PERMANENT RULES
LABOR AND INDUSTRIES
Purpose: Chapter 296-37 WAC, Safety standards for diving operations, on February 17, 2004, in Federal Register Volume 69, Number 31, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) made several small changes to their commercial diving operations rules. The changes allow employers of recreational diving instructors and diving guides to use alternative methods for decompression chambers. We are therefore updating our rules to be at-least-as-effective-as OSHA. We also updated the carbon monoxide level to ten parts per million, to be consistent with the American National Standards Institute's Compressed Gas Association, Inc. (ANSI CGA).
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 296-37-510, 296-37-515, and 296-37-570.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 04-11-065 on May 18, 2004.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 1, Amended 3, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 1, Amended 3, Repealed 0.
Date Adopted: August 31, 2004.
Paul Trause
Director
OTS-7107.1
AMENDATORY SECTION(Amending WSR 01-11-038, filed 5/9/01,
effective 9/1/01)
WAC 296-37-510
Scope and application.
(1) The
requirements included in this vertical chapter shall apply
throughout the state wherever diving takes place within the
jurisdiction of the department of labor and industries. These
requirements shall also be applicable to those diving related
and supportive work activities not at the diving site but
which have a direct effect on the safety of the diving
operations. Examples may include but are not limited to: The
supply of breathing air or gas; the supply of materials,
equipment or supplies required by this chapter; the
maintenance of diving equipment.
(2) This standard applies to diving and related support operations conducted in connection with all types of work and employments, including general industry, construction, ship repairing, shipbuilding, shipbreaking and longshoring. However, this standard does not apply to any diving operation:
(a) Performed solely for instructional purposes, using open-circuit, compressed-air SCUBA and conducted within the no-decompression limits;
(b) Performed solely for search, rescue, or related public safety purposes by or under the control of a governmental agency; or
(c) Governed by 45 CFR Part 46 (Protection of Human Subjects, United States Department of Health and Human Services) or equivalent rules or regulations established by another federal agency, which regulate research, development, or related purposes involving human subjects.
(d) Defined as scientific diving and which is under the direction and control of a diving program containing at least the following elements:
(i) Diving safety manual which includes at a minimum: Procedures covering all diving operations specific to the program; procedures for emergency care, including recompression and evacuation; and criteria for diver training and certification.
(ii) Diving control (safety) board, with the majority of its members being active divers, which shall at a minimum have the authority to: Approve and monitor diving projects; review and revise the diving safety manual; assure compliance with the manual; certify the depths to which a diver has been trained; take disciplinary action for unsafe practices; and, assure adherence to the buddy system (a diver is accompanied by and is in continuous contact with another diver in the water) for SCUBA diving.
(3) This chapter shall augment the requirements of the general safety and health standard, chapter 296-24 WAC, the general occupational health standard, chapter 296-62 WAC, and safety and health core rules, chapter 296-800 WAC. In instances where this chapter is in direct conflict with the requirements of any general horizontal standard, the requirements of this chapter shall apply.
(4) Hoisting gear used in diving operations shall be inspected and certified as required by chapter 296-56 WAC, safety standards for longshore, stevedore and related waterfront operations.
(5) Application in emergencies. An employer may deviate from the requirements of this standard to the extent necessary to prevent or minimize a situation which is likely to cause death, serious physical harm, or major environmental damage, provided that the employer:
(a) Notifies the assistant director of the department of labor and industries in Olympia or the regional administrator for the region within 48 hours of the onset of the emergency situation indicating the nature of the emergency and extent of the deviation from the prescribed regulations; and
(b) Upon request from the authority notified, submits such information in writing.
(6) Employer obligation. The employer shall be responsible for compliance with:
(a) All provisions of this standard of general applicability; and
(b) All requirements pertaining to specific diving modes to the extent diving operations in such modes are conducted.
(7) Alternative requirements for recreational diving instructors and diving guides. Employers of recreational diving instructors and diving guides are not required to comply with the decompression-chamber requirements specified by WAC 296-37-545 (2)(b) and (3)(c)(iii), and WAC 296-37-560 (2)(a) when they meet all of the following conditions:
(a) The instructor or guide is engaging solely in recreational diving instruction or dive-guiding operations;
(b) The instructor or guide is diving within the no-decompression limits in these operations;
(c) The instructor or guide is using a nitrox breathing-gas mixture consisting of a high percentage of oxygen (more than 22% by volume) mixed with nitrogen;
(d) The instructor or guide is using an open-circuit, semiclosed-circuit, or closed-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA); and
(e) The employer of the instructor or guide is complying with all requirements of Appendix C of this subpart.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, [49.17].040, and [49.17].050. 01-11-038, § 296-37-510, filed 5/9/01, effective 9/1/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), § 296-37-510, filed 7/20/94, effective 9/20/94. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-37-510, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 87-02-002 (Order 86-44), § 296-37-510, filed 12/26/86; 81-07-048 (Order 81-4), § 296-37-510, filed 3/17/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, and chapters 42.30 and 43.22 RCW. 78-10-094 (Order 78-18), § 296-37-510, filed 10/2/78.]
