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Commercial divers are exposed to hazards such as drowning, respiratory and circulatory problems, and hypothermia. The number of dives, length of time spent underwater, lack of visibility, and the strenuous nature of the task increase the risk of this type of activity. Additionally, commercial divers are often exposed to construction or demolition type hazards such as cutting, welding, material handling, cleaning, operation of heavy equipment, and general work with power tools.
Scope
Commercial diving involves a diverse group of individuals and companies involved in a wide range of activities. 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.
Regulatory citations
- 29 CFR 1910, Subpart T — Commercial Diving Operations
Key definitions
- Dive team: Divers and support employees involved in a diving operation, including the designated person-in-charge.
- Diver: An employee working in water using underwater apparatus which supplies compressed breathing gas at the ambient pressure.
- Diving mode: A type of diving requiring specific equipment, procedures and techniques (SCUBA, surface-supplied air, or mixed gas).
Summary of requirements
The regulations describe qualifications, require the development of safe practices and procedures, and prescribe recordkeeping requirements.