Static Electricity in the Hyperbaric Environment

Static charges and sparks are common. Spark energies produced by, or in the course of normal human activities, can reach levels high enough to ignite fires in some materials. If one considers sparks generated by the human body, the risk of ignition by static sparks in normal and enriched oxygen environments is predominately influenced by the nature of the material into which the spark discharges. Gases and vapors typically require extremely low energy levels compared to solid materials. Increases in oxygen concentrations lower ignition energy requirements in all materials. 

The hyperbaric environment poses an increased fire hazard primarily due to elevated oxygen concentrations. Under typical hyperbaric conditions, it would be extremely rare to see the discharge of more than a single spark, particularly if the patient was properly grounded. The potential for a single static spark to ignite a fire in a hyperbaric chamber is very low, unless volatile vapors or gases are introduced into the chamber environment. All personnel working with hyperbaric chambers should be aware of the hazards posed by volatile materials and should be vigilant to prevent the introduction of those materials into the chamber. 

Safely treating patients in enriched oxygen environments requires close attention to flammable materials control, maintaining oxygen levels as low as possible in the multiplace chamber, and controlling the development of hazardous static charge levels through grounding and humidity control. Increasing relative humidity and providing adequate conductive paths can significantly reduce the likelihood of charge and spark development.

Excerpted with permission from the publisher.

Source Reference: Hyperbaric Facility Safety: A Practical Guide, 2nd Edition

by Wilbur T. Workman and J. Steven Wood

Chapter 5.3 Static Electricity by J. Steven Wood

Best Publishing Company 

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