(1) "Acfm": Actual cubic feet per minute.
(2) "ASME Code or equivalent": ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, or an equivalent code which the employer can demonstrate to be equally effective.
(3) "ATA": Atmosphere absolute.
(4) "Bell": An enclosed compartment, pressurized (closed bell) or unpressurized (open bell), which allows the diver to be transported to and from the underwater work area and which may be used as a temporary refuge during diving operations.
(5) "Bottom time": The total elapsed time measured in minutes from the time when the diver leaves the surface in descent to the time that the diver begins ascent.
(6) "Bursting pressure": The pressure at which a pressure containment device would fail structurally.
(7) "Cylinder": A pressure vessel for the storage of gases.
(8) "Recompression/decompression chamber": A pressure vessel for human occupancy such as a surface decompression chamber, closed bell, or deep diving system used to decompress divers and to treat decompression sickness.
(9) "Decompression sickness": A condition with a variety of symptoms which may result from gas or bubbles in the tissues of divers after pressure reduction.
(10) "Recompression/decompression table": A profile or set of profiles of depth-time relationships for ascent rates and breathing mixtures to be followed after a specific depth-time exposure or exposures.
(11) "Dive-guiding operations": The leading of groups of trained sports divers, who use open-circuit, semiclosed-circuit, or closed-circuit SCUBA, to local undersea diving locations for recreational purposes.
(12) "Dive location": A surface or vessel from which a diving operation is conducted.
(((12))) (13) "Dive-location reserve breathing gas": A
supply system of air or mixed-gas (as appropriate) at the dive
location which is independent of the primary supply system and
sufficient to support divers during the planned decompression.
(((13))) (14) "Dive team": Divers and support employees
involved in a diving operation, including the designated
person-in-charge.
(((14))) (15) "Diver": An employee working in water
using underwater apparatus which supplies compressed breathing
gas at the ambient pressure.
(((15))) (16) "Diver-carried reserve breathing gas": A
diver-carried supply of air or mixed gas (as appropriate)
sufficient under standard operating conditions to allow the
diver to reach the surface, or another source of breathing
gas, or to be reached by a standby diver.
(((16))) (17) "Diving mode": A type of diving requiring
specific equipment, procedures and techniques (SCUBA,
surface-supplied air, or mixed gas).
(((17))) (18) "Fsw": Feet of seawater (or equivalent
static pressure head).
(((18))) (19) "Heavy gear": Diver-worn deep-sea dress
including helmet, breastplate, dry suit, weighted shoes.
(((19))) (20) "Hyperbaric conditions": Pressure
conditions in excess of surface pressure.
(((20))) (21) "Inwater stage": A suspended underwater
platform which supports a diver in the water.
(((21))) (22) "Liveboating": The practice of supporting
a surfaced-supplied air or mixed gas diver from a vessel which
is underway.
(((22))) (23) "Mixed-gas diving": A diving mode in which
the diver is supplied in the water with a breathing gas other
than air.
(((23))) (24) "No-decompression limits": The depth-time
limits of the "no-decompression limits and repetitive dive
group designation table for no-decompression air dives," U.S.
Navy Diving Manual or equivalent limits which the employer can
demonstrate to be equally effective.
(((24))) (25) "Psi(g)": Pounds per square inch (gauge).
(((25))) (26) "Recreational diving instruction": The
training of diving students in the use of recreational diving
procedures and the safe operation of diving equipment,
including open-circuit, semiclosed-circuit, or closed-circuit
SCUBA during dives.
(27) "Scientific diving" means diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks. Scientific diving does not include performing any tasks usually associated with commercial diving such as: Placing or removing heavy objects underwater; inspection of pipelines and similar objects; construction; demolition; cutting or welding; or the use of explosives.
(((26))) (28) "SCUBA diving": A diving mode independent
of surface supply in which the diver uses open circuit
self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.
(((27))) (29) "Standby diver": A diver at the dive
location properly equipped and available to assist a diver in
the water.
(((28))) (30) "Surface-supplied air diving": A diving
mode in which the diver in the water is supplied from the dive
location with compressed air for breathing.
