Health Surveillance for Compressed Air

Workplace activity or hazard

This section is included for completeness and will not be relevant to University activities

The Work in Compressed Air Regulations 1996 applies to those undertaking tunnelling and other construction work in compressed air.  

Work in compressed air means work within any working chamber, airlock or decompression chamber which (in each case) is used for the compression or decompression of persons, including a medical lock used solely for treatment purposes, the pressure of which exceeds 0.15 bar.

Those undertaking diving activities should refer separately to the Diving at Work Regulations 1997

Health Surveillance requirements

In accordance with Compressed Air Regulations 1996

Department action

(Guidance on how to establish if Health Surveillance requirements are met (as part of your risk assessment))

This section is included for completeness and will not be relevant to University activities.

Those undertaking diving activities should refer separately to the Diving at Work Regulations 1997

Occupational Health action

(Following receipt of an appropriate registration form)

UOHS do not routinely undertake work as an appointed doctor for work in compressed air nor undertake medical fitness to dive assessments. However, if required to do so they would procure the required services.

Further information

Please refer to your supervisor, departmental or divisional/area safety officer if you need further assistance in interpreting this information and how it relates to the work, and the risk assessment that is being undertaken.