Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations

Subpart T provides the requirements for commercial diving operations. It applies to diving and related support operations that are conducted in connection with all types of work and employments, including general industry, construction, ship repairing, shipbuilding, shipbreaking and longshoring.  

Scientific diving means diving performed solely as a necessary part of a scientific, research, or educational activity by employees whose sole purpose for diving is to perform scientific research tasks. Scientific diving does not include performing any tasks usually associated with commercial diving such as: Placing or removing heavy objects underwater; inspection of pipelines and similar objects; construction; demolition; cutting or welding; or the use of explosives.

Recreational diving instruction means training diving students in the use of recreational diving procedures and the safe operation of diving equipment, including an open-circuit, semi-closed-circuit, or closed-circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus, during dives. 

To learn if subpart T applies to you, go to Does "Subpart T - Commercial Diving Operations" Apply to You?

Special Requirements

Tab/Accordion Items

Scope: This standard provides the qualification requirements for the dive team. 

Special Requirements: Training, decompression/treatment procedures, supervision, dive team members, designated person in charge

1910.410(a)(1) - Each dive team member shall have the experience or training necessary to perform assigned tasks in a safe and healthful manner.

1910.410(a)(2) - Each dive team member shall have experience or training in the following: [Reference paragraph (a)(2)(i) - (iii)].

1910.410(a)(3) - All dive team members shall be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid (American Red Cross standard course or equivalent).
 
1910.410(a)(4) - Dive team members who are exposed to or control the exposure of others to hyperbaric conditions shall be trained in diving-related physics and physiology.
 
1910.410(b)(1) - Each dive team member shall be assigned tasks in accordance with the employee's experience or training, except that limited additional tasks may be assigned to an employee undergoing training provided that these tasks are performed under the direct supervision of an experienced dive team member. 
 
1910.410(b)(2) - The employer shall not require a dive team member to be exposed to hyperbaric conditions against the employee's will, except when necessary to complete decompression or treatment procedures.
 
1910.410(c)(1) - The employer or an employee designated by the employer shall be at the dive location in charge of all aspects of the diving operation affecting the safety and health of dive team members. 
 
1910.410(c)(2) - The designated person-in-charge shall have experience and training in the conduct of the assigned diving operation.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to a safe practices manual. 

Special Requirements: Safe practices manual (written), policies, copy of standard, procedures, checklists, assignments

1910.420(a) - General. The employer shall develop and maintain a safe practices manual which shall be made available at the dive location to each dive team member.
 
1910.420(b)(1) - The safe practices manual shall contain a copy of this standard and the employer's policies for implementing the requirements of this standard.
 

1910.420(b)(2) - For each diving mode engaged in, the safe practices manual shall include: 

  • 1910.420(b)(2)(iv) - Emergency procedures for fire, equipment failure, adverse environmental conditions, and medical illness and injury.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for pre-dive procedures.

Special Requirements: List, physician approved first aid kit, first aid handbook, assessment, employee briefing, procedures, inspections, flag, warning signal, employer inquire (physical fitness)

1910.421(b) - Emergency aid. A list shall be kept at the dive location of the telephone or call numbers of the following: [Reference paragraph (b)(1) -(5)].

1910.421(c)(1) - A first aid kit appropriate for the diving operation and approved by a physician shall be available at the dive location.

1910.421(c)(3) - In addition to any other first aid supplies, an American Red Cross standard first aid handbook or equivalent, and a bag-type manual resuscitator with transparent mask and tubing shall be available at the dive location.

1910.421(d) - Planning and assessment. Planning of a diving operation shall include an assessment of the safety and health aspects of the following: [Reference paragraph (d)(1) - (9)].

1910.421(f)(1) - Dive team members shall be briefed on: [Reference paragraph (f)(1)(i) - (iv)].

1910.421(f)(2) - Prior to making individual dive team member assignments, the employer shall inquire into the dive team member's current state of physical fitness, and indicate to the dive team member the procedure for reporting physical problems or adverse physiological effects during and after the dive.

1910.421(g) - Equipment inspection. The breathing gas supply system including reserve breathing gas supplies, masks, helmets, thermal protection, and bell handling mechanism (when appropriate) shall be inspected prior to each dive.

