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WAC
296-37-510
Scope and application.
296-37-512
Variance and procedure.
296-37-515
Definitions.
296-37-520
Qualifications of dive team.
296-37-525
Medical requirements.
296-37-530
Safe practices manual.
296-37-535
Predive procedures.
296-37-540
Procedures during dive.
296-37-545
Postdive procedures.
296-37-550
Scuba diving.
296-37-555
Surface-supplied air diving.
296-37-560
Mixed-gas diving.
296-37-565
Liveboating.
296-37-570
Equipment.
296-37-575
Recordkeeping requirements.
296-37-580
Reserved.
296-37-585
Appendix A to chapter 296-37 WAC--Examples of conditions which
may restrict or limit exposure to hyperbaric conditions.
296-37-590
Appendix B to chapter 296-37 WAC--Guidelines for scientific diving.
296-37-595
Appendix C to chapter 296-37 WAC--Alternative conditions under
WAC 296-37-510(7) for recreational diving instructors and diving
guides.
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 instructionor dive-guide 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 or the instructor or guide is complying with
all requirements of Appendix C of this subpart.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, .050, and .060. 04-18-078 (Order 04-22), § 296-37-510,
filed 08/31/04, effective 11/01/04. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, and .050. 01-11-038, (Order 99-36), § 296-37-510, filed
05/09/01, effective 09/01/01. 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.]
WAC
296-37-512 Variance and procedure.
Realizing that conditions may exist in operations under which
certain state standards will not have practical application, the
director of the department of labor and industries or his/her
authorized representative may, pursuant to this section, RCW 49.17.080
and/or 49.17.090 and appropriate administrative rules of this
state and the department of labor and industries and upon receipt
of application and after adequate investigation by the department,
permit a variation from these requirements when other means of
providing an equivalent measure of protection are afforded. Such
variation granted shall be limited to the particular case or cases
covered in the application for variance and may be revoked for
cause. The permit for variance shall be conspicuously posted on
the premises and shall remain posted during the time it is in
effect. All requests for variances from safety and health standards
included in this or any other chapter of Title 296 WAC, shall
be made in writing to the director of the department of labor
and industries at Olympia, Washington, or his/her duly authorized
representative, or the assistant director, Department of Labor
and Industries, P.O. Box 44600, Olympia, Washington 98504-4600.
Variance application forms may be obtained from the department
upon request.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW. 94-15-096 (Order 94-07), 296-37-512, filed 7/20/94,
effective 9/20/94. 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), .§ 296-37-512, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-515 Definitions.
As used in this standard, the listed terms are defined as follows:
(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 operation”:
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.
(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.
(14) “Dive team”: Divers and support employees
involved in a diving operation, including the designated person-in-charge.
(15) “Diver”: An employee working in water
using underwater apparatus which supplies compressed breathing
gas at the ambient pressure.
(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.
(17) “Diving mode”: A type of diving requiring
specific equipment, procedures and techniques (SCUBA, surface-supplied
air, or mixed gas).
(18) “Fsw”: Feet of seawater (or equivalent
static pressure head).
(19) “Heavy gear”: Diver-worn deep-sea dress
including helmet, breastplate, dry suit, weighted shoes.
(20) “Hyperbaric conditions”: Pressure conditions
in excess of surface pressure.
(21) “Inwater stage”: A suspended underwater
platform which supports a diver in the water.
(22) “Liveboating”: The practice of supporting
a surfaced-supplied air or mixed gas diver from a vessel which
is underway.
(23) “Mixed-gas diving”: A diving mode in
which the diver is supplied in the water with a breathing gas
other than air.
(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.
(25) “Psi(g)”: Pounds per square inch (gauge).
(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.
(28) “SCUBA diving”: A diving mode independent
of surface supply in which the diver uses open circuit self-contained
underwater breathing apparatus.
(29) “Standby diver”: A diver at the dive
location properly equipped and available to assist a diver in
the water.
(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.
(31) “Treatment table”: A depth-time and breathing
gas profile designed to treat decompression sickness.
(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.
(33) “Volume tank”: A pressure vessel connected
to the outlet of a compressor and used as an air reservoir.
(34) “Working pressure”: The maximum pressure
to which a pressure containment device may be exposed under standard
operating conditions.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, .050, and .060. 04-18-078 (Order 04-22), § 296-37-515,
filed 08/31/04, effective 11/01/04. 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.]
WAC
296-37-520 Qualifications of dive team.
