Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Fire Safety and Oxygen Hazards in Hyperbaric Environments 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of fire suppression system is most commonly installed in multiplace hyperbaric chambers?
- Dry chemical extinguisher system
- Halon gas suppression
- Water deluge system (Correct answer)
- CO2 total flooding system
Correct answer: Water deluge system
Water deluge systems are preferred in multiplace chambers because they rapidly cool and suppress fires without creating toxic atmospheres harmful to patients and staff inside.
Question 2: What rating must electrical equipment used inside a hyperbaric chamber carry?
- Standard commercial grade (UL listed)
- Intrinsically safe or explosion-proof rated (Correct answer)
- High-voltage industrial rating
- Battery-powered rating only
Correct answer: Intrinsically safe or explosion-proof rated
Equipment used inside hyperbaric chambers must be intrinsically safe or explosion-proof to prevent sparks or arcing that could ignite the oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
Question 3: Which of the following personal care products is specifically prohibited before hyperbaric treatment?
- Unscented cotton bandages
- Hair spray and petroleum-based lotions (Correct answer)
- Saline wound rinse
- Water-based lubricating eye drops
Correct answer: Hair spray and petroleum-based lotions
Hair spray and petroleum-based lotions are flammable and prohibited because they increase fire risk in the oxygen-enriched chamber environment.
Question 4: Which factor presents the GREATEST increase in fire risk within a hyperbaric chamber?
- Patient age over 65
- Increased chamber depth (pressure)
- Elevated oxygen partial pressure (Correct answer)
- Extended treatment duration beyond 90 minutes
Correct answer: Elevated oxygen partial pressure
Elevated oxygen partial pressure is the primary fire risk factor because it dramatically lowers the ignition threshold and accelerates combustion of ordinary materials.
Question 5: The 'hot work permit' protocol in hyperbaric facilities is required before:
- Treating patients with burns
- Welding, cutting, or grinding near oxygen systems (Correct answer)
- Heating blankets for patient comfort
- Running high-temperature autoclaves nearby
Correct answer: Welding, cutting, or grinding near oxygen systems
Hot work permits are required before welding, cutting, or grinding near hyperbaric oxygen systems because these activities generate sparks near flammable oxygen-rich environments.
Question 6: Which cleaning agent is appropriate for use on hyperbaric chamber components and oxygen delivery equipment?
- Any commercial multi-surface cleaner
- Oxygen-compatible (oxygen-clean) cleaners only (Correct answer)
- Petroleum-based solvent degreasers
- Standard isopropyl alcohol (70%)
Correct answer: Oxygen-compatible (oxygen-clean) cleaners only
Only oxygen-compatible cleaners may be used because residual petroleum-based or flammable solvents on oxygen system components dramatically increase fire risk.
Question 7: A monoplace hyperbaric chamber primarily uses which gas for pressurization?
- Air
- Helium-oxygen mixture
- 100% oxygen (Correct answer)
- Nitrogen-oxygen mixture
Correct answer: 100% oxygen
Monoplace chambers are pressurized with 100% oxygen, which is why fire prevention is even more critical in monoplace units than in multiplace chambers.
Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Test CHT Fire Safety and Oxygen Hazards in Hyperbaric Environments 2
Which type of fire suppression system is most commonly installed in multiplace hyperbaric chambers?