(((29))) (31) "Treatment table": A depth-time and
breathing gas profile designed to treat decompression
sickness.
(((30))) (32) "Umbilical": The composite hose bundle
between a dive location and a diver or bell, or between a
diver and a bell, which supplies the diver or bell with
breathing gas, communications, power, or heat as appropriate
to the diving mode or conditions, and includes a safety line
between the diver and the dive location.
(((31))) (33) "Volume tank": A pressure vessel connected
to the outlet of a compressor and used as an air reservoir.
(((32))) (34) "Working pressure": The maximum pressure
to which a pressure containment device may be exposed under
standard operating conditions.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-37-515, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 87-02-002 (Order 86-44), § 296-37-515, filed 12/26/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, and chapters 42.30 and 43.22 RCW. 78-10-094 (Order 78-18), § 296-37-515, filed 10/2/78.]
(a) All employers shall comply with the following requirements, unless otherwise specified.
(b) Each equipment modification, repair, test, calibration or maintenance service shall be recorded by means of a tagging or logging system, and include the date and nature of work performed, and the name or initials of the person performing the work.
(2) Air compressor system.
(a) Compressors used to supply air to the diver shall be equipped with a volume tank with a check valve on the inlet side, a pressure gauge, a relief valve, and a drain valve.
(b) A compressor shall be constructed and situated so as to avoid entry of contaminated air into the air-supply system and shall be equipped with a suitable in-line particulate filter followed by a bed of activated charcoal and, if necessary, a moisture absorber to further assure breathing air quality. These filters should be placed before any receiver and after the discharge in the compressor. If an oil-lubricated compressor is used, it shall be equipped with a carbon monoxide alarm or an equally as effective alternative if approved by the department.
(i) If a carbon monoxide alarm is used, it shall be
calibrated to activate at or below ((20)) 10 parts per million
carbon monoxide at least once per month. A calibration and
maintenance log shall be kept and shall be available for
review and copying by the director or his or her designee. The
log shall identify the test method, date, time of test,
results, and the name of the person performing the test. The
log shall be retained for at least one year from the date of
the test.
(ii) If the use of an alarm at the compressor will not effectively provide warning to the diver or tender of a carbon monoxide problem, a remote alarm or other means of warning the wearer shall be used.
(iii) Breathing air couplings shall be incompatible with outlets for nonrespirable plant air or other gas systems to prevent inadvertent servicing of air-line breathing apparatus with nonrespirable gases.
(c) Respirable air supplied to a diver shall not contain:
(i) A level of carbon monoxide (CO) greater than ((20))
10 ppm;
(ii) A level of carbon dioxide (CO2) greater than 1,000 ppm;
(iii) A level of oil mist greater than 5 milligrams per cubic meter; or
(iv) A noxious or pronounced odor.
(d) Compressor systems providing surface air to divers must have a low pressure warning device installed at the air purification system inlet to alert dive tenders of low air pressure.
The minimum alarm setting shall be 45 psi plus an additional 15 psi for each working atmosphere.
1 ATM = 33 fsw or 15 psi
2 ATM = 66 fsw or 30 psi
3 ATM = 99 fsw or 45 psi
4 ATM = 132 fsw or 60 psi
5 ATM = 165 fsw or 75 psi
6 ATM = 198 fsw or 90 psi
(e) The output of air compressor systems shall be tested for air purity every six months by means of samples taken at the connection to the distribution system, except that nonoil lubricated compressors need not be tested for oil mist.
(3) Breathing gas supply hoses.
(a) Breathing gas supply hoses shall:
(i) Have a working pressure at least equal to the working pressure of the total breathing gas system;
(ii) Have a rated bursting pressure at least equal to four times the working pressure;
(iii) Be tested at least annually to 1.5 times their working pressure; and
(iv) Have their open ends taped, capped or plugged when not in use.
(b) Breathing gas supply hose connectors shall:
(i) Be made of corrosion-resistant materials;
(ii) Have a working pressure at least equal to the working pressure of the hose to which they are attached; and
(iii) Be resistant to accidental disengagement.
(c) Umbilicals shall:
(i) Include a safety line which shall be attached in a manner to remove strain from the air supply hose;
(ii) Be marked in 10-foot increments to 100 feet beginning at the diver's end, and in 50 foot increments thereafter;
(iii) Be made of kink-resistant materials; and
(iv) Have a working pressure greater than the pressure equivalent to the maximum depth of the dive (relative to the supply source) plus 100 psi.
(4) Buoyancy control.
(a) Helmets or masks connected directly to the dry suit or other buoyancy-changing equipment shall be equipped with an exhaust valve.