(1) General.
(a) Each dive team member shall have the experience or training
necessary to perform assigned tasks in a safe and healthful
manner.
(b) Each dive team member shall have experience or training
in the following:
(i) The use of tools, equipment and systems relevant to assigned
tasks;
(ii) Techniques of the assigned diving mode; and
(iii) Diving operations and emergency procedures.
(c) All dive team members shall be trained in cardiopulmonary
resuscitation and first aid (American Red Cross standard course
or equivalent).
(d) Dive team members who are exposed to or control the exposure
of others to hyperbaric conditions shall be trained in diving-related
physics and physiology.
(2) Assignments.
(a) Each dive team member shall be assigned tasks in accordance
with the employee's experience or training, except that limited
additional tasks may be assigned to an employee undergoing training
provided that these tasks are performed under the direct supervision
of an experienced dive team member.
(b) The employer shall not require a dive team member to be
exposed to hyperbaric conditions against the employee's will,
except when necessary to complete decompression or treatment
procedures.
(c) The employer shall not permit a dive team member to dive
or be otherwise exposed to hyperbaric conditions for the duration
of any temporary physical impairment or condition which is known
to the employer and is likely to affect adversely the safety
or health of a dive team member.
(3) Designated person-in-charge.
(a) The employer or an employee designated by the employer
shall be at the dive location in charge of all aspects of the
diving operation affecting the safety and health of dive team
members.
(b) The designated person-in-charge shall have experience and
training in the conduct of the assigned diving operation.
[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), .§ 296-37-520, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-525 Medical requirements.
(1) General.
(a) The employer shall determine that dive team members who
are, or are likely to be, exposed to hyperbaric conditions are
medically fit to perform assigned tasks in a safe and healthful
manner.
(b) The employer shall provide each dive team member who is,
or is likely to be, exposed to hyperbaric conditions with all
medical examinations required by this standard.
(c) All medical examinations required by this standard shall
be performed by, or under the direction of, a physician at no
cost to the employee.
(2) Frequency of medical examinations. Medical examinations shall
be provided:
(a) Prior to initial hyperbaric exposure with the employer,
unless an equivalent medical examination has been given within
the preceding 12 months and the employer has obtained the results
of the examination and an opinion from the examining physician
of the employee's medical fitness to dive or to be otherwise
exposed to hyperbaric conditions;
(b) At one year intervals from the date of initial examination
or last equivalent examination; and
(c) After an injury or illness requiring hospitalization of
more than twenty-four hours.
(3) Information provided to examining physician. The employer
shall provide the following information to the examining physician:
(a) A copy of the medical requirements of this standard; and
(b) A summary of the nature and extent of hyperbaric conditions
to which the dive team member will be exposed, including diving
modes and types of work to be assigned.
(4) Content of medical examinations.
(a) Medical examinations conducted initially and annually shall
consist of the following:
(i) Medical history;
(ii) Diving-related work history;
(iii) Basic physical examination;
(iv) The tests required by Table I; and
(v) Any additional tests the physician considers necessary.
(b) Medical examinations conducted after an injury or illness
requiring hospitalization of more than 24 hours shall be appropriate
to the nature and extent of the injury or illness as determined
by the examining physician.
| Test |
Initial
Examination |
Annual
Reexamination |
| Chest
x ray |
x |
|
| Visual
acuity |
x |
|
| Color
blindness |
x |
|
| EKG:
Standard 12L1 |
x |
|
| Hearing
test |
x |
x |
| Hematocrit
or hemoglobin |
x |
x |
| Sickle
cell index |
x |
|
| White
blood count |
x |
x |
| Urinalysis |
x |
x |
1 To be given to the employee
once, at age 35 or over.
(5) Physician's written report.
(a) After any medical examination required by this standard,
the employer shall obtain a written report prepared by the examining
physician containing:
(i) The results of the medical examination; and
(ii) The examining physician's opinion of the employee's
fitness to be exposed to hyperbaric conditions, including
any recommended restrictions or limitations to such exposure
(see WAC 296-37-585).
(b) The employer shall provide the employee with a copy of
the physician's written report.
(6) Determination of employee fitness.
(a) The employer shall determine the extent and nature of the
dive team member's fitness to engage in diving or be otherwise
exposed to hyperbaric conditions consistent with the recommendations
in the examining physician's report.
