Under Pressure: Extreme Medical Risks and OSHA Mandates in TBM Operations

This webinar addresses the critical intersection of hyperbaric medicine and underground construction during Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) cutterhead interventions (CHI). When high groundwater conditions necessitate balancing hydrostatic pressure with compressed air, personnel are subjected to extreme physiological environments. This session provides a professional overview of the medical risks inherent in these operations—including decompression sickness (DCS), barotrauma, and arterial gas embolism—and the mandatory regulatory framework required to mitigate them. Focused on OSHA 1926.803 compliance, the presentation outlines the essential role of the hyperbaric physician and the necessity of site-specific emergency protocols. Dr. Howton will detail how medical readiness must be integrated into operational planning, from pre-employment fitness-for-duty examinations to the strategic utilization of medical locks on-site. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap for bridging the gap between heavy engineering requirements and medical safety, ensuring project compliance and the long-term well-being of the crew.