A EUROPEAN CODE OF GOOD PRACTICE FOR HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY

http://www.echm.org/documents/ECGP%20for%20HBO%20-%20May%202004.pdf

The main goal of this document is to present a European Code of Good Practice for HBO Therapy based on existing experience from experts of hyperbaric centres, committees, professional and scientific associations.

 Minimum team during a hyperbaric session for multiplace chambers 

During any session the functions involved are: S

upervision of the treatment (medical aspect and safety of operations), Operation of the chambers, 

Attendance of patients under pressure, Emergency assistance under pressure if needed. 

Thus, the minimum recommended team size is three people: 

One hyperbaric physician. 

One attendant 

 One operator. 

 Fitness and health surveillance

Exposure to the pressurised environment may result in occupational hazards. To prevent the risks: 

3.5.1. People working even occasionally under pressure must undergo an appropriate initial and periodical medical examination to be recognised fit for hyperbaric exposures according to national regulations for work under pressure. Consideration should also be given to daily fitness, and the possibility of pregnancy or illness. 

3.5.2. Any illness related to working under pressure must be reported according to national regulations. The employee must be declared fit for hyperbaric exposures before returning to work under pressure. 

3.5.3. Facilities must adopt a set of published decompression procedures in order to reduce to a minimum the risks associated with single and repeated exposures. They may include additional safety considerations to the standard procedures. Procedures should consider the limits of repeated exposures (pressure, duration and surface interval) per person within a 24 hour period and the number of daily exposures without a break (see section 6.3.5.). Obligation for decompression stops should be kept to the minimum, enabling decompression to atmospheric pressure within a reasonable time. In any event, procedures for immediate recompression of attendants should be in place. 

Gas supply - Quality

Air to pressurise the chamber(s) must comply with EN 12021. In the absence of available standards, any other gas must be breathable at least with the same level of safety as for divers at work.