Chamber Maintenance Part 2

We have our cars serviced regularly, so why not our recompressIon chamber facIlItIes? After havIng spent several years assessIng various chambers all around the globe, DAN has developed the Nuts & Bolts chamber maIntenance traInIng course to help chamber staff wIth maIntenance.
In the last issue of Alert Diver, we shared with you the launching of the new IDAN chamber maintenance training course. This is an initiative that focuses on empowering chamber technicians and general staff members, based at remotely located yet essential hyperbaric medical centres, to be able to take better care of their facilities through simple servicing and inspection activities.
From our risk assessments of over 100 facilities around the diving world we found the following, somewhat concerning, trends:
No maintenance at all 66%
No maintenance training 88%
No checking of depth gauges 67%
No testing of fire-protection systems 84%
No leak testing of piping 70%
No idea of oxygen cleaning 95%
No oxygen analyser calibration 74%
No air-quality testing 85%
No testing of chamber safety valves 73%
No cleaning of particle filters 87%
While something specialised like proper oxygen cleaning of piping systems and control equipment before these are exposed to high levels of oxygen is perhaps understandable, who feels really confident entering a chamber where the fire-extinguishing system is not tested regularly to be sure it will work if it is ever needed?
So, what we need is a well-constructed maintenance plan; one that does not imply an unaffordable budget, and the basic skills to go with this. There are a few important facts to consider as to why we should pay attention to this essential safety issue. I mean, we all have our cars serviced regularly, don’t we? This is partially because motor vehicles represent a substantial investment to us. However, more importantly, we do not want to either put ourselves or our families at risk from accidents due to a breakdown or failure, or find ourselves stranded just when we really need to be somewhere else!
This holds the same for a recompression chamber facility. Any breakdowns or failures can result in a compromise in the medical care we are trying to provide, or render the facility unavailable to someone in need, or even cause injury or death to our patients or staff members.
Repairs usually have a habit of being required at very inconvenient times, and we all know that a rushed repair is a very expensive repair. And for those who have invested heavily to provide the facility, denying treatment to an injured diver means loss of revenue. Many of these remote facilities survive on only a few treatments a year, and being shut or unavailable due to poor maintenance is inexcusable!
The greatest reason for all of this lies not in the unwillingness of staff manning these centres. While financial considerations do play a role, we have found that there are really two primary reasons.
Firstly, finding appropriate training on the rather unique assembly of equipment and machinery making up a treatment facility has been, up until now, almost impossible. And secondly, figuring out exactly how to string along a series of checks, tests, inspections and basic servicing techniques to cover a complete facility appears to be a rather daunting task, even to those who have had some training.
DAN has the perfect springboard from which to launch a corrective plan to address all of these shortcomings, concerns and needs. Our reviews and assessments provided us with all the clues, and we have spent the past two years putting together a programme that can instruct any willing staff member to play a useful role in taking care of the equipment that they are
responsible for.
The Nuts & Bolts Chamber Maintenance Training course, offered to support our RCAPP participants, provides the facility with all the information that they need to establish a comprehensive, planned and effective maintenance programme, together with hands-on skills training to ensure that the staff know how to implement all the activities. This is offered on-site, so that the skills relate to the actual equipment that the facility has, rather than a generic series of equipment, instruments and controls.
So, we are able to provide two of the key elements of competence: training and a degree of hands-on experience. Then it is up to the chamber owner, medical director or facility manager to ensure that the skills are put into place before declaring the staff member competent.
Best of all, DAN remains available to provide on-going advice, input and updates! We want to remain as a part of the team so that the hype of the course is not lost in the “mists of time”.
From our risk assessments of over 100 facilities around the diving world we found the following, somewhat concerning, trends:
No maintenance at all 66%
No maintenance training 88%
No checking of depth gauges 67%
No testing of fire-protection systems 84%
No leak testing of piping 70%
No idea of oxygen cleaning 95%
No oxygen analyser calibration 74%
No air-quality testing 85%
No testing of chamber safety valves 73%
No cleaning of particle filters 87%
While something specialised like proper oxygen cleaning of piping systems and control equipment before these are exposed to high levels of oxygen is perhaps understandable, who feels really confident entering a chamber where the fire-extinguishing system is not tested regularly to be sure it will work if it is ever needed?
