March 24, 2020 ArchiveSubscribe Send to a Friend Advertise Join ADCI
ADC
Fisk Marine Insurance International, LLC
Notice  
The following items of information are provided to bring your attention to recent industry developments, initiatives, or safety notices.
WARNINGS
This advisory notice is provided to stress the importance of stakeholders vetting secondhand information on guidance for the sanitization of commercial diving life support equipment.
 
Recently, a diving contractor contacted the ADCI to verify an alleged guidance that OSHA/ADCI had issued, recommending the utilization of a diluted bleach mixture for post-dive cleaning of dive helmets. This is completely inaccurate, and is an example of why it is important to verify firsthand what are the recommended practices for the cleaning of shared life support equipment.
 
The ADCI would not, and will not, issue guidelines of this type that should be generated from manufacturers and vendors.
 
The ADCI encourages all contractors and schools to contact manufacturers on the best practices for proper sanitization to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
 
The following links and recommendations are from Kirby Morgan Dive Systems:
 
During this period with the spreading of COVID-19 it is important that the helmets, BandMasks® and full-face masks be cleaned and sanitized properly as defined in our General Preventative Maintenance section 1.3.2.2 and 1.3.2.4 Sanitizing Procedure
 
 
It is also important that the minimum post-dive procedures should be done using the Post-Dive Cleaning, Maintenance, and Inspection Checklist A2.6 checklist.
 
 
Just wiping down and changing the parts is not enough. The equipment should be fully immersed and follow the solution manufacturers’ guidelines for immersion time. The regulator cover, whiskers and valves should be opened up as stated in the checklists. Don’t forget about the neck dam and comms. The mic element is often overlooked and should receive the same attention as the other components that come in contact with the face.
 
Ensuring every diver has their own head cushion and oral nasal mask with valve, nose block pad has great value as well.
 
Concerning one of the KMDSI recommended sanitizing products Steramine:
Steramine Efficacy Summary
 
 

This Information was sent to further the communication of all industry stakeholders. Safety is the primary concern of the ADCI. Remember: a real-time Job Hazard Analysis is important, but nothing can replace good common sense.

Sincerely,

Phil Newsum
Association of Diving Contractors International

 

ADCI
5206 FM 1960 West, Ste. 202 | Houston, TX 77069
Phone: (281) 893-8388 | Fax: (281) 893-5118

We would appreciate your comments or suggestions. Your email will be kept private and confidential.