• Commercial divers are exposed to numerous hazards like drowning, respiratory problems, and hypothermia. They are also at risk from activities such as cutting, welding, and operation of heavy equipment and power tools.

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 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.

Commercial diving involves a diverse group of individuals and companies involved in a wide range of activities. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards at 1910, Subpart T, Commercial Diving Operations apply 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.

The regulations describe qualifications, require the development of safe practices and procedures, and prescribe recordkeeping requirements.