So, what we need is a well-constructed maintenance plan; one that does not imply an unaffordable budget, and the basic skills to go with this. There are a few important facts to consider as to why we should pay attention to this essential safety issue. I mean, we all have our cars serviced regularly, don’t we? This is partially because motor vehicles represent a substantial investment to us. However, more importantly, we do not want to either put ourselves or our families at risk from accidents due to a breakdown or failure, or find ourselves stranded just when we really need to be somewhere else!
This holds the same for a recompression chamber facility. Any breakdowns or failures can result in a compromise in the medical care we are trying to provide, or render the facility unavailable to someone in need, or even cause injury or death to our patients or staff members.
Repairs usually have a habit of being required at very inconvenient times, and we all know that a rushed repair is a very expensive repair. And for those who have invested heavily to provide the facility, denying treatment to an injured diver means loss of revenue. Many of these remote facilities survive on only a few treatments a year, and being shut or unavailable due to poor maintenance is inexcusable!
The greatest reason for all of this lies not in the unwillingness of staff manning these centres. While financial considerations do play a role, we have found that there are really two primary reasons.
Firstly, finding appropriate training on the rather unique assembly of equipment and machinery making up a treatment facility has been, up until now, almost impossible. And secondly, figuring out exactly how to string along a series of checks, tests, inspections and basic servicing techniques to cover a complete facility appears to be a rather daunting task, even to those who have had some training.
DAN has the perfect springboard from which to launch a corrective plan to address all of these shortcomings, concerns and needs. Our reviews and assessments provided us with all the clues, and we have spent the past two years putting together a programme that can instruct any willing staff member to play a useful role in taking care of the equipment that they are
responsible for.
The Nuts & Bolts Chamber Maintenance Training course, offered to support our RCAPP participants, provides the facility with all the information that they need to establish a comprehensive, planned and effective maintenance programme, together with hands-on skills training to ensure that the staff know how to implement all the activities. This is offered on-site, so that the skills relate to the actual equipment that the facility has, rather than a generic series of equipment, instruments and controls.
So, we are able to provide two of the key elements of competence: training and a degree of hands-on experience. Then it is up to the chamber owner, medical director or facility manager to ensure that the skills are put into place before declaring the staff member competent.
Best of all, DAN remains available to provide on-going advice, input and updates! We want to remain as a part of the team so that the hype of the course is not lost in the “mists of time”.
Categories
2020
January
February
Group Fitness at the PoolHow to Rescue a Distressed diver at the SurfaceHow to manage Near-DrowningNo Sit-ups no problem How to manage MalariaHow to manage Oxygen Deficiency (Hypoxia)What to do when confronted by a sharkHow to manage Scombroid PoisoningHow to perform a Deep Diver RescueHow to perform One-rescuer CPRHow to perform a Neurological Assessment
March
DAN’s Quick Guide to Properly Disinfecting Dive GearCOVID-19 : Prevention Recommendations for our Diving CommunityGermophobia? - Just give it a reasonable thoughtScuba Equipment care – Rinsing and cleaning diving equipmentCOVID-19 and DAN MembershipFurther limitations imposed on travels and considerations on diving activitiesDAN Membership COVID-19 FAQsLancet COVID-19 South African Testing SitesCOVID-19 No Panic Help GuideGetting Decompression Sickness while FreedivingDown in the DumpsCardiovascular Disease and DivingDelayed Off-GassingDiving after Dental surgeryDiving with Multiple MedicationsPygmy Seahorses: Life AquaticAfrica DustCOVID-19 Myth BustersScuba Units Are Not Suitable Substitutes for VentilatorsDisinfection of Scuba Equipment and COVID-19Physioball Stability Exercises
