Insulin Pump & Coal Mine, Oil Refinery, Chemical Plant, Nat Gas Compressor Station???

[tashley]

Anyone wearing an insulin pump to work in an underground coal mine?

Or any other industry (chemical plant, petroleum refinery, hydrogen plant, natural gas pump station) where an explosive atmosphere could develop?

Does anyone have statistics as to how many pump wearers are in this situation - possibly not wearing their pump to work or wearing it on the QT to avoid management concern?

We need at least one pump manufacturer to participate in having their pump tested and certified as "Intrinsically Safe" to provide an option for pump wearers that work in a coal mine, oil refinery, chemical plant, natural gas or propane storage or shipping facility, or any other occupation where an explosive atmosphere could develop.

Would appreciate hearing from any one that needs an "Intrinsically Safe" insulin pump or is interested in convincing the insulin pump manufacturers that there is a market.

[GimliXJ]

This is a very interesting (and frustrating) topic, one I have been working on with my employer for 3 years now. I work in a chemical plant as an engineer and a large portion of my day is spent in my office so this is not as big of a problem as it would be for someone on shift work. Just today, my supervisor told me that they will purchase a pump for me if it is intrinsically safe or can function while submerged. I have found two pumps that advertise that they can work underwater, the Animas One Touch Ping and the Omnipod.

On a side note, there are conflicting policies with OSHA and HIPAA. You are not required to disclose medical information to your supervisors or coworkers (such as you have diabetes and wear an insulin pump) and electronic devises require a low energy permit to be taken into an environment that could become hazardous. Many companies have a policy stating that medical devices require permitting but they cannot enforce this policy due to committing a HIPAA violation.

Now, off my soap box and to answer your question. I would be interested in a pump that has an "Intrinsically Safe" rating. Another policy, Americans with Disabilities Act, requires employers to make every effort to accomodate individuals with special needs. In a coal mine or chemical plant setting, employers may pick up the bill for one of these pumps, if it is properly tested and rated.

Good luck on your quest.