(b) A dry suit or other buoyancy-changing equipment not directly connected to the helmet or mask shall be equipped with an exhaust valve.
(c) When used for SCUBA diving, a buoyancy compensator shall have an inflation source separate from the breathing gas supply.
(d) An inflatable flotation device capable of maintaining the diver at the surface in a face-up position, having a manually activated inflation source independent of the breathing supply, an oral inflation device, and an exhaust valve shall be used for SCUBA diving.
(5) Compressed gas cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders shall:
(a) Be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of WAC 296-24-295 and 296-24-940 of the General safety and health standards.
(b) Be stored in a ventilated area and protected from excessive heat;
(c) Be secured from falling; and
(d) Have shut-off valves recessed into the cylinder or protected by a cap, except when in use or manifolded, or when used for SCUBA diving.
(6) Recompression/decompression chambers.
(a) Each recompression/decompression chamber manufactured after the effective date of this standard, shall be built and maintained in accordance with the ASME Code or equivalent.
(b) Each recompression/decompression chamber manufactured prior to the effective date of this standard shall be maintained in conformity with the code requirements to which it was built, or equivalent.
(c) Each recompression/decompression chamber shall be equipped with:
(i) Means to maintain the atmosphere below a level of 25% oxygen by volume;
(ii) Mufflers on intake and exhaust lines, which shall be regularly inspected and maintained;
(iii) Suction guards on exhaust line openings; and
(iv) A means for extinguishing fire, and shall be maintained to minimize sources of ignition and combustible material.
(7) Gauges and timekeeping devices.
(a) Gauges indicating diver depth which can be read at the dive location shall be used for all dives except SCUBA.
(b) Each depth gauge shall be deadweight tested or calibrated against a master reference gauge every six months, and when there is a discrepancy greater than two percent of full scale between any two equivalent gauges.
(c) A cylinder pressure gauge capable of being monitored by the diver during the dive shall be worn by each SCUBA diver.
(d) A timekeeping device shall be available at each dive location.
(8) Masks and helmets.
(a) Surface-supplied air and mixed-gas masks and helmets shall have:
(i) A nonreturn valve at the attachment point between helmet or mask and hose which shall close readily and positively; and
(ii) An exhaust valve.
(b) Surface-supplied air masks and helmets shall have a minimum ventilation rate capability of 4.5 acfm at any depth at which they are operated or the capability of maintaining the diver's inspired carbon dioxide partial pressure below 0.02 ATA when the diver is producing carbon dioxide at the rate of 1.6 standard liters per minute.
(9) Oxygen safety.
(a) Equipment used with oxygen or mixtures containing over forty percent by volume oxygen shall be designed for oxygen service.
(b) Components (except umbilicals) exposed to oxygen or mixtures containing over forty percent by volume oxygen shall be cleaned of flammable materials before use.
(c) Oxygen systems over 125 psig and compressed air systems over 500 psig shall have slow-opening shut-off valves.
(10) Weights and harnesses.
(a) Except when heavy gear is worn, divers shall be equipped with a weight belt or assembly capable of quick release.
(b) Except when heavy gear is worn or in SCUBA diving, each diver shall wear a safety harness with:
(i) A positive buckling device;
(ii) An attachment point for the umbilical to prevent strain on the mask or helmet; and
(iii) A lifting point to distribute the pull force of the line over the diver's body.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-37-570, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 87-02-002 (Order 86-44), § 296-37-570, filed 12/26/86. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, and chapters 42.30 and 43.22 RCW. 78-10-094 (Order 78-18), § 296-37-570, filed 10/2/78.]
(Mandatory)
WAC 296-37-510(7) specifies that an employer of recreational diving instructors and diving guides (hereafter, "divers" or "employees") who complies with all of the conditions of this appendix need not provide a decompression chamber for these divers as required under WAC 296-37-545 (2)(b) and (3)(c) or WAC 296-37-560 (2)(a).
(1) Equipment requirements for rebreathers.
(a) The employer must ensure that each employee operates the rebreather (i.e., semiclosed-circuit and closed-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatuses (hereafter, "SCUBAs")) according to the rebreather manufacturer's instructions.
(b) The employer must ensure that each rebreather has a counterlung that supplies a sufficient volume of breathing gas to their divers to sustain the divers' respiration rates, and contains a baffle system and/or other moisture separating system that keeps moisture from entering the scrubber.
(c) The employer must place a moisture trap in the breathing loop of the rebreather, and ensure that:
(i) The rebreather manufacturer approves both the moisture trap and its location in the breathing loop; and
(ii) Each employee uses the moisture trap according to the rebreather manufacturer's instructions.
