ROUTINE INSPECTION

Routine chamber inspections are conducted to clarify proper chamber maintenance procedures and affect safe operation of all equipment utilized during HBO therapy and to ensure the safety of the environment in the hyperbaric medicine facility. 

All equipment utilized by the hyperbaric medicine facility is maintained through a program of regular preventative maintenance. The manufacturer during the regularly scheduled service contract maintains the hyperbaric chambers. Biomedical and other life sensitive equipment is serviced and maintained by the Hospital's Biomedical Engineering Department and are cleaned in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer.

All new equipment is examined and approved by the Hyperbaric Medicine Service Program Director and inspected and approved by Biomedical Engineering personnel prior to being placed into service. 

Each day and/or prior to the first treatment of the day, the daily chamber inspection should be performed. The inspections should be performed and documented for each chamber with the corresponding serial number. Inspections should be done every day the hyperbaric facility is open whether patients are being treated or not. 

Daily Chamber Inspection

1. Turn on oxygen supply wall shut-off valve, ensure 50-70 psi and document. 
2. Inspect and ensure the chamber exhaust hose is connected and not kinked  
3. Inspect the chamber acrylic (interior and exterior) for cleanliness, scratches, crazing or defect. Signs of crazing, scratches or defect in the acrylic should be documented on the chamber acrylic blemish form and reported to the Safety Director immediately.
4.  Inspect the chamber door gasket for degradation, damage, and cleanliness. Remove, clean and replace as needed.
5. Perform and document chamber ground stud to wall continuity verification.
6. Perform and document chamber patient ground to chamber stud ground continuity verification.
7. Turn chamber on and visually verify safety pin system engaged.
8. Confirm the ventilation flow rate.
9. Compress chamber and confirm emergency vent system operation and function.
10. Confirm battery charger is plugged in and indicator light on. Verify communications.
11. Confirm air BIB’s cylinder has adequate volume (500 psi minimum).
12. All above checks should be documented on the Daily Inspection form