Current Monthly Briefing

Monthly Briefing Archive

Monthly Briefing March 2024

A hyperbaric technical/safety director notified the Board of a recent issue and requested we share it with the wider hyperbaric community. It relates to multiplace chamber fire suppression system oversight. His facility was visited by a representative of the city’s Fire Marshal, during which it was stated that inspection, maintenance and testing of hyperbaric chamber fire suppression systems can only be conducted by an independent qualified third party. This contrasts sharply with the long-established practice of members of the hyperbaric program being responsible for these tasks. As an authoritative source document, the representative cited the International Building Code, one which applies principally to construction of buildings, per se, rather than addressing items of equipment that may be installed within them. It is unlikely that a building sprinkler installer, as referenced within the code, would have requisite knowledge and expertise to capably address the unique aspects of multiplace chamber fire suppression systems. In a formal response to the Fire Marshal’s office, the facility’s management drafted a ‘Class “A” Multiplace Hyperbaric Fire Suppression System Compliance Report’. This document, which argues for fire suppression system oversight to remain ‘in-house’, awaits the Fire Marshal’s response. We will update you once a reply is received.

This issue prompted the Board to generate a Position Statement, one that advocates for fire suppression system operational oversight to remain the responsibility of qualified hyperbaric team members. The Position Statement is below.

“Persons Qualified to Oversee Multiplace Chamber Fire Suppression Systems (2024-01) March 2024

It is the position of the National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology that multiplace hyperbaric chamber fire suppression system inspection, maintenance and testing is most effectively conducted by individuals who have undergone formal training in hyperbaric medicine and related safety, have completed hyperbaric safety director training, have achieved hyperbaric certification, and are authorized to undertake this responsibility by hyperbaric program leadership. Such individuals are considered by the Board to meet the definition of a “Qualified Person”, as referenced within National Fire Protection Association 99 Chapter 14 2024 14.3.4.3.5.5. The Board’s position is consistent with the NFPA definition of a Qualified Person, namely one who possesses a recognized degree, certificate, professional standing, or skill and who, by knowledge, training, and experience, has demonstrated the ability to deal with problems related to the subject matter, the work, or the project.”

Dick Clarke, President

National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology

Copyright © 2024. National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology. All rights reserved.

NBDHMT · P O Box 758 · Pelion, South Carolina 29123, USA · 888.312.2770

The National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology is a not-for-profit organization recognized as tax-exempt under the United States of America Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3) to ensure that the practice of diving medicine and hyperbaric oxygen therapy is supported by appropriately qualified technologists and nurses, through respective certification pathways. Funding is generated solely through certification fees and sales of Board merchandise. The National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology does not host or receive funding from advertisers or any other forms of business.

The information provided on this site is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between visitors to this site and health care professionals. Any information collected by this site, such as e-mail address, will never be passed on to any third party, unless required by law.

Google Analytics is a webmaster tool used to determine the devices used to access this website so the content can be properly coded to serve phones, tablets or desktops. It is also used to determine the number of visitors to assess load on the server. It is used soley for this purpose and not configured in any way to track or individually identify the visitors themselves and should not concern the visitor in any way.

Updated March 13, 2024