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PART 3Diving Contractors (continued)

Duties (continued)

  •  (1) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must not permit any person involved in the diving operation to be exposed to a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in a compression chamber used in connection with the diving operation unless

    • (a) not more than 12 months before the day of the exposure, a diving doctor has certified that the person is fit to be exposed to the pressure; and

    • (b) copies of the certificate referred to in paragraph (a) are in the possession of the diving contractor and the person.

  • (2) Subsection (1) does not apply

    • (a) to any person who requires therapeutic compression; or

    • (b) in the case of an emergency, to a person who can provide medical treatment, if no person certified under paragraph (1)(a) is available.

Examination and Testing of Diving Plant and Equipment

  •  (1) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must use or permit to be used in the diving operation

    • (a) only diving plant and equipment that have been examined and, when appropriate, subjected to a pressure leak test using an appropriate breathing mixture at a pressure that is not less than six atmospheres absolute or, when the maximum working pressure that may be encountered during any dive that is part of the diving operation is greater than six atmospheres absolute, at the maximum pressure plus one atmosphere

      • (i) not more than three months before the day on which they are to be used,

      • (ii) on mobilization and assembly, and

      • (iii) following any repair, replacement or alteration of the diving plant and equipment that might affect their safety;

    • (b) in the case of a compression chamber, only a compression chamber that

      • (i) not more than two years before the day on which it is to be used, has been subjected to a pressure leak test at the maximum working pressure of the chamber using an appropriate breathing mixture, and

      • (ii) not more than five years before the day on which it is to be used, has been subjected to an internal pressure test of at least 1.25 times the maximum working pressure of the chamber;

    • (c) in the case of a pressure vessel for compressed gases that is not intended to be immersed in water, including compressed air cylinders, only a pressure vessel that has been subjected to

      • (i) a thorough examination and internal pressure test not more than five years before the day on which it is to be used, and

      • (ii) an internal inspection for corrosion not more than two years before the day on which it is to be used, or within any longer period that the Board approves under subsection 138(4) of the Act;

    • (d) in the case of a pressure vessel for compressed gases that is intended to be immersed in water, only a pressure vessel that has been subjected to

      • (i) a thorough examination and internal pressure test not more than two years before the day on which it is to be used, and

      • (ii) an internal inspection for corrosion not more than one year before the day on which it is to be used, or within such longer period as the Board approves pursuant to subsection 138(4) of the Act; and

    • (e) in the case of lifting equipment for a launch and recovery system, only lifting equipment that has been tested

      • (i) on first installation and, subsequently, before operational use of the lifting equipment following a repair, replacement or alteration, other than a routine repair, replacement or alteration carried out by a competent person, by means of a functional test, and

      • (ii) every six months following a functional test carried out under subparagraph (i), by means of a test that tests the capability of the lifting equipment to operate safely under its maximum working load.

  • (2) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must ensure that

    • (a) each examination and test required to be carried out for the purposes of subsection (1) is carried out by or under the supervision of a recognized body and in accordance with an acceptable standard; and

    • (b) when a pneumatic or hydrostatic pressure test is carried out for the purposes of subsection (1), adequate precautions are taken to ensure the safety of the personnel involved, the diving plant and equipment and the craft or installation used in the test.

  • (3) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must keep a register in which are inserted or to which are attached certificates

    • (a) containing details and results of examinations and tests carried out under subsection (1); and

    • (b) signed by the person by whom or under whose supervision the examinations or tests were carried out.

  • (4) A diving contractor must retain the register referred to in subsection (3)

    • (a) in the case of a register that contains certificates relating to pressure vessels, for at least five years after the day on which the last entry is made in it, and

    • (b) in any other case, for at least two years after the day on which the last entry is made in it.

  • (5) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must not use or permit to be used in the diving operation any diving plant and equipment that are unsafe as determined by an examination or test carried out under subsection (1).

Diving Plant and Equipment

  •  (1) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must not use or permit to be used any diving plant and equipment in the diving operation unless their design is such that

    • (a) it enables divers and pilots to safely enter and leave the water;

    • (b) divers can be safely compressed or decompressed in accordance with the relevant schedule in the appropriate decompression table;

    • (c) if a hot-water system is used as the means of heating a diver, a hot-water reservoir is, when practicable, included in the system; and

    • (d) the body temperature of a diver or pilot can be maintained within safe limits during the diving operation.