(d) The employer must ensure that each rebreather has a continuously functioning moisture sensor, and that:
(i) The moisture sensor connects to a visual (e.g., digital, graphic, analog) or auditory (e.g., voice, pure tone) alarm that is readily detectable by the diver under the diving conditions in which the diver operates, and warns the diver of moisture in the breathing loop in sufficient time to terminate the dive and return safely to the surface; and
(ii) Each diver uses the moisture sensor according to the rebreather manufacturer's instructions.
(e) The employer must ensure that each rebreather contains a continuously functioning CO2 sensor in the breathing loop, and that:
(i) The rebreather manufacturer approves the location of the CO2 sensor in the breathing loop;
(ii) The CO2 sensor is integrated with an alarm that operates in a visual (e.g., digital, graphic, analog) or auditory (e.g., voice, pure tone) mode that is readily detectable by each diver under the diving conditions in which the diver operates; and
(iii) The CO2 alarm remains continuously activated when the inhaled CO2 level reaches and exceeds 0.005 atmospheres absolute (ATA).
(f) Before each day's diving operations, and more often when necessary, the employer must calibrate the CO2 sensor according to the sensor manufacturer's instructions, and ensure that:
(i) The equipment and procedures used to perform this calibration are accurate to within 10% of a CO2 concentration of 0.005 ATA or less;
(ii) The equipment and procedures maintain this accuracy as required by the sensor manufacturer's instructions; and
(iii) The calibration of the CO2 sensor is accurate to within 10% of a CO2 concentration of 0.005 ATA or less.
(g) The employer must replace the CO2 sensor when it fails to meet the accuracy requirements specified in (f)(iii) of this subsection, and ensure that the replacement CO2 sensor meets the accuracy requirements specified in (f)(iii) of this subsection before placing the rebreather in operation.
(h) As an alternative to using a continuously functioning CO2 sensor, the employer may use a schedule for replacing CO2-sorbent material provided by the rebreather manufacturer. The employer may use such a schedule only when the rebreather manufacturer has developed it according to the canister-testing protocol specified below in Condition 11, and must use the canister within the temperature range for which the manufacturer conducted its scrubber canister tests following that protocol. Variations above or below the range are acceptable only after the manufacturer adds that lower or higher temperature to the protocol.
(i) When using CO2-sorbent replacement schedules, the employer must ensure that each rebreather uses a manufactured (i.e., commercially prepacked), disposable scrubber cartridge containing a CO2-sorbent material that:
(i) Is approved by the rebreather manufacturer;
(ii) Removes CO2 from the diver's exhaled gas; and
(iii) Maintains the CO2 level in the breathable gas (i.e., the gas that a diver inhales directly from the regulator) below a partial pressure of 0.01 ATA.
(j) As an alternative to manufactured, disposable scrubber cartridges, the employer may fill CO2 scrubber cartridges manually with CO2-sorbent material when:
(i) The rebreather manufacturer permits manual filling of scrubber cartridges;
(ii) The employer fills the scrubber cartridges according to the rebreather manufacturer's instructions;
(iii) The employer replaces the CO2-sorbent material using a replacement schedule developed under (h) of this subsection; and
(iv) The employer demonstrates that manual filling meets the requirements specified in (i) of this subsection.
(k) The employer must ensure that each rebreather has an information module that provides:
(i) A visual (e.g., digital, graphic, analog) or auditory (e.g., voice, pure tone) display that effectively warns the diver of solenoid failure (when the rebreather uses solenoids) and other electrical weaknesses or failures (e.g., low battery voltage);
(ii) For a semiclosed-circuit rebreather, a visual display for the partial pressure of CO2, or deviations above and below a preset CO2 partial pressure of 0.005 ATA; and
(iii) For a closed-circuit rebreather, a visual display for: Partial pressures of O2 and CO2, or deviations above and below a preset CO2 partial pressure of 0.005 ATA and a preset O2 partial pressure of 1.40 ATA or lower; gas temperature in the breathing loop; and water temperature.
(l) Before each day's diving operations, and more often when necessary, the employer must ensure that the electrical power supply and electrical and electronic circuits in each rebreather are operating as required by the rebreather manufacturer's instructions.
(2) Special requirements for closed-circuit rebreathers.
(a) The employer must ensure that each closed-circuit rebreather uses supply-pressure sensors for the O2 and diluent (i.e., air or nitrogen) gases and continuously functioning sensors for detecting temperature in the inhalation side of the gas-loop and the ambient water.
