Subpart A provides the standards related to scope and application, responsibility, definitions, incorporation by reference (i.e., consensus standards), commercial diving operations, and competent person. 

To learn if Subpart A applies to you, go to Does "Subpart A - General Provisions" Apply to You?

Special Requirements

Tab/Accordion Items

Scope: This standard provides the responsibility requirements.

Special Requirements: Responsibility(ies), competent person, references other standards

1915.3(a) - The responsibility for compliance with the regulations of this part is placed upon "employers" as defined in § 1915.4 - definitions.

1915.3(b) - This part does not apply to owners, operators, agents or masters of vessels unless such persons are acting as "employers." However, this part is not intended to relieve owners, operators, agents or masters of vessels who are not "employers" from responsibilities or duties now placed upon them by law, regulation or custom.

1915.3(c) - The responsibilities placed upon the competent person herein shall be deemed to be the responsibilities of the employer.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for commercial diving operations.

Special Requirements: References other standards

Commercial diving operations shall be subject to subpart T of part 1910, §§ 1910.401-1910.441 of this chapter. 

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for competent person(s).

Special Requirements: Competent person, designated, posted, tests, roster, results, instructions, CIH, records, evaluate, recordkeeping, statement, inspections, marine chemist, references other standards

1915.7(b) - Designation.

  • 1915.7(b)(1) - One or more competent persons shall be designated by the employer in accordance with the applicable requirements of this section, unless the requirements of Subpart B - confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres in shipyard employment, Subpart C - surface preparation and preservation, Subpart D - welding, cutting and heating, and Subpart H - tools and related equipment, of this part are always carried out by a Marine Chemist. Exception: The employer may designate any person who meets the applicable portions of the criteria set forth in paragraph (c) of this section as a competent person who is limited to performing testing to the following situations: [Reference paragraph (b)(1)(i) - (iv)].
  • 1915.7(b)(2)(i) - The employer shall maintain either a roster of designated competent persons or a statement that a Marine Chemist will perform the tests or inspections which require a competent person.
  • 1915.7(b)(2)(ii) - The employer shall make the roster of designated persons or the statement available to employees, the employee's representative, the Director or the Assistant Secretary upon request.
  • 1915.7(b)(2)(iii) - The roster shall contain, as a minimum, the following: [Reference paragraph (b)(2)(iii)(A) - (C)].

1915.7(c) - Criteria. The employer shall ensure that each designated competent person has the following skills and knowledge: [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (7)].

1915.7(d) - Recordkeeping. [Reference paragraph (d)(1) - (3)].

  • 1915.7(d)(1) - When tests and inspections are performed by a competent person, Marine Chemist, or Certified Industrial Hygienist as required by any provisions of Subpart B - confined and enclosed spaces and other dangerous atmospheres in shipyard employment, Subpart C - surface preparation and preservation, Subpart D - welding, cutting and heating, and Subpart H - tools and related equipment of this part, the employer shall ensure that the person performing the test and inspection records the location, time, date, location of inspected spaces, and the operations performed, as well as the test results and any instructions.
  • 1915.7(d)(2) - The employer shall ensure that the records are posted in the immediate vicinity of the affected operations while work in the spaces is in progress. The records shall be kept on file for a period of at least three months from the completion date of the specific job for which they were generated.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for compliance duties. 

Special Requirements: PPE, training, training program, compliance duty, affected employee, references other standards

1915.9(a) - Personal protective equipment. Standards in this part requiring the employer to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), including respirators and other types of PPE, because of hazards to employees impose a separate compliance duty with respect to each employee covered by the requirement. The employer must provide PPE to each employee required to use the PPE, and each failure to provide PPE to an employee may be considered a separate violation.

1915.9(b) - Training. Standards in this part requiring training on hazards and related matters, such as standards requiring that employees receive training or that the employer train employees, provide training to employees, or institute or implement a training program, impose a separate compliance duty with respect to each employee covered by the requirement. The employer must train each affected employee in the manner required by the standard, and each failure to train an employee may be considered a separate violation.

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