Product Advisories

Safety/Maintenance

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Acrylic Window Aging – Maintenance & Inspections

We at Perry Baromedical would like to thank you for your purchase of a Perry Baromedical Hyperbaric Chamber. Whether you’re a first time customer or a long-term member of the Perry family, we truly hope your facility is enjoying a successful operating program and that you have been able to treat your patients in a manner that has helped them through difficult recoveries.

As the end-user of a PVHO chamber (Pressure Vessel for Human Occupancy), and according to the requirements contained within the Operator’s Manual, ASME/PVHO-2 (Clause 1-2.1, Clause 1-6.1), NFPA 99 (National Fire Protection Association Clause 14.3.1.3.2), and the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration – implicit operators responsibilities pursuant to the manufacturers statement of specified servicing under FDA 21CFR Part 820, Subpart N, Section 820.200), your facility is responsible for developing and implementing a maintenance program that will specifically address and satisfy the requirements for the proper inspection of the acrylic window (in addition to the general chamber maintenance requirements). The purpose of this memo is to alert you of these and additional requirements specifically in regards to the acrylic window as the window nears the end of the 10-year design life. It is strongly suggested that you obtain copies of the above referenced documents and read them thoroughly.

These controlling standards, and in particular, PVHO-2, Section 2 (Viewports), Clause 2-4.1, calls for (1) an operational acrylic window inspection based on daily usage, and (2) a more comprehensive maintenance inspection based on design life. Prior to end of design life, in addition to daily inspections, the acrylic window would also be inspected annually, based on the maintenance schedule listed in the Operators Manual. As the acrylic window reaches 10 years of age (or 10,000 cycles, whichever comes first), the inspection requirements become much more stringent and expand to include the need for additional specific documentation. The need and frequency of this inspection schedule is outlined in PVHO- 2, Clause 2-4.3, and is specified at a maximum interval of 24 months after the end of the design life (PVHO-2, Table 2- 4.3-1).

Under normal conditions a 10-year inspection results in a satisfactory review and the chamber is certified to remain in service for an additional (1) year period, with a scheduled re-inspection each year thereafter for a total possible life span of 20 years (or 20,000 cycles, whichever comes first). However it’s important to know that acrylics do age and eventually require replacement. And because of the costs involved, knowing this well before you face the need to do such a replacement will assist you in accurately costing your treatment profiles over the long term.

Please keep in mind that at any time during the annual inspection process (prior to end of design life), if a determination is made that the acrylic has failed the (above referenced) PVHO requirements, and cannot be repaired, or it is in need of replacement based on the applicable standards, the inspecting firm is required to red tag the machine and prohibit its continued use for human treatments. Fortunately, outside of cases of specific trauma to the acrylic window, the aging process is usually gradual and windows can be monitored monthly or quarterly should an anomaly be found during an inspection.

We realize that this inspection and possible “red tag” may severely impact your facilities operating capabilities, but the first priority is patient safety and the requirements under which these devices are built, manufactured, and maintained.

Should you like additional information on the requirements of the referenced code specifications, information on possible inspection programs, or just wish to discuss the general aspects of the chamber servicing requirements, please contact either Perry Baromedical’s Engineering
or Customer Service departments at your earliest convenience.

Safety/Performance

The SIGMA Series Monoplace chamber is intended to be used by prescription only by trained personnel.

The following are general safety requirements regarding  chamber operation, the operator of the device and patient safety:

SAFETY: CHAMBER SAFETY

The SIGMA Series monoplace chamber is safe to operate when used as directed, however, the increased pressure inside the chamber, and use of 100% oxygen, requires that the Owner/User take the time to fully understand the operational and functional aspects of the system, including any added cautions associated with operation of the system as a pressure vessel. The increased pressure and the use of 100% oxygen mandate that the Owner/User understand the risks involved. The service requirements and maintenance schedules provided to the owner/user are intended to provide the guidance and instructions needed to maintain the chamber within operational specifications. Perry Baromedical requires that service be performed by suitably trained technicians, who have demonstrated proficiency with the system. This is necessary to mitigate risks associated with the system and assure the Owner/User that the system is maintained in proper working order.

PERSONNEL

All personnel who will operate the hyperbaric chamber should be thoroughly trained in its use and have a good working knowledge of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in general. The selection of competent and experienced personnel is critical to safe usage of hyperbaric chamber systems. The physician in charge should be trained and proficient in the application of hyperbaric oxygen treatment.

PATIENT SAFETY

The user organization should develop and follow its own operating safety procedures, consistent with good medical practice.

Thank you again for your business. Everyone at Perry is committed to your long-term success.

Sincerely,
Perry Baromedical Engineering

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