Certified Hyperbaric Technologist Practice Test

Which of the following poses a fire safety concern in hyperbaric settings?

1. Static electricity

2. Pure oxygen

3. Medical gases

4. Dry cotton

The correct answer is: Static electricity

In hyperbaric settings, one of the most significant fire safety concerns is pure oxygen. Under hyperbaric conditions, the partial pressure of oxygen becomes much higher than in normal atmospheric conditions, which increases the risk of fire significantly. Pure oxygen environments can support combustion in ways that oxygen at normal pressure cannot. This means that any ignition source can easily lead to a fire, and materials that are normally safe in ambient air can become flammable when combined with pure oxygen. While static electricity, medical gases, and dry cotton can pose fire risks, the fundamental issue in a hyperbaric chamber is the presence of pure oxygen, which enhances the combustibility of materials present in the environment. The presence of static electricity can indeed cause sparks if not properly managed, and both medical gases and dry cotton have their own risks, particularly in relation to ignition when in contact with an oxygen-rich environment. However, the overwhelming concern in the context of hyperbaric therapy specifically relates to the use of pure oxygen and its potential to ignite fires under high pressure.