WSH Guidelines on Compressed Air Works – Prevention of Compressed Air Illness and Barotrauma

This training course is designed to educate personnel in the tunneling industry about the health hazards associated with working in compressed air environments. Tunneling projects often involve tasks where workers are exposed to compressed air, such as during the inspection and replacement of tunnel boring machine (TBM) cutting tools. If not managed properly, these environments pose significant health risks, including decompression sickness and barotrauma.

Compressed air work has been a longstanding practice in Singapore, particularly in major infrastructure projects like the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system and the Deep Tunnel Sewerage System. This guideline, developed for project managers, supervisors, and medical lock attendants, serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the risks and managing safety in compressed air environments.

The course highlights key health hazards in compressed air work and offers practical solutions to mitigate them. It also covers regulatory requirements and industry recommendations, with a focus on preventing occupational diseases associated with tunneling work. By integrating these guidelines with other relevant safety materials, participants will gain a well-rounded understanding of safety protocols in compressed air environments.

Participants will learn about:

• The health risks of working in compressed air environments, including decompression sickness and barotrauma.
• Best practices for managing compressed air work safely, ensuring that workers can perform their tasks without risking their health.
• The importance of following regulatory requirements and implementing preventive measures to minimize health hazards.

By the end of this course, attendees will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to ensure compressed air work is conducted safely, reducing the risk of health issues and enhancing overall safety in tunneling projects. The course aims to foster awareness and promote the adoption of good practices to prevent occupational diseases in the tunneling industry.