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 the oxygen supply wall shut-off valve, ensure 50-70 psi and document. 
2. Verify air compressors are on and running. Visually verify that there are no oil, water leaks. 
3. Visually inspect the chambers acrylic viewport(s) (interior and exterior) for cleanliness, scratches, crazing or defects. 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 all chamber door gaskets.  Checking for signs of degradation, damage, and cleanliness. Remove, clean and replace as needed. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for maintaining chamber door gaskets.
5. Perform and document chamber hull is grounded.
6. Turn the chamber computers on and visually verify systems boot up and are ready to treat patients .
7. Confirm the ventilation flow rate.
8. Compress chamber and confirm emergency vent system operation and function.
9. Confirm the uninterrupted power supply (UPS) system is available and its charging. Verify communications.
10. Confirm all gas cylinders have adequate volume (500 psi minimum).
11. All above checks should be documented on the Start-End Daily Chamber Inspection Form