(b) The employer must ensure that:
(i) At least two O2 sensors are located in the inhalation side of the breathing loop; and
(ii) The O2 sensors are: Functioning continuously; temperature compensated; and approved by the rebreather manufacturer.
(c) Before each day's diving operations, and more often when necessary, the employer must calibrate O2 sensors as required by the sensor manufacturer's instructions. In doing so, the employer must:
(i) Ensure that the equipment and procedures used to perform the calibration are accurate to within 1% of the O2 fraction by volume;
(ii) Maintain this accuracy as required by the manufacturer of the calibration equipment;
(iii) Ensure that the sensors are accurate to within 1% of the O2 fraction by volume;
(iv) Replace O2 sensors when they fail to meet the accuracy requirements specified in (c)(iii) of this subsection; and
(v) Ensure that the replacement O2 sensors meet the accuracy requirements specified in (c)(iii) of this subsection before placing a rebreather in operation.
(d) The employer must ensure that each closed-circuit rebreather has:
(i) A gas-controller package with electrically operated solenoid O2-supply valves;
(ii) A pressure-activated regulator with a second-stage diluent-gas addition valve;
(iii) A manually operated gas-supply bypass valve to add O2 or diluent gas to the breathing loop; and
(iv) Separate O2 and diluent-gas cylinders to supply the breathing-gas mixture.
(3) O2 concentration in the breathing gas.
The employer must ensure that the fraction of O2 in the nitrox breathing-gas mixture:
(a) Is greater than the fraction of O2 in compressed air (i.e., exceeds 22% by volume);
(b) For open-circuit SCUBA, never exceeds a maximum fraction of breathable O2 of 40% by volume or a maximum O2 partial pressure of 1.40 ATA, whichever exposes divers to less O2; and
(c) For a rebreather, never exceeds a maximum O2 partial pressure of 1.40 ATA.
(4) Regulating O2 exposures and diving depth.
(a) Regarding O2 exposure, the employer must:
(i) Ensure that the exposure of each diver to partial pressures of O2 between 0.60 and 1.40 ATA does not exceed the 24-hour single-exposure time limits specified either by the 2001 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Diving Manual (the 2001 NOAA Diving Manual), or by the report entitled Enriched Air Operations and Resource Guide published in 1995 by the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (known commonly as the "1995 DSAT Oxygen Exposure Table"); and
(ii) Determine a diver's O2-exposure duration using the diver's maximum O2 exposure (partial pressure of O2) during the dive and the total dive time (i.e., from the time the diver leaves the surface until the diver returns to the surface).
(b) Regardless of the diving equipment used, the employer must ensure that no diver exceeds a depth of 130 feet of sea water (fsw) or a maximum O2 partial pressure of 1.40 ATA, whichever exposes the diver to less O2.
(5) Use of no-decompression limits.
(a) For diving conducted while using nitrox breathing-gas mixtures, the employer must ensure that each diver remains within the no-decompression limits specified for single and repetitive air diving and published in the 2001 NOAA Diving Manual or the report entitled "Development and Validation of No-Stop Decompression Procedures for Recreational Diving: The DSAT Recreational Dive Planner," published in 1994 by Hamilton Research Ltd. (known commonly as the "1994 DSAT No-Decompression Tables").
(b) An employer may permit a diver to use a dive-decompression computer designed to regulate decompression when the dive- decompression computer uses the no-decompression limits specified in (a) of this subsection, and provides output that reliably represents those limits.
(6) Mixing and analyzing the breathing gas.
(a) The employer must ensure that:
(i) Properly trained personnel mix nitrox-breathing gases, and that nitrogen is the only inert gas used in the breathing-gas mixture; and
(ii) When mixing nitrox-breathing gases, they mix the appropriate breathing gas before delivering the mixture to the breathing-gas cylinders, using the continuous-flow or partial-pressure mixing techniques specified in the 2001 NOAA Diving Manual, or using a filter-membrane system.
(b) Before the start of each day's diving operations, the employer must determine the O2 fraction of the breathing-gas mixture using an O2 analyzer. In doing so, the employer must:
(i) Ensure that the O2 analyzer is accurate to within 1% of the O2 fraction by volume.
(ii) Maintain this accuracy as required by the manufacturer of the analyzer.
(c) When the breathing gas is a commercially supplied nitrox breathing-gas mixture, the employer must ensure that the O2 meets the medical USP specifications (Type I, Quality Verification Level A) or aviator's breathing-oxygen specifications (Type I, Quality Verification Level E) of CGA G-4.3-2000 (Commodity Specification for Oxygen). In addition, the commercial supplier must:
(i) Determine the O2 fraction in the breathing-gas mixture using an analytic method that is accurate to within 1% of the O2 fraction by volume;
(ii) Make this determination when the mixture is in the charged tank and after disconnecting the charged tank from the charging apparatus;
(iii) Include documentation of the O2-analysis procedures and the O2 fraction when delivering the charged tanks to the employer.