  • (2) A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must ensure that

    • (a) before the time a diver involved in the diving operation enters the water, the diver is provided with

      • (i) a diving harness complete with pelvic support and lifting ring,

      • (ii) a depth indicator that is, when reasonably practicable, a type that can be monitored from the surface, and

      • (iii) during any period of darkness or low visibility or when requested by the supervisor, a lamp or other suitable device that indicates the diver’s location;

    • (b) the first-aid supplies listed in Part 1 of Schedule 4, or equivalent first-aid supplies approved in accordance with section 4 for the diving program of which the diving operation is a part, are

      • (i) packed in such a manner that they fit through the medical lock of any surface compression chamber used in the diving operation, and

      • (ii) kept on the craft or installation from which the diving operation is conducted, except when it is impracticable in a category I diving operation or an ADS diving operation and when the supervisor approves, in which case the supplies may be kept readily available within a travelling distance of the diving operation that is acceptable to the supervisor;

    • (c) if a diving bell or diving submersible is used in the diving operation, the first-aid supplies listed in Part 2 of Schedule 4, or equivalent first-aid supplies approved in accordance with section 4 for the diving program of which the diving operation is a part, are kept in the diving bell or the compression chamber of the diving submersible;

    • (d) any airtight container used to pack any of the first-aid supplies referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c) for use in the diving operation has a suitable means of equalizing pressure;

    • (e) when the safe use of the diving plant and equipment depends on the pressure or depth at which they are used, the diving plant and equipment are clearly marked with the maximum working pressure or the maximum depth at which they may be used;

    • (f) any lifeline used in the diving operation has a manufacturer’s breaking strength rating in accordance with an acceptable standard;

    • (g) any gas bottle used in the diving operation is clearly marked with the name and chemical formula of its contents;

    • (h) any winch used in the diving operation to raise or lower a skip, diving bell, diving submersible or ADS

      • (i) is so constructed that

        • (A) a brake or mechanical locking device is applied when the control lever, handle or switch is not held in the operating position,

        • (B) the brakes have the capability of stopping and holding 100% of the maximum working load with the outermost layer of wire on the drum,

        • (C) the brakes engage automatically on loss of power, and

        • (D) the lowering and raising of loads is controlled by power drives independent of the brake mechanism,

      • (ii) is not fitted with a pawl and ratchet gear on which the pawl has to be disengaged before beginning a lowering or raising operation,

      • (iii) is so designed as to prevent the possibility of freeze-up when in operation,

      • (iv) is equipped with a lifting wire capable of withstanding a functional test in accordance with an acceptable standard, and

      • (v) complies with an acceptable standard of construction for winches;

    • (i) any prime mover used in the diving operation to operate lifting equipment for a skip, diving bell, diving submersible or ADS is not used for any other purpose;

    • (j) except when alternative lifting equipment is provided for any skip, diving bell, diving submersible or ADS used in the diving operation, an auxiliary prime mover capable of lifting the maximum working load is provided;

    • (k) if, during the diving operation, a skip, diving bell, diving submersible or ADS is being held in position by a hydraulically operated winch that is not equipped with a mechanical locking device, the hydraulic pumps are kept running during the diving operation;

    • (l) any craft or installation used in the diving operation is equipped with

      • (i) a receiver system that is compatible with the relocation transponder system fitted to any diving bell, diving submersible or ADS that is used in the diving operation, and

      • (ii) a hand-held receiver that is suitable for use by a diver or pilot in achieving a final location and that is compatible with the receiver system on the craft or installation and the relocation transponder system on the diving bell, diving submersible or ADS;

    • (m) any skip, diving submersible or ADS used in the diving operation is equipped with

      • (i) a secondary lifting eye or similar device that is of at least the same strength as the primary lifting eye,

      • (ii) where practicable, an additional cable in the form of a suitable tag rope so designed that, in the event the primary lifting cable breaks during a water-air interface transport, the tag rope will not permit the skip, diving submersible or ADS to descend to a depth greater than 25 m, and

      • (iii) has readily available, for use in an emergency, a secondary lifting cable that has at least the same strength as the primary lifting cable and that is compatible with the secondary lifting eye or similar device;

    • (n) any skip used in the diving operation to transport divers through the water-air interface is

      • (i) large enough to carry, in uncramped conditions, at least two divers with their personal diving equipment,

      • (ii) secured against tipping or spinning,

      • (iii) not encumbered by any equipment that may interfere with an occupant’s foothold or handhold,

      • (iv) equipped with handholds arranged in such a manner that crushed-hand injuries during launch or recovery are avoided,

      • (v) so constructed or equipped that its occupants are secure against falling out of the skip, and

      • (vi) in the case of a skip that is a wet bell, equipped with an additional band mask or full face mask;

    • (o) any diving submersible or ADS used in the diving operation is equipped with

      • (i) a stroboscopic light that is automatically activated in the water and a pinger that operates at a frequency of 37.5 KHz, and

      • (ii) a relocation transponder system that operates at a frequency of 37.5 KHz, if approved by the Board under subsection 138(4) of the Act;

    • (p) a secondary source of power that will operate in the event of a failure of the primary source of power is provided for the diving operation, can be brought on-line rapidly and has sufficient capacity to

      • (i) operate the handling system for any skip, diving bell, diving submersible or ADS used in the diving operation,

      • (ii) heat any compression chamber used in the diving operation and heat, for the period required to complete the diving operation, any diver who is involved in the diving operation and who is in the water,

      • (iii) sustain the life-support system of any compression chamber used in the diving operation and of any diver who makes a dive that is part of the diving operation,

      • (iv) illuminate the interior of any compression chamber used in the diving operation, and

      • (v) operate any communication system and monitoring system used in the diving operation; and

    • (q) if any craft is used in the diving operation, there is a safe means of ensuring that the craft is, during the diving operation,

      • (i) at anchor,

      • (ii) made fast to the shore or to an installation,

      • (iii) maintained in position using its propulsion system in accordance with section 24, or

      • (iv) used in a manner that is approved by the Board under subsection 138(4) of the Act or that is approved in accordance with section 4 for the diving program of which the diving operation is a part.

