Compressed air illness is one of the notifiable occupational diseases as prescribed in the second schedule of the employees' compensation ordinance. Working at above or below atmospheric pressure may induce illness due to changes in pressure. Compressed-air work and diving are prompt to develop the illness. When working in a compressed air environment, the body tissures absorb nitrogen in proportion to the surrounding pressure and accumulate in the bloodstream. when moving from a compressed air environment to outside, the nitrogen bubbles already dissovlved in the bloodstream during compression may be suddenly released when the decompression is not carried out correctly. These bubbles can cause compressed air illness, resulting in pain in the joints. In some serious cases, bones may be damaged or evening showing the signs and symptoms of collapse, shortness of breath, numbness and pain. Therefore, workers performing compressed-air work should have the basic knowledge in the prevention of compressed air illness in order to protect their health and minimize the risk at work.

This course aims at providing students with basic knowledge of compressed air illness and the preventive measures. This will enhance the safety awareness of the students and thus reduce the risk of compressed air illness.