Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy
Purpose of ASME PVHO-1-2023
ASME PVHO-1-2023, titled Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy, is a standard developed and published by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). Its primary purpose is to establish minimum requirements for the design, fabrication, inspection, testing, and certification of pressure vessels intended for human occupancy (PVHOs), such as hyperbaric chambers, diving bells, and decompression chambers. The standard aims to ensure safety, structural integrity, and reliability for occupants under high-pressure conditions, protecting against risks like structural failure, gas leaks, or oxygen toxicity. It provides guidelines for materials, welding, viewports, and life-support systems to meet stringent safety and performance criteria in medical, diving, and research applications.
Typical Use
ASME PVHO-1-2023 is typically applied in the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of pressure vessels used for human occupancy in various settings, including medical facilities, underwater operations, and scientific research. Common applications include:
Engineers, manufacturers, inspectors, and operators use the standard during project phases to:
The standard is often referenced in conjunction with other codes, such as ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) Section VIII for pressure vessel design or U.S. Coast Guard regulations for marine applications. It is widely adopted by regulatory bodies, certification agencies, and facility operators to ensure compliance with safety standards. The 2023 edition includes updates such as revised viewport design criteria, updated material specifications, and enhanced requirements for life-support systems, reflecting advancements in hyperbaric technology and safety practices.
| SDO | ASME: American Society of Mechanical Engineers |
| Document Number | PVHO-1 |
| Publication Date | Dec. 11, 2023 |
| Language | en - English |
| Page Count | 73 |
| Revision Level | |
| Supercedes | |
| Committee |