Francois Burman, Pr. Eng. / March 2020

Introduction

Rechargeable Li-ion batteries have become the standard for most battery-powered portable devices. Accidents involving rechargeable Li-ion batteries are reported regularly. A personal electronic device (containing a rechargeable Li-ion battery) might be taken into a hyperbaric chamber (either deliberately or accidentally). In multiplace hyperbaric chambers, the types of medical devices we may try to use inside the chamber are likely to have rechargeable Li-ion batteries. In order to properly address the risk of rechargeable Li-ion batteries in the hyperbaric chamber, one must understand the risks of these batteries and follow the recommendations from the battery industry and manufacturer of the equipment containing the battery.

Objectives

On completion of this activity, the reader should be able to:

• Explain two aspects of the hyperbaric environment that could present a hazard to rechargeable lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries.
• Identify three precautions for safe use of rechargeable Li-ion batteries.

Approved Continuing Education

[Nurse] 1.0 contact hours. Provider approved by the California Board of Nursing. Provider number CEP17094.

[CHT] This program has been reviewed and is acceptable for 1.0 Category A credit hour by the National Board of Diving and Hyperbaric Medical Technology.

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