(b) If the examining physician has recommended a restriction
or limitation on the dive team member's exposure to hyperbaric
conditions, and the affected employee does not concur, a second
physician selected by the employee shall render a medical opinion
on the nature and extent of the restriction or limitation, if
any.
(c) If the recommendation of the second opinion differs from
that of the examining (first) physician, and if the employer
and employee are unable to agree on the nature and extent of
the restriction or limitation, an opinion from a third physician
selected by the first two physicians shall be obtained. The
employer's determination of the dive team member's fitness shall
be consistent with the medical opinion of the third physician,
unless the employer and employee reach an agreement which is
otherwise consistent with the recommendation or opinion of at
least two of the physicians involved.
(d) Nothing in this procedure shall be construed to prohibit
either a dive team member from accepting, or an employer from
offering, an assignment which is otherwise consistent with at
least one medical opinion while a final determination on the
employee's fitness is pending.
[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), .§ 296-37-525, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-530 Safe practices manual.
(1) General. The employer shall develop and maintain a safe practices
manual which shall be made available at the dive location to each
dive team member.
(2) Contents.
(a) The safe practices manual shall contain a copy of this
standard and the employer's policies for implementing the requirements
of this standard.
(b) For each diving mode engaged in, the safe practices manual
shall include:
(i) Safety procedures and checklists for diving operations;
(ii) Assignments and responsibilities of the dive team members;
(iii) Equipment procedures and checklists; and
(iv) Emergency procedures for fire, equipment failure, adverse
environmental conditions, and medical illness and injury.
[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), .§ 296-37-530, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-535 Predive procedures.
(1) General. The employer shall comply with the following requirements
prior to each diving operation, unless otherwise specified.
(2) Emergency aid. A list shall be kept at the dive location
of the telephone or call numbers of the following:
(a) An operational decompression chamber (if not at the dive
location);
(b) Accessible hospitals;
(c) Available physicians;
(d) Available means of transportation; and
(e) The nearest U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Coordination Center.
(3) First-aid supplies.
(a) A first-aid kit appropriate for the diving operation and
approved by a physician shall be available at the dive location.
(b) When used in a decompression chamber or bell, the first-aid
kit shall be suitable for use under hyperbaric conditions.
(c) In addition to any other first-aid supplies, an American
Red Cross standard first-aid handbook or equivalent, and a bag-type
manual resuscitator with transparent mask and tubing shall be
available at the dive location.
(4) Planning and assessment. Planning of a diving operation shall
include an assessment of the safety and health aspects of the
following:
(a) Diving mode;
(b) Surface and underwater conditions and hazards;
(c) Breathing gas supply (including reserves);
(d) Thermal protection;
(e) Diving equipment and systems;
(f) Dive team assignments and physical fitness of dive team
members (including any impairment known to the employer);
(g) Repetitive dive designation or residual inert gas status
of dive team members;
(h) Decompression and treatment procedures (including altitude
corrections); and
(i) Emergency procedures.
(5) Hazardous activities. To minimize hazards to the dive team,
diving operations shall be coordinated with other activities in
the vicinity which are likely to interfere with the diving operation.
(6) Employee briefing.
(a) Dive team members shall be briefed on:
(i) The tasks to be undertaken;
(ii) Safety procedures for the diving mode;
(iii) Any unusual hazards or environmental conditions likely
to affect the safety of the diving operation; and
(iv) Any modifications to operating procedures necessitated
by the specific diving operation.
(b) Prior to making individual dive team member assignments,
the employer shall inquire into the dive team member's current
state of physical fitness, and indicate to the dive team member
the procedure for reporting physical problems or adverse physiological
effects during and after the dive.
(7) Equipment inspection. The breathing gas supply system including
reserve breathing gas supplies, masks, helmets, thermal protection,
and bell handling mechanism (when appropriate) shall be inspected
prior to each dive.
(8) Warning signal. When diving from surfaces other than vessels
in areas capable of supporting marine traffic, a rigid replica
of the international code flag “A” at least one meter
in height shall be displayed at the dive location in a manner
which allows all-round visibility, and shall be illuminated during
night diving operations.
[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), .§ 296-37-535, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-540 Procedures during dive.
(1) General. The employer shall comply with the following requirements
which are applicable to each diving operation unless otherwise
specified.
(2) Water entry and exit.
(a) A means capable of supporting the diver shall be provided
for entering and exiting the water.
(b) The means provided for exiting the water shall extend below
the water surface.
