Stepping into the Role of the Hyperbaric Safety Director
Source: this article is excerpted from Hyperbaric Facility Safety. Chapter 6.2
The safety director play a critical role in the operation of a hyperbaric facility, ensuring the facility provides care compliant with national, state, and local safety standards. The first step in your development as the hyperbaric safety director should be to understand your role. The safety director should not be a scapegoat, superhero, know-it-all, or roadblock. The safety director should be an organizer, educator, coach, mentor, and leader of the safety team.
The NFPA, specifically NFPA 99, Health Care Facilities Code, 2018 Edition, (Chapter 14: Hyperbaric Facilities) is an excellent resource to set the framework for your facility safety program. NFPA mandates that each hyperbaric facility designates an onside hyperbaric safety director but does not cite any qualifications for the job. The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), however, offers guidance on safety and in the UHMS Guidelines for Hyperbaric Facility Operations. The NFPA and UHMS outline specific responsibilities of the safety director and most are addressed in this text. Understanding what is expected of you, your attitude toward your duties, and how you conduct yourself will have a significant impact on your success as safety director.
Introduction to the role of safety director basic training program benefits those new to the hyperbaric safety director position by orienting them to the responsibilities as defined by the NFPA, UHMS and other organizations.
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The title of safety director should not be considered equivalent to a hospital department director position. It is intended as an additional set of safety responsibilities assigned to a technician, nurse, administrator, or physician in the hyperbaric department. The NFPA currently recommends the medical director not serve as the safety director, as it is considered a conflict of responsibilities.
The NFPA lists directly defined responsibilities for the safety director including recognition of hazards, policy development, oversight, maintenance, and documentation. There are also implied responsibilities, including implementation and conformance with applicable sections of NFPA 99, Chapter 14.
Continue your training & certification in: The Role of Hyperbaric Safety Director
Introduction to the Role of Hyperbaric Safety Director 16-hour basic training in the role of hyperbaric safety director is offered by our sister company, Wound Care Education Partners
Hyperbaric Certified - Safety (HC-S©) 62-hour training with in person skills lab. Become an expert in hyperbaric safety with the Hyperbaric Certified - Safety (HC-S©) designation. This certification demonstrates that you have achieved the highest professional standards in hyperbaric safety and helps you maintain your advanced training certification.
The new release of Best Publishing Company's UHMS Guidelines to Hyperbaric Facility Operations, 4th Edition is set for March, 2025. Order your updated guideline at bestpub.com.
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