Divex Announces Industry First for Hyperbaric Safety Technology

International diving equipment technology company Divex has today announced that following a comprehensive assessment by Lloyds Register, its range of Hyfex hyperbaric fire extinguishers has been awarded the CE ("Conformité Européenne") accreditation – the CE Mark.

Divex, who are headquartered in Westhill, Aberdeen, Scotland - recognised as the global centre of excellence for subsea technology – advised that their CE marked Hy-Fex Hyperbaric Fire Extinguishers meet the PED (Pressure Equipment Directive) criteria and theirs, which they believe, is currently the only one available in the market place to meet the standard.

CE marking certifies that a product has met stringent EU consumer safety, health or environmental requirements.

The hyperbaric fire extinguishers, available in two sizes 3 and 7.5 litres, are designed to be fitted in hyperbaric diving and medical therapy chambers. They are charged up to 133 Bar with a suitable chamber gas, usually air or heliox. Fundamentally they are simple to use, and easily handled utilising only one robust aluminium cylinder containing the foam mixture and pressurised gas. The purposely designed valves allow for intermittent use.

On receiving the formal notification of CE Marking approval from Lloyd’s, Divex’s QHSE General Manager Kevin Smith commented:

“this really is very good news for the industry as well as being a terrific achievement for Divex. Through independent certification approval the CE mark provides our clients with further evidence of the safety and quality of our products. This accreditation reflects Divex’s core values of product safety combined with superior design and build quality.”

The Hy-Fex Hyperbaric Fire Extinguisher has recently been accepted by Lloyd’s and DNV for use in their class Dive Systems and a specific Hy-Fex submarine model was recently installed and commissioned for the MoD’s Astute Submarine Project.