Compliance Standards for Compressed Air in the Mining Industry

In mining, compliance is not optional. Strict regulations exist to protect workers, ensure safety, and maintain operational reliability. Air compressors — and particularly air receivers — are classed as pressure equipment and must meet Australian Standards and Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) obligations. Failing to comply can lead to costly fines, shutdowns, and, most importantly, serious safety risks. 

Mining companies are required to follow several standards and regulations relating to compressed air systems: 

Air receivers are classified as pressure vessels and must be inspected in line with AS 3788, which sets the standard for both internal and external examinations, thickness testing, and the verification of safety devices such as pressure relief valves. Inspection frequency is based on the vessel’s hazard level, determined by its operating pressure, volume, and contents.  

In Australia, air receivers that fall into the regulated hazard categories must also be formally registered with the relevant state or territory authority. In South Australia, registration is managed by SafeWork SA, while in the Northern Territory, responsibility lies with NT WorkSafe. In both jurisdictions, operators are legally required to ensure inspections are carried out by competent persons and that records and certification are kept up to date. 

AS/NZS 1200 is the primary standard governing the design, installation, and operation of pressure equipment across Australia, including SA and NT. For mining operators, this means compressors and air receivers must be designed to compliant codes, installed according to requirements, and backed by documented operating and maintenance procedures. Safety devices must be certified, and equipment must be correctly labelled to prove compliance in either jurisdiction. 

Compressed air quality must also comply with ISO 8573-1, which classifies air purity based on particles, moisture, and oil content. This is particularly important in mining where air is used for breathing underground or in sensitive applications such as instrumentation. In both SA and NT, compliance with ISO 8573-1 is recognised as best practice for ensuring worker safety and reliable system performance. Regular testing and record keeping are essential to demonstrate compliance. 

Both South Australia and the Northern Territory operate under harmonised Work Health and Safety (WHS) legislation, which places a duty of care on employers to provide and maintain safe plant and equipment. In practice, this means air compressors and receivers must undergo risk assessments, servicing, and inspections aligned with the relevant standards. Comprehensive records of inspections, certifications, and modifications must be maintained. 

Mining operators already face high-risk environments. Ensuring compressed air systems meet compliance standards is critical because: 

• It protects workers by reducing the risk of catastrophic vessel failures. 

• It avoids legal and financial penalties for non-compliance. 

• It safeguards insurance coverage and liability protection. 

• It maintains reliable compressed air supply, essential for mining productivity. 

For compressors and air receivers on mining sites, compliance usually involves: 

• Scheduled inspections of air receivers in line with AS 3788 and SafeWork SA requirements. 

• Proper record keeping and certification to demonstrate compliance during audits. 

• Air quality testing to ensure compressed air meets safety and operational needs. 

• Preventative maintenance programs aligned with industry standards to prevent failures. 

Mobile Compressed Air supports mining operations across South Australia and the Northern Territory with expert compliance services, including: 

• Air receiver inspections in line with AS 3788 and SafeWork SA requirements. 

• Preventative maintenance programs tailored to mining conditions and WHS obligations. 

• 24/7 support for urgent compliance checks and servicing. 

• Experienced technicians who understand the compliance needs of remote and regional mining operations. 

With Mobile Compressed Air, you get more than just servicing — you get a partner who ensures your compressors remain safe, efficient, and compliant. 

Compliance is essential in mining. By meeting the standards set out in AS 3788, AS/NZS 1200, ISO 8573-1, and WHS regulations, operators protect their workers, safeguard their business, and keep productivity on track. 

Ensure your mining compressors and air receivers meet compliance requirements. Contact Mobile Compressed Air today for inspections, servicing, and compliance support across SA & NT.