Fire Safety for Hyperbaric Chambers

State of Idaho DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE BRAD LITTLE Governor DIVISION OF STATE FIRE MARSHAL 700 West State Street, 3rd Floor P.O. Box 83720 Boise, Idaho 83720-0043 Phone (208)334-4370 Fax (208)334-4375 Website: https://doi.idaho.gov DEAN L. CAMERON Director KNUTE SANDAHL State Fire Marshal Equal Opportunity Employer BULLETIN NO. 23-01 DATE: January 3, 2023 TO: All Idaho Fire Service Agencies FROM: Knute C. Sandahl, State Fire Marshal SUBJECT: Fire Safety for Hyperbaric Chambers The Idaho State Fire Marshal has received inquiries regarding fire safety standards regarding the use of hyperbaric chambers for oxygen therapy purposes. In order to protect the public, this bulletin is intended to inform fire safety officials. Hyperbaric chambers are regulated by the 2018 edition of the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted by the state of Idaho. Section 609.1 of the IFC requires hyperbaric facilities to be inspected, tested, and maintained in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 99, which defines a “hyperbaric facility” as a building, structure, or space used to house hyperbaric chambers and auxiliary service equipment for medical applications and procedure at pressure above normal atmospheric pressure. Chapter 14 of the NFPA Standard 99, entitled Hyperbaric Facilities incorporates the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy, 2016 (ASME PVHO-1). The State Fire Marshal, pursuant to Idaho Code, Title 41, Chapter 2, Section 41-254(3) interprets the IFC to request that hyperbaric chambers comply with ASME PVHO-1. Such hyperbaric facilities need to satisfy each of the requirements in IFC section 609 and NFPA 99 including, but not limited to, those related to fire suppression, fire alarms, and emergency planning pancy, 2016 (ASME PVHO-1). The State Fire Marshal, pursuant to Idaho Code, Title 41, Chapter 2, Section 41-254(3) interprets the IFC to request that hyperbaric chambers comply with ASME PVHO-1. Such hyperbaric facilities need to satisfy each of the requirements in IFC section 609 and NFPA 99 including, but not limited to, those related to fire suppression, fire alarms, and emergency planning. This bulletin does not apply to the use of these devises in private one and two-family dwelling units, however it is recommended that these products meet the ASME PVHO-1 listing. Questions concerning this bulletin can be referred to: Knute C. Sandahl, State Fire Marshal 700 W. State Street, 3rd Floor Boise, Idaho 83720 (208) 334-4370