Effective date: May 1, 2026

Electronics & Fire Risk Disclosure

Governing Standard — NFPA 99

This disclosure is grounded in NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code, published by the National Fire Protection Association. Chapter 14 of NFPA 99 specifically governs hyperbaric facilities and is the primary fire and life safety code applicable to hyperbaric chamber operations in the United States.

"No unapproved electronic devices are allowed inside a hyperbaric chamber. NFPA standards mandate fire-protection and operational safety codes because hyperbaric incidents escalate instantly and without warning. Compressing a hyperbaric chamber increases the partial pressure of oxygen and significantly increases fire risk."

NFPA 99 establishes that these are not optional guidelines — they are enforceable life-safety codes. Per NFPA 99 Section 14.2.8.3.17.5, battery-operated devices inside a hyperbaric chamber must meet strict criteria. The code's intent is to have all power sources located outside the chamber.

Clinical Hyperbaric is a Class B (monoplace) wellness facility. While NFPA 99 does not explicitly enumerate every individual device, the code's intent is unambiguous: the hyperbaric environment is not compatible with consumer electronics, and no electronic device should be presumed safe unless it has been specifically designed, tested, and certified for use in hyperbaric conditions by the manufacturer or a nationally recognized testing agency.

Why Electronics Are Dangerous in a Hyperbaric Environment

The danger is not the electronics themselves — it is the environment. Hyperbaric chambers elevate atmospheric pressure and increase the partial pressure of oxygen inside the breathing space. This creates conditions where:

• Materials that are normally flame-resistant can ignite easily
• The ignition temperature of combustible materials is significantly lowered
• Fires spread faster, burn hotter, and are far more intense than in normal air
• A spark that would be inconsequential at atmospheric pressure can ignite a catastrophic fire in seconds
• The enclosed chamber structure leaves no time or space to escape

Every electronic device — from a cell phone to a TV system — generates heat, electrical current, and electromagnetic activity during operation. Under normal conditions, these outputs are harmless. Inside or adjacent to a pressurized oxygen environment, they become potential ignition sources.

Lithium-ion batteries are the single most dangerous class of device in a hyperbaric environment and are strictly advised against for your safety.

Lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to a phenomenon called thermal runaway — a self-reinforcing chain reaction where internal heat causes the battery to overheat, vent flammable gas, and potentially ignite or explode. This can be triggered by:

• Physical damage, manufacturing defects, or aging of the battery
• Exposure to elevated temperatures (the pressurized environment can accelerate this)
• Pressure changes during chamber compression and decompression cycling
• Any short-circuit event — including from moisture, condensation, or equipment failure
• Overcharging or over-discharging cycles that have degraded the battery

Lithium-ion battery fires cannot be extinguished with standard CO₂, dry chemical, or foam extinguishers inside a chamber. There are no suppression systems that reliably extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire once thermal runaway has occurred inside an enclosed pressurized chamber. The consequences are catastrophic and instantaneous.

Devices containing lithium-ion batteries include: smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, fitness trackers, wireless earbuds, Bluetooth speakers, portable power banks, e-cigarettes, and most modern battery-powered consumer electronics.

Electronics Risk Comparison

While we cannot declare any electronic device safe for use in a hyperbaric environment, the following table reflects the relative risk profile based on NFPA 99 guidance and established hyperbaric safety research. Lower risk does not mean safe.

Regarding Corded Electronics Sold or Provided by Clinical Hyperbaric

Clinical Hyperbaric sells and provides certain corded electronic accessories — including TV systems, Bose speaker systems, and AC comfort upgrades — that may be used in conjunction with hyperbaric chambers.

Per NFPA 99 Section 14.2.9.3.16.7, cord-connected devices used in hyperbaric environments must meet specific electrical ratings and requirements. Clinical Hyperbaric makes reasonable efforts to source accessories appropriate for hyperbaric use, but we are not a testing laboratory, and individual units may vary.

Your Choice — Your Responsibility

Clinical Hyperbaric provides this disclosure so that you can make a fully informed decision. We will never tell you that any electronic device is definitively safe in a hyperbaric environment, because doing so would be inaccurate and irresponsible.

By proceeding with a session in which any electronic device is present, or by purchasing and using any electronics accessory in connection with a hyperbaric chamber, you acknowledge and agree:

1. You have read and understood this disclosure in its entirety.
2. You understand that NFPA 99 establishes that no consumer electronic device should be presumed safe for hyperbaric use unless specifically tested and certified for that purpose.
3. You understand that lithium-ion battery devices are the highest-risk category and are strictly advised against.
4. You understand that corded electronic accessories carry elevated risk that cannot be fully eliminated.
5. You accept full personal responsibility for the decision to use any electronic device in connection with your hyperbaric chamber use.
6. You release Clinical Hyperbaric from any and all liability arising from the use of any electronic device in connection with hyperbaric chamber sessions.

Absolute Prohibitions — No Exceptions

Regardless of the above disclosures, the following items are strictly prohibited inside the chamber and must never be brought into a chamber under any circumstances:

• Any device containing a lithium-ion battery (smartphones, tablets, smart watches, wireless earbuds, etc.)
• Any standalone battery or battery pack
• Lighters, matches, or any flame-producing item
• E-cigarettes or vaping devices
• Any device not explicitly approved by staff before the session

Violation of these prohibitions creates a serious fire and explosion risk. Buyers and operators must enforce these prohibitions with every user of the equipment.

Questions about electronics safety?

Our team is happy to walk you through any device before your session. When in doubt, ask us first.

Call 1-855-679-4268 clinicalhyperbaric@gmail.com