1910.421(h) - Warning signal. When diving from surfaces other than vessels in areas capable of supporting marine traffic, a rigid replica of the international code flag "A" at least one meter in height shall be displayed at the dive location in a manner which allows all-round visibility, and shall be illuminated during night diving operations.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to procedures during the dive.

Liveboating: The practice of supporting a surfaced-supplied air or mixed gas diver from a vessel which is underway.

Special Requirements: Procedures, communication system/communications, decompression tables, dive profiles, tests, designated person-in-charge, dive team member, references other standards

1910.422(b) - Water entry and exit (Procedures). [Reference paragraph (b)(1) - (3)].

1910.422(c)(1) - An operational two-way voice communication system shall be used between: [Reference paragraph (c)(1)(i) - (ii)].

1910.422(c)(2) - An operational, two-way communication system shall be available at the dive location to obtain emergency assistance.

1910.422(d) - Decompression tables. Decompression, repetitive, and no-decompression tables (as appropriate) shall be at the dive location.

1910.422(e) - Dive profiles. A depth-time profile, including when appropriate any breathing gas changes, shall be maintained for each diver during the dive including decompression.

1910.422(g)(1) - A current supply switch to interrupt the current flow to the welding or burning electrode shall be:

  • 1910.422(g)(1)(i) - Tended by a dive team member in voice communication with the diver performing the welding or burning.

1910.422(h)(1) - Employers shall transport, store, and use explosives in accordance with this section and the applicable provisions of 1910.109 - explosives and blasting agents, and 1926.912 - underwater blasting, of Title 29 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

1910.422(h)(2) - Electrical continuity of explosive circuits shall not be tested until the diver is out of the water.

1910.422(i) - Termination of dive. The working interval of a dive shall be terminated when:

  • 1910.422(i)(2) - A diver fails to respond correctly to communications or signals from a dive team member;
  • 1910.422(i)(3) - Communications are lost and can not be quickly re-established between the diver and a dive team member at the dive location, and between the designated person-in-charge and the person controlling the vessel in liveboating operations.

Scope: This standard provides the procedures to be followed after diving. 

Special Requirements: Procedures, checks, instruct, alert, advise, records, evaluation (written, procedure assessment, communication system, dive team member, designated person-in-charge, information, records, investigation, corrective action

1910.423(b)(1) - Precautions. After the completion of any dive, the employer shall (procedures):

  • 1910.423(b)(1)(i) - Check the physical condition of the diver;
  • 1910.423(b)(1)(ii) - Instruct the diver to report any physical problems or adverse physiological effects including symptoms of decompression sickness; 
  • 1910.423(b)(1)(iii) - Advise the diver of the location of a decompression chamber which is ready for use; and
  • 1910.423(b)(1)(iv) - Alert the diver to the potential hazards of flying after diving.
1910.423(b)(2) - For any dive outside the no-decompression limits, deeper than 100 fsw or using mixed gas as a breathing mixture, the employer shall instruct the diver to remain awake and in the vicinity of the decompression chamber which is at the dive location for at least one hour after the dive (including decompression or treatment as appropriate).
 
1910.423(c)(4)(iii) - Decompression chamber. A two-way voice communication system between occupants and a dive team member at the dive location. 
 
1910.423(c)(6) - A dive team member shall be available at the dive location during and for at least one hour after the dive to operate the decompression chamber (when required or provided).
 
1910.423(d)(1) - The following information shall be recorded and maintained for each diving operation: [Reference paragraph (d)(1)(i) - (vi)]. 
 
1910.423(d)(2) - For each dive outside the no-decompression limits, deeper than 100 fsw or using mixed gas, the following additional information shall be recorded and maintained: [Reference paragraph (d)(2)(i) - (iii)]. 
 
1910.423(d)(3) - For each dive in which decompression sickness is suspected or symptoms are evident, the following additional information shall be recorded and maintained: [Reference paragraph (d)(3)(i) - (ii)]. 
 
1910.423(e) - Decompression procedure assessment. The employer shall:
  • 1910.423(e)(1) - Investigate and evaluate each incident of decompression sickness based on the recorded information, consideration of the past performance of decompression table used, and individual susceptibility;
  • 1910.423(e)(2) - Take appropriate corrective action to reduce the probability of recurrence of decompression sickness; and
  • 1910.423(e)(3) - Prepare a written evaluation of the decompression procedure assessment, including any corrective action taken, within 45 days of the incident of decompression sickness.