April
COVID-19 AdvisoryScuba Equipment Care - Drying & Storing Your GearTransporting Diving Lights & BatteriesHow to Pivot Your Message During a CrisisTourism Relief FundCOVID-19 Business Support ReviewDiving After COVID-19: What We Know TodayEUBS-ECHM Position Statement on Diving ActivitiesPart 2: COVID-19 Business Support ReviewPress Release
May
Diving in the Era of COVID-19Dive Operations and COVID-19: Prepping for ReturnCOVID-19 & Diving Activities: 10 Safety RecommendationsCOVID-19: Surface Survival TimesThe Philippines at its FinestThe Logistics of ExplorationThe Art of the Underwater SelfieShooter: Douglas SeifertFAQs Answered: Disinfecting Scuba EquipmentStock your First-Aid KitResearch and OutreachCovid-19 ResearchOut of the BlueEffects of Aspirin on DivingThe New Pointy end of DivingDiving and Hepatitis CCaissons, Compressed-Air work and Deep TunnellingPreparing to Dive in the New NormalNew Health Declaration Form Sample Addressing C-19 IssuesDiving After COVID 19: What Divers Need to Know
June
Travel Smarter: PRE-TRIP VACCINATIONSAttention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and DivingCOVID-19: Updated First Aid Training Recommendations From DANDiving with a Purpose in National Marine SanctuariesStay Positive Through the PandemicFor the Dive Operator: How to Protect Your Staff & ClientsStudying Deep reefs and Deep diversAsking the Right QuestionsLung squeeze under cold diving conditions
July
Dive DeprivationVolunteer Fish Surveys: Engage DiversDAN Member Profile: Mehgan Heaney-GrierTravel Smarter: Don’t Cancel, Reschedule InsteadDive Boat Fire SafetyRay of HopePartner ExercisesDiving at AltitudeAluminium ExposureHip FracturesAcoustic NeuromaGuidelines for Lifelong Medical Fitness to DiveNew Dive Medical Forms
August
Women in Diving: Lauren Arthur, Conservationist & Natural History Story TellerWomen in Diving: Dr Sara Andreotti White Shark ResearcherTiming ExerciseWomen in Diving: The Salty Wanderer, Charlie WarlandWomen in Diving: Beth Neale, Aqua soul of freedivingWomen in Diving: Diving and spearfishing Diva, Jean HattinghWomen in Diving: Zandile Ndhlovu, The Black Mermaid
September
October
Freediving For ScienceStep Exercises with CardioFluorescence Imaging help Identify Coral BleachingChildren and DivingThe Watchman device and divingScuba Diving and Factor V Leiden gene mutationNitrogen Narcosis at shallow depthsOil and Particulates: Safe levels in Breathing Air at depthDive Principles for Coping with COVID-19The Importance of a Predive Safety CheckTalya Davidoff: the 'Plattelandse Meisie' Freediver
2019
February
April
May
DAN Press ReleaseYour Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 1Your Dive Computer: Tips and tricks - PART 2Aural HygieneDCS AheadHow Divers Can Help with coral conservationRed Tide and shellfish poisoningDiving after Kidney DonationDiving with hypertrophic cardiomyopathyEmergency Underwater Oxygen Recompression
June
July
September
October
November
Exercise drills with DowelsHeart-rate TrainingCultivating ConservationTRavel Smarter : Evaluating an unfamiliar Dive operatorChallenging the Frontiers of Decompression ResearchTravel Smarter: Plan for Medical EmergenciesWhen should I call my Doctor?DAN Student Medical Expense CoverageAdvice, Support and a LifelineWetsuits and heat stressDiving after Chiropractic adjustments
2018
April
Flying after pool diving FAQLung squeeze while freediving FAQDiving after Bariatric surgery FAQMarine injuries FAQVasovagal Syncope unpredictable FAQIncident report procedure FAQDiving after knee surgery FAQDiving when in RemissionDive with orbital Implant FAQInert gas washout FAQOxygen ears FAQPost Decompression sicknessChildren and diving. The real concerns.Diving after SurgeryPhysiology of Decompresssion sickness FAQDiving and regular exerciseGordon Hiles - I am an Underwater Cameraman and Film MakerScuba Air QualityBreath-hold diving. Part 3: The Science Bit!Compensation Legislation and the Recreational DiverCape Town DivingFive pro tips for capturing better images in cold waterThe Boat Left Without You: Now What?
