Any avoidable accident that involves loss of life,
injury or damage to property is indeed a tragic occurrence.
The occurrence of accidents involving pressure
vessels world-wide is rare. While the facts of this case are
not yet understood, nor in fact even known, SAUHMA is able to provide the
assurance that, provided that the basic rules pertaining to hyperbaric equipment
are adhered to, hyperbaric medicine is and will remain a safe and well
controlled form of treatment.
The authorities in South Africa have
provided us with modern and relevant legislation and standards that govern
and guide the use of any potentially lethal or dangerous gas
containers.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act,
1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993) and the Vessels under Pressure Regulations
incorporated therein contain a clear blue-print of the duties and
responsibilities of all the parties - the users, the manufacturers and the
suppliers. Once can read up on the matter using the link http://www.labourwise.co.za/laws/Safety.PressureVessels.htm#Design which is offered free-of-charge. In addition, we
have a SABS Code of Practice (SANS 0377-1) for Pressure Vessels
for Human Occupancy, and since 1999, we have the SAUHMA Risk Assessment Guide
which provides guidance for medical practitioners, operational staff and anyone
tasked with the safety responsibility of a facility. All these documents
are clear, appropriate and cover all the aspects of concern and all of them have
been compiled by people with a wealth of practical experience.
Safety is, of course, only partly assured by a
chamber which is built in compliance with rules and regulations; it is
essential that those operating and maintaining the equipment are trained,
experienced and competent to do so. This is all well described within our
legislation.
We do not lack for clear or relevant guidance
within our country. Based on over 80 years of relevant experience around
the world, nowhere has any compliant facility ever seen the effects that this
horrific accident has brought home to us. What we do need to realize
though, is that we have to understand the risks involved and thus perform our
duties in such a way as to minimize, remove or at least contain these risks if
we are to be truly safe. Safety is vitally important and understanding is
the key.
We would earnestly appeal to all people who are
contemplating the use of HBO to ensure three things before entering
any chamber:
- ensure that HBO is, in
fact, medically indicated and advisable for the particular illness or
condition.
- ensure that the chamber is
tested, licenced and approved by the Department of Labour and that such approval
is in date.
- ensure that the chamber
personnel and operators are fully trained and
registered in medical hyperbaric oxygen
administration.
SAUHMA is always very willing to offer expert
advice and help to anyone who might need it with regard to HBO and its
medically-approved indications Simply contact us through DAN at 011
254-1991/2. SAUHMA also has in its members a wealth of expertise and
we would gladly assist the authorities with their investigation of the
incident.
Dr G. D. Van Niekerk MBChB, Dipl Occ
Med
President SAUHMA
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