MONTHLY 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 or Nurse Manager and evaluated in accordance with the  institutional Biomedical Engineering policy before being placed into service. 

Each month inspections should be conducted.  Specifically, the Monthly Chamber Inspection, Monthly Hyperbaric Unit Inspection and the Monthly Chamber Rate Verification. 

Chamber

1. Inspect the chamber door seal. If deterioration is seen, remove and inspect further for any signs of cracks, defect or degradation. 
2. Prior to replacing the door seal the door seal grove should be cleaned with a damp cloth.  Particular care should be taken when replacing the door seal, as not to cause damage to the seal. Clean out the seal groove and clean the seal with a damp cloth. Be careful not to stretch the seal by pulling.
3. Examine the brass door lugs and lubricate with Krytox as indicated. 
4. Clean the chamber rails with a damp cloth. 
5. Examine the internal and external acrylic for scratches, crazing or defect.  Clean and polish the internal and external acrylic using appropriate grade of Novus polish. 
6. Verify proper function of the chamber safety pin.
7. Confirm proper function of the Emergency vent system.
8. Clean each chamber stretcher with warm soapy water, including the arm rails and stretcher assembly.
9. Perform ground continuity verification at all (3) points; hospital ground, chamber ground and patient ground.
10. Perform and document the Monthly Rate Verification test for each chamber.
11. Record cycle count for the chamber and document the corresponding Monthly check form.