(c) A means shall be provided to assist an injured diver from
the water or into a bell.
(3) Communications.
(a) An operational two-way voice communication system shall
be used between:
(i) Each surface-supplied air or mixed-gas diver and a dive
team member at the dive location or bell (when provided or
required); and
(ii) The bell and the dive location.
(b) An operational, two-way communication system shall be available
at the dive location to obtain emergency assistance.
(4) Decompression tables. Decompression, repetitive, and no-decompression
tables (as appropriate) shall be at the dive location.
(5) Dive profiles. A depth-time profile, including when appropriate
any breathing gas changes, shall be maintained for each diver
during the dive including decompression.
(6) Hand-held power tools and equipment.
(a) Hand-held electrical tools and equipment shall be deenergized
before being placed into or retrieved from the water.
(b) Hand-held power tools shall not be supplied with power
from the dive location until requested by the diver.
(7) Welding and burning.
(a) A current supply switch to interrupt the current flow to
the welding or burning electrode shall be:
(i) Tended by a dive team member in voice communication with
the diver performing the welding or burning; and
(ii) Kept in the open position except when the diver is welding
or burning.
(b) The welding machine frame shall be grounded.
(c) Welding and burning cables, electrode holders, and connections
shall be capable of carrying the maximum current required by
the work, and shall be properly insulated.
(d) Insulated gloves shall be provided to divers performing
welding and burning operations.
(e) Prior to welding or burning on closed compartments, structures
or pipes, which contain a flammable vapor or in which a flammable
vapor may be generated by the work, they shall be vented, flooded,
or purged with a mixture of gases which will not support combustion.
(8) Explosives.
(a) Employers shall transport, store, and use explosives in
accordance with this section and applicable provisions of chapter
296-52 WAC.
(b) Electrical continuity of explosive circuits shall not be
tested until the diver is out of the water.
(c) Explosives shall not be detonated while the diver is in
the water.
(9) Termination of dive. The working interval of a dive shall
be terminated when:
(a) A diver requests termination;
(b) A diver fails to respond correctly to communications or
signals from a dive team member;
(c) Communications are lost and can not be quickly reestablished
between the diver and a dive team member at the dive location,
and between the designated person-in-charge and the person controlling
the vessel in liveboating operations; or
(d) A diver begins to use diver-carried reserve breathing gas
or the dive-location reserve breathing gas.
[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), § 296-37-540, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-545 Postdive procedures.
(1) General. The employer shall comply with the following requirements
which are applicable after each diving operation, unless otherwise
specified.
(2) Precautions.
(a) After the completion of any dive, the employer shall:
(i) Check the physical condition of the diver;
(ii) Instruct the diver to report any physical problems or
adverse physiological effects including symptoms of decompression
sickness;
(iii) Advise the diver of the location of a decompression
chamber which is ready for use; and
(iv) Alert the diver to the potential hazards of flying after
diving.
(b) For any dive outside the no-decompression limits, deeper
than 100 fsw or using mixed gas as a breathing mixture, the
employer shall instruct the diver to remain awake and in the
vicinity of the decompression chamber which is at the dive location
for at least one hour after the dive (including decompression
or treatment as appropriate).
(3) Recompression capability.
(a) A decompression chamber capable of recompressing the diver
at the surface to a minimum of 165 fsw (6 ATA) shall be available
at the dive location for:
(i) Surface-supplied air diving to depths deeper than 100
fsw and shallower than 220 fsw;
(ii) Mixed gas diving shallower than 300 fsw; or
(iii) Diving outside the no-decompression limits shallower
than 300 fsw.
(b) A decompression chamber capable of recompressing the diver
at the surface to the maximum depth of the dive shall be available
at the dive location for dives deeper than 300 fsw.
(c) The decompression chamber shall be:
(i) Dual-lock;
(ii) Multiplace; and
(iii) Located within five minutes of the dive location.
(d) The decompression chamber shall be equipped with:
(i) A pressure gauge for each pressurized compartment designed
for human occupancy;
(ii) A built-in-breathing-system with a minimum of one mask
per occupant;
(iii) A two-way voice communication system between occupants
and a dive team member at the dive location;
(iv) A viewport; and
(v) Illumination capability to light the interior.
(e) Treatment tables, treatment gas appropriate to the diving
mode, and sufficient gas to conduct treatment shall be available
at the dive location.
(f) A dive team member shall be available at the dive location
during and for at least one hour after the dive to operate the
decompression chamber (when required or provided).
