ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE RISK ANALYSIS.
Electrostatic Discharge is a known source of ignition in the fuel gas industry and has been considered to be the source of ignition of several oxygen related fires that occurred in hyperbaric chambers as the result of unsafe practices due to insufficient hazard analysis.
Understanding the physics of electrostatic discharge events is crucial to determining the risk. WHA’s approach is consistent with NFPA 77, Recommended Practice on Static Electricity, and API Recommended Practice on Protection Against Ignitions Arising Out of Static, Lightning, and Stray Currents.
WHA has developed unique testing capabilities useful in determining the electrostatic discharge risk of a system, process, or product.
ISO/IEC 60601-1 ELECTRICAL SOURCE OF IGNITIONS FOR OXYGEN CARRYING EQUIPMENT HAZARD ANALYSIS
The ISO/IEC 60601-1 set of standards is a series of safety standards for medical electrical equipment (ME equipment). Manufacturers of medical devices with electrically-powered equipment must demonstrate compliance with this international standard in order to bring their device into markets in the US and EU.
WHA analyzes designs against the specific requirements related to oxygen hazards that are contained within IEC/ISO 60601 (Section 11.2.2). This can include probabilistic risk analysis methodologies that can then be utilized in a Risk Management process as required by IEC/ISO 60601 in subclause 4.2.