(d) Before producing nitrox breathing-gas mixtures using a compressor in which the gas pressure in any system component exceeds 125 pounds per square inch (psi), the:
(i) Compressor manufacturer must provide the employer with documentation that the compressor is suitable for mixing high-pressure air with the highest O2 fraction used in the nitrox breathing-gas mixture when operated according to the manufacturer's operating and maintenance specifications;
(ii) Employer must comply with (e) of this subsection, unless the compressor is rated for O2 service and is oil-less or oil-free; and
(iii) Employer must ensure that the compressor meets the requirements specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of § 1910.430 whenever the highest O2 fraction used in the mixing process exceeds 40%.
(e) Before producing nitrox breathing -gas mixtures using an oil-lubricated compressor to mix high-pressure air with O2, and regardless of the gas pressure in any system component, the:
(i) Employer must use only uncontaminated air (i.e., air containing no hydrocarbon particulates) for the nitrox breathing-gas mixture;
(ii) Compressor manufacturer must provide the employer with documentation that the compressor is suitable for mixing the high- pressure air with the highest O2 fraction used in the nitrox breathing-gas mixture when operated according to the manufacturer's operating and maintenance specifications;
(iii) Employer must filter the high-pressure air to produce O2-compatible air;
(iv) The filter-system manufacturer must provide the employer with documentation that the filter system used for this purpose is suitable for producing O2-compatible air when operated according to the manufacturer's operating and maintenance specifications; and
(v) Employer must continuously monitor the air downstream from the filter for hydrocarbon contamination.
(f) The employer must ensure that diving equipment using nitrox breathing-gas mixtures or pure O2 under high pressure (i.e., exceeding 125 psi) conforms to the O2-service requirements specified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of § 1910.430.
(7) Emergency egress.
(a) Regardless of the type of diving equipment used by a diver (i.e., open-circuit SCUBA or rebreathers), the employer must ensure that the equipment contains (or incorporates) an open-circuit emergency-egress system (a "bail-out" system) in which the second stage of the regulator connects to a separate supply of emergency breathing gas, and the emergency breathing gas consists of air or the same nitrox breathing-gas mixture used during the dive.
(b) As an alternative to the "bail-out" system specified in (a) of this subsection, the employer may use:
(i) For open-circuit SCUBA, an emergency-egress system as specified in § 1910.424 (c)(4); or
(ii) For a semiclosed-circuit and closed-circuit rebreather, a system configured so that the second stage of the regulator connects to a reserve supply of emergency breathing gas.
(c) The employer must obtain from the rebreather manufacturer sufficient information to ensure that the bail-out system performs reliably and has sufficient capacity to enable the diver to terminate the dive and return safely to the surface.
(8) Treating diving-related medical emergencies.
(a) Before each day's diving operations, the employer must:
(i) Verify that a hospital, qualified health care professionals, and the nearest Coast Guard Coordination Center (or an equivalent rescue service operated by a state, county, or municipal agency) are available to treat diving-related medical emergencies;
(ii) Ensure that each dive site has a means to alert these treatment resources in a timely manner when a diving-related medical emergency occurs; and
(iii) Ensure that transportation to a suitable decompression chamber is readily available when no decompression chamber is at the dive site, and that this transportation can deliver the injured diver to the decompression chamber within four hours travel time from the dive site.
(b) The employer must ensure that portable O2 equipment is available at the dive site to treat injured divers. In doing so, the employer must ensure that:
(i) The equipment delivers medical-grade O2 that meets the requirements for medical USP oxygen (Type I, Quality Verification Level A) of CGA G-4.3-2000 (Commodity Specification for Oxygen);
(ii) The equipment delivers this O2 to a transparent mask that covers the injured diver's nose and mouth; and
(iii) Sufficient O2 is available for administration to the injured diver from the time the employer recognizes the symptoms of a diving-related medical emergency until the injured diver reaches a decompression chamber for treatment.
(c) Before each day's diving operations, the employer must:
(i) Ensure that at least two attendants, either employees or nonemployees, qualified in first-aid and administering O2 treatment, are available at the dive site to treat diving-related medical emergencies; and
(ii) Verify their qualifications for this task.
(9) Diving logs and no-decompression table.