May
When things go wrongEmergency Planning: Why Do We Need It?Breath-hold diving: Running on reserve -Part 5 Learning to RebreatheSweet Dreams: When Can I Resume Diving Post Anaesthesia?Investing in the future of reefsTo lie or not to lie?THE STORY OF A RASH AFTER A DIVEFirst Aid KitsTaravana: Fact or Falacy?
June
Oxygen Unit MaintenanceKnow Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 1Know Your Oxygen-Delivery Masks 2Emergency Oxygen unitsInjuries due to exposure - HypothermiaInjuries due to exposure - Altitude sicknessInjuries due to Exposure - Dehydration and other concernsHow to plan for your dive tripThe Future of Dive MedicinePlastic is Killing our ocean
September
Return to DivingDiagnoses: Pulmonary blebSide effects of Rectogesic ointmentDiving with ChemotherapyReplacing dive computers and BCDsCustomize Your First-Aid KitPlan for medical emergenciesHow the dive Reflex protects the brain and heartDry suits and skin BendsAltitude sickness and DCSScuba Diving and Life Expectancy
2017
March
April
Incident Insight: TriageA Field Guide to Minor MishapsSnorkels: Pros & ConsTime & RecoveryMedication & Drug UseDiving with CancerNitrox FAQCOPD FAQHyperbaric Chamber FAQJet Lag FAQHydration FAQAnticoagulant Medication FAQFluid in the Ear FAQEye Surgery FAQElderly Divers FAQNitrogen FAQHealth Concerns FAQMotion Sickness FAQMicronuclei FAQ
June
August
2016
February
March
Breath-Hold Diving & ScubaReturn to Diving After DCITiming Exercise & DivingHot Tubs After DivingSubcutaneous EmphysemaIn-Water RecompressionDiving at AltitudeFlying After DivingDiving After FlyingThe Risks of Diabetes & DivingFlu-like Symptoms Following a DiveHand & Foot EdemaFrontal HeadachesBladder DiscomfortLatex AllergiesRemember to BreatheProper Position for Emergency CareAches & PainsCell Phones While DrivingSurfers Ear Ear Ventilation TubesDealing with Ear ProblemsDiving with Existing Ear InjuriesPerforated Ear DrumENT SurgeryUnpluggedCochlear ImplantsPortuguese Man-of-WarJellyfish StingsLionfish, Scorpionfish & Stonefish EnvenomationsStingray Envenomation Coral Cuts, Scrapes and RashesSpeeding & Driving Behaviour
June
Newsflash! Low Pressure Hose DeteriorationItching & rash go away & come back!7 Things we did not know about the oceanMigraine HeadacheAttention Deficit Disorder Cerebral Vascular AccidentEpilepsyCerebral PalsyHistory of SeizuresMultiple Sclerosis Head TraumaBreast Cancer & Fitness to Dive IssuesLocal Allergic ReactionsSea LiceHow ocean pollution affects humans Dive Fatality & Lobster Mini-Season StatisticsPregnancy & DivingReturn to Diving After Giving BirthBreast Implants & DivingMenstruation During Diving ActivitiesOral Birth ControlBreast FeedingPremenstrual SyndromeOsteoporosisThe Aftermath of Diving IncidentsCompensation Legislation & the Recreational DiverNoise-Induced Hearing LossLegal MattersThe Nature of Liability & DivingDAN Legal NetworkWaivers, Children & Solo DivingHealthy, but overweight!Taking Medication while Scuba DivingGetting Fit for the Dive SeasonBone Considerations in Young DiversAsthma and Scuba DivingHepatitisDiving with HyperglycemiaShoulder PainDiving After Spinal Back Surgery
August
Hazard Identification & Risk AssessmentCaring For Your People Caring For Your FacilitiesCaring For Your BusinessScuba Air Quality Part 1Scuba Air Quality Part 2Chamber Maintenance Part 1Chamber Maintenance Part 2The Aging Diver Propeller SafetyRelease The PressureDon't Get LostMore Water, Less Bubbles13 Ways to Run Out of Air & How Not To7 Mistakes Divers Make & How To Avoid ThemSafety Is In The AirHow Good Is Your Emergency Plan
2015
January
March
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