industry minimum standard is between 20 and 50 Pa from new. Our systems are preset to remain at 50 Pa but can be changed through system settings.

The TLUCPMCO2 measures the pressure inside and outside the clean air compartment and calculates the error based on the pressure setpoint. An algorithm applies these values, and the controller calculates a proportional output that adjusts the speed of the pressuriser motors.

Automatic Alarms

The BreatheSafe TLUCPMCO2 automatically sounds alarms at pressure drops, alerting the operator to the potential of hazardous air.

Optionally, the unit can distinguish if a door or window is not sealed correctly and alert the operator. At the same time as this alert is sounding, the blower power will increase to keep the operator as safe as possible.

CO2 Sensor option (ISO 23875)

With the option to add TLUCPMCO2 BreatheSafe CO2 sensors, operators will be alerted when unsafe air quality conditions are present by providing real-time CO2 data and audible/visual alerts.

Automatic Data Logging

The BreatheSafe INPRESS automatically records and stores recorded data, depending on sampling requirements this can be up to 12 months.

The TLUCPMCO2 controller is designed to start data logging as soon as it is powered up. Data samples time, date, motor capacity, and current pressure readings. This is additional to standard alarm logging, which occurs at every alarm instance.

Service Test Mode

Service test mode easily shows cabin sealing effectiveness and filter lifecycle capacity tests.

INPRESS TS sticker

Something new is always on the horizon at BreatheSafe

We are dedicated to innovation in technology to

protect workers and machinery.

Any Machine, Any Environment.

Cabin Pressurisation

Electrical Enclosure

Clean Room

Build your Solution

Safe Work Month 2021

Safe Work Month 2021

Safe Work Month 2021

 

Safe Work Month 21 starts today with the theme think safe, work safe, be safe. As a provider of health and safety equipment, we truly know how important it is to keep safe at work.

At BreatheSafe, we are committed to providing for the health, safety and welfare of all staff, employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, and visitors to a workplace. This commitment extends to ensuring that our operations and activities do not place members of the public, the local community or the environment at risk of harm, injury, illness, or damage.

Keep an eye on our social media for Safe Work Month content

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Welcome to BreatheSafe News

Welcome to BreatheSafe News

Our motivation is Zero Harm.

“The first priority and concern of all in the coal and other mining industry must be the health and safety of its most precious resource – the miner”

US Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act 1969 – amended 1977

BreatheSafe is a proud Australian manufacturer of high-efficiency air filtration and air conditioning systems (HVAC) for mining and construction equipment. We supply intelligent, custom designed fresh air cabin pressurisation units with high-efficiency particulate filters (HEPA as standard) for fixed, mobile plant equipment and site buildings.

Exposure to any type of respirable dust or respirable particulate has a high probability of causing a heart & lung disease. Breathe-Safe’s high-efficiency cabin fresh air pressuriser systems are developed to isolate and protect operators working in hazardous environments at extraction, mineral processing and construction sites from numerous airborne substances, for example: respirable dust & respirable particulate, asbestos fibers / naturally-occurring asbestos(NOA), coal mine dust, silica (RCS), sulfur dioxide, DPM, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), stockpile emissions and others.

Find out more about best practice guides: Technical pages

The vast knowledge gained over time by traveling to sites to install, trial and then develop new systems has led BreatheSafe to work directly with OEM manufacturers and end users with existing (remote monitoring 24/7) trials with BHP, Rio Tinto, Boral, Caterpillar & Komatsu. Breathe-Safe continues to design and install custom air conditioning upgrades for Hyundai Construction equipment, Komatsu machinery & for Toyota material handling equipment.
BreatheSafe submits that there may be no “safe level” of exposure to respirable dust. However, it must be kept as low as reasonably practicable for the service life of the machine and the health of the operators.

Learn more about BreathSafe systems: Catalogues

BreatheSafe is committed to delivering the most effective product with systems that protect operators by reducing their exposure, to airborne respirable particles, to practically zero while inside the cabin and/or building.