Communication Systems

  •  (1) Subject to subsection (2), a diving contractor must not conduct a diving operation unless there is available for use in the diving operation

    • (a) for communications between the supervisor and any diver or pilot involved in the diving operation

      • (i) a primary communication system that has

        • (A) sound reproduction adequate to enable breathing to be clearly heard and oral communications to be clearly heard and understandable, and

        • (B) a recording device that continuously records all oral communications while a dive is in progress, and

      • (ii) a secondary communication system that allows the supervisor and the divers or pilots to communicate orally in the event of a failure of the primary communication system; and

    • (b) for communications between the supervisor and any person involved in, or in a position to assist in, the diving operation, other than the divers and pilots referred to in paragraph (a), a communication system that meets the requirements of paragraph 5(1)(f).

  • (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a diving operation in which SCUBA is used and when it is impracticable to use the communication systems referred to in that subsection, in which case a diving contractor must not conduct such a diving operation unless there is available for use in the diving operation an alternative method of communication that the supervisor considers suitable for the diving operation.

Pressure Vessels

 A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must not use or permit to be used in the diving operation a pressure vessel intended for human occupancy unless the pressure vessel is equipped with

  • (a) a breathing mask for each occupant of the pressure vessel;

  • (b) a means of maintaining the oxygen, carbon dioxide, temperature and humidity in the pressure vessel at levels and pressures that are safe for the occupants; and

  • (c) for use in an emergency, a back-up capability to maintain the levels and pressures referred to in paragraph (b) for a minimum of, in the case of a diving bell or the compression chamber of a diving submersible, 24 hours and, in any other case, 48 hours.

Compression Chambers

 A diving contractor who conducts a diving operation must not use or permit to be used a compression chamber in the diving operation unless the compression chamber

  • (a) meets the requirements of section 13;

  • (b) is designed and constructed in accordance with an acceptable standard;

  • (c) provides a suitable environment for its occupants, including amenities appropriate to the type, depth and duration of the diving operation;

  • (d) is equipped with doors that act as pressure seals and that can be opened from both the inside and the outside;

  • (e) is designed to minimize the risk of fire and

    • (i) is constructed of only non-combustible or fire-resistant materials, and

    • (ii) is equipped with suitable fire-fighting capabilities;

  • (f) is fitted with adequate equipment, including facilities for

    • (i) supplying to and maintaining for its occupants an appropriate breathing mixture,

    • (ii) lighting and heating the compression chamber, and

    • (iii) removing carbon dioxide;

  • (g) is equipped with valves, gauges and other fittings necessary to indicate and control the internal pressures of each compartment from outside the compression chamber;

  • (h) is fitted with piping that has at least one external shut-off valve, where practicable, immediately outside the point at which the piping enters the compression chamber and one internal shut-off valve immediately inside that point;

  • (i) is fitted with hull integrity valves that clearly indicate whether the valves are in the open or closed position and that are clearly labelled by name and number;

  • (j) other than a diving bell and the compression chamber of a diving submersible, is equipped with a built-in breathing system that permits outside dumping of exhaled gas;

  • (k) when appropriate, is equipped with an emergency shut-off valve that automatically shuts off the flow of gas from the compression chamber if the velocity or volume of gas exceeds the preset limit;

  • (l) is equipped with relief valves resistant to marine corrosion;

  • (m) has all of its internal electrical wiring insulated and in conduit, except for the wiring for low-power devices such as telephones;

  • (n) is cleaned and disinfected using only products that are

    • (i) recommended by the manufacturer for that type of use,

    • (ii) well proven for that purpose,

    • (iii) non-toxic at any pressure,

    • (iv) non-corrosive, and

    • (v) safe to use;

  • (o) when used in a category II dive or a category III dive or, where practicable, in a category I dive, is provided with a coupling arrangement that is suitable for the safe transfer of persons under pressure and that is designed to prevent accidental release;

  • (p) is provided with a clamping mechanism that

    • (i) is suitable for coupling a diving bell with the surface compression chamber,

    • (ii) clearly indicates when the clamping mechanism is fully engaged, and

    • (iii) cannot be disengaged while pressurized;

  • (q) is supplied with breathing mixture through a gas control panel that

    • (i) has distinct indicators of the function of each valve and gauge, and

    • (ii) is designed so as to minimize the possibility of supplying an incorrect breathing mixture;

  • (r) if manufactured after December 31, 1990,

    • (i) is fitted with a device to record continuously and to preserve at least the last recorded four hours of data respecting temperature, oxygen levels, depth, time and oral communications and, when where practicable, carbon dioxide and humidity levels, and

    • (ii) where practicable, is provided with a means to permit video monitoring of its occupants; and

  • (s) if manufactured on or before December 31, 1990, meets the requirements set out in paragraph (r) if the Board so determines under subsection 138(4) of the Act.

 

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