The Importance of Knowing State and Federal OSHA Requirements for Commercial Diving Equipment
This notice is being sent out to notify contractors who are performing diving operations in state OSHA jurisdictions to carefully take note of any operational, equipment or personnel requirements that are in excess of federal OSHA.
Recently, in California, a diving contractor was cited by a Cal. OSHA inspector for not having a carbon monoxide (CO) monitor and alarm on an LP oil lubricated diving compressor. The contractor was not aware of this state requirement. This has not been an issue for our industry, as we have adequate topside personnel who routinely monitor the compressor, its intake and volume tank(s). While it is widely known that the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has such a requirement for LP oil lubricated diving compressors, most of the commercial diving industry is not aware of other entities having this requirement for compressors.
Contractors are advised to familiarize themselves with all federal, state and client requirements, as part of the pre-job preparation and meeting process.
ADCI will continue to work with regulators and clients to ensure that safe and practical requirements are instituted, which do not unnecessarily hamper contractors to safely perform operations.
