Postdive Checklist. To ensure equipment receives proper postdive maintenance
and is returned to operational readiness, perform the equipment checks listed in
the Recompression Chamber Postdive Checklist, Figure 22-12a.
Scheduled Maintenance. Proper care of a recompression chamber requires both
routine and periodic maintenance. Every USN recompression chamber (with the
exception of the TRCS) shall be pressure tested upon installation, at 2-year intervals
thereafter, after a major overhaul or repair, and each time it is moved. This
test shall be conducted in accordance with the pressure test for USN recompression
chambers (Figure 22-13a) contained in this chapter. The completed test form
shall be retained until retest is conducted. Chamber relief valves shall be tested in
accordance with the Planned Maintenance System to verify setting. Each tested
relief valve shall be tagged to indicate the valve set pressure, date of test, and
testing activity. After every use or once a month, whichever comes first, the
chamber shall receive routine maintenance in accordance with the Postdive
Checklist. At this time, minor repairs shall be made and used supplies shall be
restocked.
Inspections. At the discretion of the activity, but at least once a year, the chamber
shall be inspected, both inside and outside. Any deposits of grease, dust, or other
dirt shall be removed and, on steel chambers, the affected areas repainted.
Corrosion. Corrosion is removed best by hand or by using a scraper, being careful
not to gouge or otherwise damage the base metal. The corroded area and a small
area around it should then be cleaned to remove any remaining paint and/or
corrosion.
Painting Steel Chambers. Steel chambers shall be painted in accordance with
approved NAVSEA procedures. The following paint shall be utilized on steel
chambers:? Inside:
— Prime coat NSN 8010-01-302-3608.
— Finish coat white NSN 8010-01-302-3606.
Outside:
— Prime coat NSN 8010-01-302-3608.
— Exterior coats gray NSN 8010-01-302-6838 or white NSN
8010-01-302-3606.
Recompression Chamber Paint Process Instruction. Painting shall be kept to an
absolute minimum. Only the coats prescribed above are to be applied. Naval Sea
Systems Command will issue a Recompression Chamber Paint Process Instruction
(NAVSEA-00C3-PI-001) on request.
Aluminum Chambers. Only steel chambers are painted. Aluminum chambers are
normally a dull, uneven gray color and corrosion can be easily recognized.
Aluminum chambers will not be painted.
Fire Hazard Prevention. The greatest single hazard in the use of a recompression
chamber is from explosive fire. Fire may spread two to six times faster in a pressurized
chamber than at atmospheric conditions because of the high partial
pressure of oxygen in the chamber atmosphere. The
following precautions shall be taken to minimize fire hazard:
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Maintain the chamber oxygen percentage as close to 21
percent as possible and never allow oxygen percentage to exceed 25
percent.
?
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Remove any fittings or equipment that do not
conform with the standard requirements for the electrical system or that
are made of flammable materials. Permit no wooden deck gratings,
benches, or shelving in the chamber.
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Use only mattresses designed for hyperbaric
chambers. Use Durett Product or submarine mattress (NSN 7210-00-275-5878
or 5874). Other mattresses may cause atmospheric contamination.
Mattresses should be enclosed in flameproof covers. Use 100% cotton
sheets and pillow cases. Put no more bedding in a chamber than is
necessary for the comfort of the patient. Never use blankets of wool or
synthetic fibers because of the possibility of sparks from static
electricity.
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Keep oil and volatile materials out of the chamber.
If any have been used, ensure that the chamber is thoroughly ventilated
before pressurization. Do not put oil on or in any fittings or
high-pressure line. If oil is spilled in the chamber or soaked into any
chamber surface or equipment, it must be completely removed. If
lubricants are required, use only those approved and listed in Naval
Ships Technical Manual (NSTM) NAVSEA S9086-H7-STM-000, Chapter 262.
Regularly inspect and clean air filters and accumulators in the air
supply lines to protect against the introduction of oil or other vapors
into the chamber. Permit no one to wear oily clothing into the chamber.
?
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Permit no one to carry smoking materials, matches,
lighters or any flammable materials into a chamber. A WARNING sign
should be posted outside the chamber. Example:
WARNING Fire/Explosion Hazard.
No matches, lighters, electrical appliances, or flammable materials
permitted in chamber.
Fire Extinguishers. Only fire extinguishers listed on the NAVSEA Authorized for
Navy Use (ANU) Lists are to be used.
