Work involving harmful physical agents

High-pressure compressed air

What is the risk?

There are three types of health problem which can be caused by working in compressed air:

• Barotrauma: where a change in surrounding pressure causes direct damage to those air-containing cavities in the body which are directly connected with the surrounding atmosphere, principally the ears, sinuses and lungs.
• Decompression illness: which mostly occurs as a condition involving pains around the joints, or, more rarely, as a serious, potentially life-threatening condition which may affect the central nervous system, the heart or the lungs.
• Dysbaric osteonecrosis: which is a long-term condition damaging the long bones, hip or shoulder joints.

Young people’s bones are not fully developed and may be at greater risk of long-term harm.

It is not clear whether pregnant women are more at risk but potentially the foetus could be seriously harmed by gas bubbles.

For those who have recently given birth there is a small increase in the risk of developing decompression illness.

How to avoid the risk

You must ensure strict compliance with HSE approved decompression procedures, ie they must follow an HSE approved decompression regime.

HSE supports current industry practice not to allow people below the age of 18 to work in compressed air.

Diving

What is the risk?

The risks during diving are from pressure and decompression.

Pregnant workers are advised not to dive at all during pregnancy due to the possible effects of exposure to a hyperbaric environment on the foetus.

How to avoid the risk

Divers must have an approved qualification, be fit and have a valid certificate of medical fitness to dive.

There is no minimum age for divers. However, it is unusual for anyone below school-leaving age to undergo diver training and employers offshore will not employ anyone under 18 years for diving work.