Disclaimer: The ideas and opinions expressed in these documents are those of the authors. Inclusion on this list does not necessarily constitute endorsement by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society.
The articles listed below have been reproduced with the permission of the publisher. The downloadable files are in PDF format.
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Appeared in: Undersea Hyper Med 2005; 32(6)
Publisher: Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society
Description: Air-activated chemical warming devices use an exothermic chemical reaction of rapidly oxidizing iron to generate heat for therapeutic purposes. Placing these products in a hyperbaric oxygen environment greatly increases the supply of oxidant and thus increases the rate of reaction and maximum temperature. Testing for auto-ignition and maximum temperatures attained by ThermaCare™ Heat Wraps, Playtex™ Heat Therapy, and Heat Factory® disposable warm packs under ambient conditions and under conditions similar to those encountered during hyperbaric oxygen treatments in monoplace and multiplace hyperbaric chambers (3 atm abs and >95% oxygen) revealed a maximum temperature of 269°F (132°C) with no spontaneous ignition. The risk of thermal burn injury to adjacent skin may be significantly increased if these devices are used under conditions of hyperbaric oxygen.
Appeared in: UHMS Pressure Membership Newsletter
Description: I wrote an article explaining the storage details of small, "E” sized oxygen cylinders in the Health Care Environment. I received one question regarding the article and it asked if there could be more cylinders if the area was larger. The determining factor in this situation is the smoke compartment size requirement in a Health Care Occupancy, which is limited to 22,500 square feet, (2,100 meters square) and the travel distance to an exit can be no longer than 200 linear feet. These requirements are stated in NFPA 101, 18.3.7 & 19.3.7, (Subdivision of Building Spaces), New and Existing Health Care Occupancies, respectively.