Nitrox workshop dings - Divers Alert Network

Rubicon Foundation Archive (http://rubicon-foundation.org)ANDISAFEAIR TRAININGEdward A. BettsAmerican Nitrox Divers International74 Woodcleft AvenueFreeport, NEW YORK 11520 USAThere are no reported incidents of DCS using SafeAir either during training or aftercertification. We sent a query to this effect as recently as 10 October, 2000.SafeAir is a marketing term, but also an ANDI trademark that has more to it than a cute, nonintimidatingname. The simple definition is that SafeAir is an oxygen-enriched air mixturebetween 22% and 50% oxygen, produced and dispensed according to ANDI standards.This begins with an ANDI certified gas blender trained in correct oxygen handling protocols.The gas blender uses "oxygen service" equipment to mix oxygen compatible air with oxygenapproved for breathing purposes and stores this product in clean, designated receivers afteranalysis. Oxygen service means more than cleaning: designed for oxygen use, compatible andcleaned.Only oxy-compatible air is used in the process, not Grade E, which is the worst breathing gasstandard known.The air used to produce SafeAir must be analyzed quarterly by an independent federallylicensed testing laboratory. ANDI receives a copy of the inspection report for the facilities' files.In addition, the gas is analyzed by the end user. We maintain that this product is by severalstandards safer than air when correctly used.Oxygen enriched air? Yes, but if it is not SafeAir, it is only nitrox.Every ANDI program uses a three-letter course code for identification. In order to betterdifferentiate the programs and their scope of training ANDI attaches a "Level of Training", 1through 5 for every program. All courses with the same matching level designation follow thesame general scope of training and are geared for the same experience level of the participant.Level 1 designates an introductory program for new divers or divers-in-training. All Level 1courses will follow the same limitations: 30m max depth, no-stop-required profiles, nodecompression training, 1.45 atm PO2, 4.0 atm PN2 and information of a less complete or lesstechnical nature. For example, only SafeAir 32 and 36 may be used by LSU students. All Level2 courses can be expected to be of an "advanced recreational" scope of training. Only twocylinders and up to two gases may be employed to limit the task loading. This is essentially therecreational limits that are accepted world-wide: 40m maximum depth, no-stop-required profiles,31