1.1 General

1.1.1 Application

This Standard applies to hyperbaric chambers that have as their primary function the subjection of humans to pressure environments exceeding 1 atmosphere absolute, such as those required in diving operations; work under compressed-air conditions;

medical treatment;

training; and

research.

 

1.1.2 Minimum requirements

This Standard establishes minimum requirements for the

operation;

use;

design;

construction;

maintenance; and

testing of all hyperbaric chambers.

 

1.2 Classification of human occupancy hyperbaric chambers

1.2.1 General

This Standard addresses the following classes of human-occupancy chambers:

chambers used for clinical Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) treatment and/or for research purposes;

chambers used for occupational diving operations;

chambers used for tunneling and caisson operations; and

hyperbaric chamber systems in support of offshore diving operations.

 

1.2.2 Chambers used for clinical HBO treatment and/or research purposes    A clinical HBO chamber is a hyperbaric facility that is overseen by a trained safety director and a Level 2 or Level 3 hyperbaric physician, licensed in the jurisdiction in which they practice medicine, who adheres to the Standard of practice as set out by the Canadian Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Association (CUHMA). Refer to Clause 17 for requirements applicable to research facilities used for human-subject research.

 

1.2.3 Types of hyperbaric chambers

1.2.3.1 Single-occupancy chamber

A single-occupancy or mono-place chamber is a hyperbaric chamber normally intended for the treatment of one person and capable of oxygen or air pressurization to a depth not exceeding 20 msw (66 fsw) for the provision of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, normally for clinical applications only.

1.2.3.2 Stationary (multiple-occupancy chamber)

A stationary chamber is a multiple-occupancy or multi-place hyperbaric chamber permanently installed in a vessel, platform, or shore-based facility and fixed to a permanent foundation, i.e., the vessel, platform, or building in which it is housed.

Note: Single lock multiple-occupancy stationary chambers may fall within this category.  This is to be approved by the AHJ

1.2.3.3 Transportable deck decompression chamber (DDC) for occupational diving/hyperbaric operations in support of tunnel construction

A transportable deck decompression chamber (DDC) is a multiple-occupancy hyperbaric chamber with two locks (compartments) that can operate to transfer personnel in and out of the main lock while maintaining pressure of the main lock; and  be moved to a diving or caisson site to support on-site operations.

This chamber may be temporarily set up as a stationary chamber during the period of a contract requiring hyperbaric support.

Note: These chambers are used for emergency pressure related ailment and/or for surface decompression procedures. They conform to the requirements stated in Clause 5.2 of CSA Z275.2 and are designed to operate at pressures of 6 ATA or greater.

 

1.2.4 Evacuation chamber

An evacuation chamber is a single- or multiple-occupancy hyperbaric chamber that has as its primary function the emergency transportation under pressure of an individual at risk of, or suffering from, a pressure-related ailment. It has a minimum pressure rating of 3 ATA. This sub-class also includes hyperbaric rescue craft (designed in accordance with IMCA D 053) and hyperbaric stretchers (see Clause 11.7).

 

1.2.5 Submersible compression chamber

A submersible compression chamber (SCC) is a hyperbaric chamber that is capable of transporting personnel, at elevated pressures, from the surface to an underwater site and vice versa.

 

1.3 Hazards

The Standard addresses special hazards associated with the

design;

construction;

operation; and

maintenance of hyperbaric facilities.

Note:  Refer to Annexes A, B, and C for a description of potential hazards. Consideration and control of these hazards is the basis for criteria in this Standard.

 

1.4 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the Standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.

 

1.5 Units of measurement

The values given in SI units are the units of record for the purposes of this Standard. The values given in parentheses are for information and comparison only.

Note:  See Annex D for conversion table.