ANDI coined the term “SafeAir” in reaction to the false impression that “Nitrox” was “high-tech mixed-gas” for deep diving, or perhaps “that stuff dentists use” and therfore, not suitable for recreational diving purposes. Although it has been considered a cute marketing term by the uninformed, SafeAir is much more than that.
SafeAir is the epitome of proper breathing gas handling from the compressor pre-filter to the divers second stage mouthpiece. SafeAir production begins with properly trained staff operating a properly-engineered gas production system. Breathing gas is stored in correctly rated, designated oxygen-cleaned receivers. The staff follow proper gas-handling protocols using “oxygen-service” equipment to mix the purest breathing gas with oxygen in accordancewith the ANDI-developed standard for “Oxygen-compatible-Air”.
Only “Oxygen-compatible-Air” is used in the production of SafeAir, not “Grade E” which is the worst breathing gas standard in the entire world. The gas system’s product is analyzed quarterly by an independent, federally-licensed testing laboratory. ANDI receives a copy of the report to document that the ANDI facility meets the highest standards in the industry. In addition, all gasses are analyzed by the end-user. As a result of these procedures, ANDI maintains that SafeAir IS SAFERthan normally produced breathing air.
In summary, SafeAir as definied by ANDI, is any Oxygen-Enriched Air mixture with O2 concentrations between 22% and 50% that meet ANDI’s gas quality and handling specifications. Many ANDI RHQ’s refer to Oxygen Compatible Air as “SafeAir 21”.
If it is not SafeAir, it is only Nitrox.
The SafeAir gas quality specification is listed in the Appendix of most ANDI texts. The ANDI training programs teach the practical application of these mixtures for recreational/sport diving situations as well as more advanced activities.
Remember, it may be Nitrox, but if it’s not ANDI, it’s not SAFEAIR.