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for SCUBA diving.

SCUBA diving: A diving mode independent of surface supply in which the diver uses open circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus.

Special Requirements: Procedures, standby diver

1910.424(c) - Procedures. [Reference paragraph (c)((1) - (5)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for surface-supplied air diving. 

Surface-supplied air diving: A diving mode in which the diver in the water is supplied from the dive location with compressed air for breathing.

Special Requirements: Procedures, dive team members

1910.425(c) - Procedures. [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (6)].

Scope: This standard provides requirements for mixed-gas diving. 

Mixed-gas diving: A diving mode in which the diver is supplied in the water with a breathing gas other than air.

Special Requirements: Procedures, dive team member, standby diver

1910.426(c) - Procedures. [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (9)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements pertaining to liveboating.

Liveboating: The practice of supporting a surfaced-supplied air or mixed gas diver from a vessel which is underway.

Special Requirements: Procedures, standby diver, designated person-in-charge, communication

1910.427(c) - Procedures. [Reference paragraph (c)(1) - (5)].

Scope: This standard provides the requirements for diving equipment.

Special Requirements: Tests, maintenance, calibration, records, tagging and logging system, person's initials, marked, designed, maintenance, references other standards

1910.430(a)(2) - Each equipment modification, repair, test, calibration or maintenance service shall be recorded by means of a tagging or logging system, and include the date and nature of work performed, and the name or initials of the person performing the work.

1910.430(b)(4) - The output of air compressor systems shall be tested for air purity every 6 months by means of samples taken at the connection to the distribution system, except that non-oil lubricated compressors need not be tested for oil mist.
 
1910.430(c)(1) - Breathing gas supply hoses shall:
  • 1910.430(c)(1)(iii) - Be tested at least annually to 1.5 times their working pressure;
  • 1910.430(c)(3)(i) - Be marked in 10-ft. increments to 100 feet beginning at the diver's end, and in 50 ft. increments thereafter

1910.430(e) - Compressed gas cylinders. Compressed gas cylinders shall:

  • 1910.430(e)(1) - Be designed, constructed and maintained in accordance with the applicable provisions of 29 CFR 1910.101 - compressed gases (general requirements)and 1910.169 - air receivers, through 1910.171 (does not exist).

1910.430(f) - Decompression chambers.

  • 1910.430(f)(1) - Each decompression chamber manufactured after the effective date of this standard, shall be built and maintained in accordance with the ASME Code or equivalent.
  • 1910.430(f)(2) - Each decompression chamber manufactured prior to the effective date of this standard shall be maintained in conformity with the code requirements to which it was built, or equivalent.

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

Special Requirements: Records, dive team members, inspection, document, safe practices manual, medical records, exposure records, depth-time profiles, dive recordings, hospital records, procedure assessment evaluations, equipment inspections, testing records, references other standards

1910.440(a)(2) - The employer shall record the occurrence of any diving-related injury or illness which requires any dive team member to be hospitalized for 24 hours or more, specifying the circumstances of the incident and the extent of any injuries or illnesses.
 

1910.440(b)(1) - Upon the request of the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, or the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Department of Health and Human Services of their designees, the employer shall make available for inspection and copying any record or document required by this standard.

1910.440(b)(2) - Records and documents required by this standard shall be provided upon request to employees, designated representatives, and the Assistant Secretary in accordance with 29 CFR 1910.1020 - access to employee exposure and medical records, (a)-(e) and (g)-(i). Safe practices manuals (1910.420 - safe practices manual), depth-time profiles (1910.422 - procedures during dive), recordings of dives (1910.423 - post-dive procedures), decompression procedure assessment evaluations (1910.423 - post-dive procedures), and records of hospitalizations (1910.440 - recordkeeping requirements) shall be provided in the same manner as employee exposure records or analyses using exposure or medical records. Equipment inspections and testing records which pertain to employees (1910.430 - equipment) shall also be provided upon request to employees and their designated representatives.

1910.440(b)(3) - Records and documents required by this standard shall be retained by the employer for the following period: [Reference paragraph (b)(3)(i) - (vii)].

1910.440(b)(4) - The employer shall comply with any additional requirements set forth at 29 CFR 1910.1020 - access to employee exposure and medical records.

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