DIRECTIVE NUMBER: CPL 02-00-151 EFFECTIVE DATE ... - OSHA

and a bag-type resuscitator with a transparent hose and mask (so that the
operator can see that the diver’s air passages are clear).
4. 29 CFR 1910.421(d) Planning and assessment. This provision requires the
employer to include in the planning of a diving operation an assessment of the
safety and health features of the diving mode, surface and underwater
conditions and hazards, primary and reserve breathing-gas supply, thermal
protection, diving equipment and systems, dive-team assignments and the
physical fitness of dive-team members (including any impairments known to the
employer), repetitive dive designation or residual inert-gas status of divers,
decompression chamber procedures (including any altitude corrections), and
emergency procedures. The employer typically assigns this planning task to the
designated person-in-charge. Most of the information required by this provision
should be in the safe practices manual (see 29 CFR 1910.420). While
conducting the planning and assessment, the employer must consider all hazards
involved and ensure compliance with other OSHA standards (such as 29 CFR
1910.147 – The control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout); 29 CFR Part
1910, Subpart H – Hazardous Materials; 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N –
Materials Handling and Storage; and 29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart Q – Welding,
Cutting and Brazing). Some information may not be found in the safe practice
manual because it cannot be determined until the dive team reaches the dive
location. The CSHO can question the dive-team members to determine that the
employer has complied with the requirements of this provision.
NOTE: 29 CFR 1910.421(d) can be cited for any identified hazard that was not
addressed properly by an employer when they planned and conducted an
assessment of the diving operation or the work to be performed. For example,
the hazards of installing piling underwater remain similar to installing piling
above water with respect to maintaining vertical stability, and being positively
secured to prevent accidental detachment of the pile from the hoisting
equipment (see ANSI/ASSE A10.19-2008 – Safety Requirements for Pile
Installation and Extraction Operations and ANSI A10.42-2000 – Safety
Requirements for Rigging Qualifications – American National Standard for
Construction and Demolition Operations).
NOTE: The NOAA Diving Manual addresses diving at altitudes above sea
level in Section 4.5 (Dealing with Changes in Altitude). Altitude corrections
are not typically required for most dives conducted below 1,000 feet (altitude)
as discussed in the manual.
5. 29 CFR 1910.421(e) Hazardous activities. Hazards encountered during diving
operations such as weather, water temperature, current, and bottom conditions
must be recognized and taken into account during the planning and execution of
the operation. When other operations being conducted in the vicinity (such as
dredging, marine traffic, or movement of materials directly above the dive
location and/or area of the dive) are likely to interfere with the diving operation,
the designated person-in-charge shall plan the operation only after appropriate
coordination with persons responsible for the other activities so that any hazard
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