1. (a) General.

   1. (1) The number of treatment stations should be based upon the expected workload and may include several work shifts per day.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) The location should offer convenient access for outpatients.
      2. (B) Accessibility to the unit from parking and public transportation should be a consideration.

2. (b) Treatment areas.

   1. (1) Hyperbaric chambers for multiple occupancy (Class A) should be installed in accordance with NFPA 99.

   2. (2)

      1. (A) Hyperbaric chambers for individual patients (Class B) should be installed in accordance with NFPA 99 in a room or suite adequately sized to provide the following clearances:

3. (i) Chamber and side wall, five feet (5’);

   1. (ii) Between chambers, six feet (6’); and

      1. (iii) Between the chamber headboard and the wall, three feet (3’).

      2. (B) A minimum passage space of four feet (4’) shall be provided at the foot of each chamber in addition to the required clearances for sliding patients' platforms in end-loading chambers.

         1. (c) Functional elements. The following support spaces should be provided and may be shared with adjacent departments:

   2. (1)

      1. (A) Patient waiting area.

      2. (B) The area should:

         1. (i) Be out of traffic;
         2. (ii) Be under staff control; and
         3. (iii) Have seating capacity in accordance with the functional program.
      3. (C) When the hyperbaric suite is routinely used for outpatients and inpatients at the same time, separate waiting areas should be provided with screening for visual privacy between the waiting areas;
   3. (2) A control desk and reception area should be provided;

   4. (3)

      1. (A) A holding area under staff control should accommodate inpatients on stretchers or beds.
      2. (B) Stretcher patients should be out of the direct line of normal traffic.
      3. (C) The patient holding area may be omitted for two (2) or fewer individual hyperbaric chamber units;
   5. (4) Toilet rooms for the use of patients should be provided with direct access from the hyperbaric suite;

   6. (5)

      1. (A) Dressing rooms for outpatients should:

         1. (i) Be provided; and
         2. (ii) Include a seat or bench, mirror, and provisions for hanging patients' clothing and for securing valuables.
      2. (B) At least one (1) dressing room should be provided to accommodate wheelchair patients;
   7. (6) An appropriate room for individual and family consultation with referring physicians should be provided for outpatients;

   8. (7)

      1. (A) A clean storage space should be provided for clean supplies and linens.
      2. (B) Handwashing stations should be provided with hands-free operable controls.
      3. (C) When a separate storage room is provided, it may be shared with another department when conveniently located;

   9. (8)

      1. (A) A soiled holding room should be provided with waste receptacles and soiled linen receptacles.
      2. (B) Storage for patients' belongings should be provided;

   10. (9)

       1. (A) A housekeeping room should:

          1. (i) Be provided; and
          2. (ii) Contain a floor receptor or service sink and storage space for housekeeping supplies and equipment.
       2. (B) It should be located nearby;

   11. (10)

       1. (A) Appropriate areas should be available for male and female personnel for staff:

          1. (i) Clothing change area; and
          2. (ii) Lounge.

       2. (B) The areas should contain:

          1. (i) Lockers;
          2. (ii) Shower;
          3. (iii) Toilet; and
          4. (iv) Handwashing stations; and

   12. (11) A waiting room, toilet with handwashing stations, drinking fountain, public telephone, and seating accommodations for waiting periods should be available or accessible to the unit.

       1. (d) Electrical requirements.
   13. (1) Grounding of hyperbaric chambers should be connected only to the equipment ground in accordance with NFPA 99 and NFPA 70.
   14. (2) Additional grounds such as earth or driven grounds should not be permitted.

Codification Notes: “NFPA” means National Fire Protection Association.