(a) Before starting each day's diving operations, the employer must:
(i) Designate an employee or a nonemployee to make entries in a diving log; and
(ii) Verify that this designee understands the diving and medical terminology, and proper procedures, for making correct entries in the diving log.
(b) The employer must:
(i) Ensure that the diving log conforms to the requirements specified by paragraph (d) (Record of dive) of § 1910.423; and
(ii) Maintain a record of the dive according to § 1910.440 (Recordkeeping requirements).
(c) The employer must ensure that a hard copy of the no-decompression tables used for the dives (as specified in subsection (6)(a) of this section) is readily available at the dive site, whether or not the divers use dive-decompression computers.
(10) Diver training.
The employer must ensure that each diver receives training that enables the diver to perform work safely and effectively while using open-circuit SCUBAs or rebreathers supplied with nitrox breathing-gas mixtures. Accordingly, each diver must be able to demonstrate the ability to perform critical tasks safely and effectively, including, but not limited to: Recognizing the effects of breathing excessive CO2 and O2; taking appropriate action after detecting excessive levels of CO2 and O2; and properly evaluating, operating, and maintaining their diving equipment under the diving conditions they encounter.
(11) Testing protocol for determining the CO2 limits of rebreather canisters.
(a) The employer must ensure that the rebreather manufacturer has used the following procedures for determining that the CO2-sorbent material meets the specifications of the sorbent material's manufacturer:
(i) The North Atlantic Treating Organization CO2 absorbent-activity test;
(ii) The RoTap shaker and nested-sieves test;
(iii) The Navy Experimental Diving Unit (NEDU)-derived Schlegel test; and
(iv) The NEDU MeshFit software.
(b) The employer must ensure that the rebreather manufacturer has applied the following canister-testing materials, methods, procedures, and statistical analyses:
(i) Use of a nitrox breathing-gas mixture that has an O2 fraction maintained at 0.28 (equivalent to 1.4 ATA of O2 at 130 fsw, the maximum O2 concentration permitted at this depth);
(ii) While operating the rebreather at a maximum depth of 130 fsw, use of a breathing machine to continuously ventilate the rebreather with breathing gas that is at 100% humidity and warmed to a temperature of 98.6 degrees F (37 degrees C) in the heating-humidification chamber;
(iii) Measurement of the O2 concentration of the inhalation breathing gas delivered to the mouthpiece;
(iv) Testing of the canisters using the three ventilation rates listed in Table I below (with the required breathing-machine tidal volumes and frequencies, and CO2-injection rates, provided for each ventilation rate):
| Ventilation
rates (Lpm, ATPS(1)) |
Breathing machine tidal volumes (L) | Breathing machine frequencies (breaths per min.) | CO2 injection rates (Lpm, STPD (2)) |
| 22.5 | 1.5 | 15 | 0.90 |
| 40.0 | 2.0 | 20 | 1.35 |
| 62.5 | 2.5 | 25 | 2.25 |
| (1) | ATPS means ambient temperature and pressure, saturated with water. |
| (2) | STPD means standard temperature and pressure, dry; the standard temperature is 32 degrees F (0 degrees C). |
(vi) Performance of the CO2 injection at a constant (steady) and continuous rate during each testing trial;
(vii) Determination of canister duration using a minimum of four water temperatures, including 40, 50, 70, and 90 degrees F (4.4, 10.0, 21.1, and 32.2 degrees C, respectively);
(viii) Monitoring of the breathing-gas temperature at the rebreather mouthpiece (at the "chrome T" connector), and ensuring that this temperature conforms to the temperature of a diver's exhaled breath at the water temperature and ventilation rate used during the testing trial;(1)
(ix) Implementation of at least eight testing trials for each combination of temperature and ventilation-CO2-injection rates (for example, eight testing trials at 40 degrees F using a ventilation rate of 22.5 Lpm at a CO2-injection rate of 0.90 Lpm);
(x) Allowing the water temperature to vary no more than 2.0 degrees F (1.0 degree C) between each of the eight testing trials, and no more than 1.0 degree F (0.5 degree C) within each testing trial;
(xi) Use of the average temperature for each set of eight testing trials in the statistical analysis of the testing-trial results, with the testing-trial results being the time taken for the inhaled breathing gas to reach 0.005 ATA of CO2 (i.e., the canister-duration results);
(xii) Analysis of the canister-duration results using the repeated-measures statistics described in NEDU Report 2-99;
(xiii) Specification of the replacement schedule for the CO2-sorbent materials in terms of the lower prediction line (or limit) of the 95% confidence interval; and
(xiv) Derivation of replacement schedules only by interpolating among, but not by extrapolating beyond, the depth, water temperatures, and exercise levels used during canister testing.
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