Hyperbaric Chamber Fire Safety

A hyperbaric chamber is a medical device that encloses a patient in a chamber containing oxygen at an elevated pressure. Fires most often start inside a hyperbaric chamber because of electrical problems or due to prohibited items brought inside the chamber.

Prohibited Items

• Items commonly prohibited inside a hyperbaric chamber include: cigarettes, lighters, matches, hand warmers, watches, jewelry, dentures and hard contact lenses. Cosmetics, hairspray, ointments, nylons and synthetic clothing are also not allowed. Such electronic devices as hearing aids, beepers, cellphones and video games are forbidden.

Precautions

• General fire safety precautions for hyperbaric chambers include using only electrical equipment approved for use in flammable or explosive environments and using only oxygen-compatible lubricants. Smoking is never allowed inside the chamber or in nearby control areas. All areas of the chamber must be kept free of dirt, dust, lint and grease. In addition, the chamber must be outfitted with a smoke alarm and a means of extinguishing a fire.

Solution

• According to the European Committee for Hyperbaric Medicine, measures to reduce the risk of hyperbaric chamber fires include fire prevention and fire-fighting emergency drills for all personnel, enforcement of a maintenance schedule and record keeping of all maintenance operations, and the prominent display of safety information posters. The health care facility should ensure that personnel receives proper training and should establish a safety policy for patients, personnel and visitors.