Topics: Compressed Air

Work in compressed air is a very rare activity usually associated with tunnelling, pipe-jacking, shaft sinking and caisson-making operations. The main health problem associated with work in compressed air is decompression illness. This is an acute condition which occurs as pains around the joints.  It can be a more serious and potentially life threatening condition which affects the central nervous system. Other conditions that can occur are barotraumas, principally affecting the ears and sinuses, and dysbaric osteonecrosis which is a long-term, chronic condition damaging the long bones, hip or shoulder joints.