(4) Record of dive.
(a) The following information shall be recorded and maintained
for each diving operation:
(i) Names of dive team members including designated person-in-charge;
(ii) Date, time, and location;
(iii) Diving modes used;
(iv) General nature of work performed;
(v) Approximate underwater and surface conditions (visibility,
water temperature and current); and
(vi) Maximum depth and bottom time for each diver.
(b) For each dive outside the no-decompression limits, deeper
than 100 fsw or using mixed gas, the following additional information
shall be recorded and maintained:
(i) Depth-time and breathing gas profiles;
(ii) Decompression table designation (including modification);
and
(iii) Elapsed time since last pressure exposure if less than
24 hours or repetitive dive designation for each diver.
(c) For each dive in which decompression sickness is suspected
or symptoms are evident, the following additional information
shall be recorded and maintained:
(i) Description of decompression sickness symptoms (including
depth and time of onset); and
(ii) Description and results of treatment.
(5) Decompression procedure assessment. The employer shall:
(a) Investigate and evaluate each incident of decompression
sickness based on the recorded information, consideration of
the past performance of decompression table used, and individual
susceptibility;
(b) Take appropriate corrective action to reduce the probability
of recurrence of decompression sickness; and
(c) Prepare a written evaluation of the decompression procedure
assessment, including any corrective action taken, within 45
days of the incident of decompression sickness.
[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), § 296-37-545, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-550 Scuba diving.
(1) General. Employers engaged in scuba diving shall comply with
the following requirements, unless otherwise specified.
(2) Limits. scuba diving shall not be conducted:
(a) At depths deeper than 130 fsw;
(b) At depths deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression
limits unless a decompression chamber is ready for use;
(c) Against currents exceeding one knot unless line-tended;
or
(d) In enclosed or physically confining spaces unless line-tended.
(3) Procedures.
(a) A standby diver shall be available while a diver is in
the water.
(b) A diver shall be line-tended from the surface, or accompanied
by another diver in the water in continuous visual contact during
the diving operations.
(c) A diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry
when diving is conducted in enclosed or physically confining
spaces and shall have positive means of communication with the
diver or divers within the space.
(d) A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall be provided
for each diver consisting of:
(i) A manual reserve (J valve); or
(ii) An independent reserve cylinder with a separate regulator
or connected to the underwater breathing apparatus.
(e) The valve of the reserve breathing gas supply shall be
in the closed position prior to the dive.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067
(Order 92-06), .§ 296-37-550, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92.
Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 81-07-048 (Order
81-4), § 296-37-550, 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), § 296-37-550, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-555 Surface-supplied air diving.
(1) General. Employers engaged in surface-supplied air diving
shall comply with the following requirements, unless otherwise
specified.
(2) Limits.
(a) Surface-supplied air diving shall not be conducted at depths
deeper than 190 fsw, except that dives with bottom times of
30 minutes or less may be conducted to depths of 220 fsw.
(b) A decompression chamber shall be ready for use at the dive
location for any dive outside the no-decompression limits or
deeper than 100 fsw.
(c) A bell shall be used for dives with an inwater decompression
time greater than 120 minutes, except when heavy gear is worn
or diving is conducted in physically confining spaces.
(3) Procedures.
(a) Each diver shall be continuously tended while in the water.
(b) A diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry
when diving is conducted in enclosed or physically confining
spaces.
(c) Each diving operation shall have a primary breathing gas
supply sufficient to support divers for the duration of the
planned dive including decompression.
(d) For dives deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression
limits:
(i) A separate dive team member shall tend each diver in
the water;
(ii) A standby diver shall be available while a diver is
in the water;
(iii) A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall
be provided for each diver except when heavy gear is worn;
and
(iv) A dive-location reserve breathing gas supply shall be
provided.
(e) For heavy-gear diving deeper than 100 fsw or outside the
no-decompression limits:
(i) An extra breathing gas hose capable of supplying breathing
gas to the diver in the water shall be available to the standby
diver.
(ii) An inwater stage shall be provided to divers in the
water.
(f) Except when heavy gear is worn or where physical space
does not permit, a diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply
shall be provided whenever the diver is prevented by the configuration
of the dive area from ascending directly to the surface.
[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), .§ 296-37-555, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-560 Mixed-gas diving.
(1) General. Employers engaged in mixed-gas diving shall comply
with the following requirements, unless otherwise specified.
