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 SAFER than 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©.