TS 12870

TS 12870 is a service standard that sets out the rules for how competent services for compressors and pneumatic machines should be organised and operated. Its focus is not on the machines themselves, but on the service provider’s management structure, premises, technical equipment, and staff qualifications needed to carry out maintenance and repair work in a controlled and consistent way.

Organisation and management of the service provider

In technical service standards, a “competent service” generally means an organisation that has the right structure, responsibilities, and working methods to handle a defined class of equipment. Compressors and pneumatic machines are closely linked to compressed-air generation and use, so service quality depends on more than practical repair skills. Record keeping, workflow organisation, defined responsibilities, and suitable service facilities are all part of a sound service framework.

Technical equipment and personnel qualifications

The standard also covers the technical equipment available to the service and the characteristics of the personnel working there. In general technical terms, this type of service typically relies on appropriate measuring tools, hand tools, inspection and test equipment, and staff who are trained for the specific equipment category. That balance between equipment and competence is important because service work on compressors and pneumatic machines must be repeatable, traceable, and fit for the operating demands of the machine.

TS 12870 therefore provides a framework for evaluating whether a service organisation is properly set up to support compressors and pneumatic machines. It addresses the service environment and capability rather than the design of the machines themselves, helping define the minimum organisational and technical basis expected from this type of service provider.

• Management rules and service organisation
• Structural requirements and suitability of the service premises
• Technical equipment and tooling
• Personnel characteristics and competence
• A service-oriented framework for compressors and pneumatic machines