(2) Limits. Mixed-gas diving shall be conducted only when:
(a) A decompression chamber is ready for use at the dive location;
and
(b) A bell is used at depths greater than 220 fsw or when the
dive involves inwater decompression time of greater than 120
minutes, except when heavy gear is worn or when diving in physically
confining spaces; or
(c) A closed bell is used at depths greater than 300 fsw, except
when diving is conducted in physically confining spaces.
(3) Procedures.
(a) A separate dive team member shall tend each diver in the
water.
(b) A standby diver shall be available while a diver is in
the water.
(c) A diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry
when diving is conducted in enclosed or physically confining
spaces.
(d) Each diving operation shall have a primary breathing gas
supply sufficient to support divers for the duration of the
planned dive including decompression.
(e) Each diving operation shall have a dive-location reserve
breathing gas supply.
(f) When heavy gear is worn:
(i) An extra breathing gas hose capable of supplying breathing
gas to the diver in the water shall be available to the standby
diver; and
(ii) An inwater stage shall be provided to divers in the
water.
(g) An inwater stage shall be provided for divers without access
to a bell for dives deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression
limits.
(h) When a closed bell is used, one dive team member in the
bell shall be available and tend the diver in the water.
(i) Except when heavy gear is worn or where physical space
does not permit, a diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply
shall be provided for each diver:
(i) Diving deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression
limits; or
(ii) Prevented by the configuration of the dive area from
directly ascending to the surface.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067
(Order 92-06), .§ 296-37-560, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92.
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), .§ 296-37-560,
filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-565 Liveboating.
(1) General. Employers engaged in diving operations involving
liveboating shall comply with the following requirements.
(2) Limits. Diving operations involving liveboating shall not
be conducted:
(a) With an inwater decompression time of greater than 120
minutes;
(b) Using surface-supplied air at depths deeper than 190 fsw,
except that dives with bottom times of 30 minutes or less may
be conducted to depths of 220 fsw;
(c) Using mixed gas at depths greater than 220 fsw;
(d) In rough seas which significantly impede diver mobility
or work function; or
(e) In other than daylight hours.
(3) Procedures.
(a) The propeller of the vessel shall be stopped before the
diver enters or exits the water.
(b) A device shall be used which minimizes the possibility
of entanglement of the diver's hose in the propeller of the
vessel.
(c) Two-way voice communication between the designated person-in-charge
and the person controlling the vessel shall be available while
the diver is in the water.
(d) A standby diver shall be available while a diver is in
the water.
(e) A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall be carried
by each diver engaged in liveboating operations.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067
(Order 92-06), .§ 296-37-565, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92.
Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. 87-02-002 (Order
86-44), .§ 296-37-565, 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), .§ 296-37-565, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-570 Equipment.
(1) General.
(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 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 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
CUBA 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: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, .050, and .060. 04-18-078 (Order 04-22), § 296-37-570,
filed 08/31/04, effective 11/01/04.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.]
WAC
296-37-575 Recordkeeping requirements.
(1) Recording and reporting.
(a) The employer shall comply with the requirements of chapters
296-27, 296-800, and 296-900 WAC.
(b) The employer shall record the occurrence of any diving-related
injury or illness which requires any dive team member to be
hospitalized, specifying the circumstances of the incident and
the extent of any injuries or illnesses.
(2) Availability of records.
(a) Upon the request of the director of the department of labor
and industries or his duly authorized designees, the employer
shall make available for inspection and copying any record or
document required by this standard.
(b) Records and documents required by this standard shall be
provided upon request to employees, designated representatives,
and the assistant director in accordance with chapter
296-802 WAC. Safe practices manuals (WAC 296-37-530), depth-time
profiles (WAC 296-37-540), recording of dives (WAC 296-37-545),
decompression procedure assessment evaluations (WAC 296-37-545),
and records of hospitalizations (WAC 296-37-575) shall be provided
in the same manner as employee exposure records or analyses
using exposure or medical records. Equipment inspections and
testing records which pertain to employees (WAC 296-37-570)
shall also be provided upon request to employees and their designated
representatives.
(c) Records and documents required by this standard shall be
retained by the employer for the following period:
(i) Dive team member medical records (physician's reports)
(WAC 296-37-525) - five years;
(ii) Safe practices manual (WAC 296-37-530) - current document
only;
(iii) Depth-time profile (WAC 296-37-540) - until completion
of the recording of dive, or until completion of decompression
procedure assessment where there has been an incident of decompression
sickness;
(iv) Recording dive (WAC 296-37-545) one year, except five
years where there has been an incident of decompression sickness;
(v) Decompression procedure assessment evaluations (WAC 296-37-545)
- five years;
(vi) Equipment inspections and testing records (WAC 296-37-570)
- current entry or tag, or until equipment is withdrawn from
service;
(vii) Records of hospitalizations (WAC 296-37-575) - five
years.
(d) After the expiration of the retention period of any record
required to be kept for five years, the employer shall forward
such records to the National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health, Department of Health and Human Services. The employer
shall also comply with any additional requirements set forth
in chapter
296-802 WAC.
(e) In the event the employer ceases to do business:
(i) The successor employer shall receive and retain all dive
and employee medical records required by this standard; or
(ii) If there is no successor employer, dive and employee
medical records shall be forwarded to the National Institute
for Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Health and
Human Services.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, .050, and .060. 08-05-012 (Order 07-44), § 296-37-575,
filed 02/08/08, effective 04/01/08. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, .050, and .060. 07-03-163 (Order 06-30), § 296-37-575,
filed 01/24/07, effective 04/01/07. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010,
.040, and .050. 01-11-038 (Order 99-36), § 296-37-575, filed 05/09/01,
effective 09/01/01. Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW. 94-15-096
(Order 94-07), .§ 296-37-575, 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), .§ 296-37-575, filed
10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040
and 49.17.050. 87-02-002 (Order 86-44), .§ 296-37-575, filed 12/26/86.
Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050 and 49.17.240. 81-18-029
(Order 81-21), .§ 296-37-575, filed 8/27/81. 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), .§ 296-37-575, filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-580 Reserved.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067
(Order 92-06), .§ 296-37-580, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92.
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), .§ 296-37-580,
filed 10/2/78.]
WAC
296-37-585 Appendix A to chapter 296-37 WAC--Examples of conditions
which may restrict or limit exposure to hyperbaric conditions.
(1) The following disorders may restrict or limit occupational
exposure to hyperbaric conditions depending on severity, presence
of residual effects, response to therapy, number of occurrences,
diving mode, or degree and duration of isolation.
(a) History of seizure disorder other than early febrile convulsions.
(b) Malignancies (active) unless treated and without recurrence
for five years.
(c) Chronic inability to equalize sinus and/or middle ear pressure.
(d) Cystic or cavitary disease of the lungs.
(e) Impaired organ function caused by alcohol or drug use.
(f) Conditions requiring continuous medication for control
(e.g., antihistamines, steroids, barbiturates, mood altering
drugs, or insulin).
(i) Meniere's disease.
(ii) Hemoglobinopathies.
(iii) Obstructive or restrictive lung disease.
(iv) Vestibular end organ destruction.
(v) Pneumothorax.
(vi) Cardiac abnormalities (e.g., pathological heart block,
valvular disease, intraventricular conduction defects other
than isolated right bundle branch block, angina pectoris,
arrhythmia, coronary artery disease).
(vii) Juxta-articular osteonecrosis.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067
(Order 92-06), .§ 296-37-585, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92.
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), .§ 296-37-585,
filed 10/2/78.]
WAC 296-37-590
Appendix B to chapter 296-37 WAC--Guidelines for scientific diving.
This appendix contains guidelines that will be used in conjunction
with WAC 296-37-510 (2)(e) to determine those scientific diving
programs which are exempt from the requirements for commercial
diving. The guidelines are as follows:
(1) The diving control board consists of a majority of active
scientific divers and has autonomous and absolute authority over
scientific diving program's operations.
(2) The purpose of the project using scientific diving is the
advancement of science; therefore, information and data resulting
from the project are nonproprietary.
(3) The tasks of a scientific diver are those of an observer
and data gatherer. Construction and trouble-shooting tasks traditionally
associated with commercial diving are not included within scientific
diving.
(4) Scientific divers, based on the nature of their activities,
must use scientific expertise in studying the underwater environment
and, therefore, are scientists or scientists in training.
[Statutory Authority: Chapter
49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. 92-22-067
(Order 92-06), .§ 296-37-590, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92.]
WAC 296-37-595 Appendix C to chapter
296-37--Alternative conditions under WAC 296-37-510(7) for recreational
diving instructors and diving guides.
(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 divers 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.
(1) 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 the 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-controlled 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 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 Procedu | 
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