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

procedures), and questioning the employees. This standard makes no
distinction between employer-provided equipment and employee-provided
equipment with regard to the pre-dive inspection requirement. While an
employee may make such inspections, it is the employer who is responsible
for ensuring compliance with all equipment requirements of the standard.
8. 29 CFR 1910.421(h) Warning signal.
a. The following paragraphs describe the two distinctions made in the
requirements for displaying the warning signal for commercial diving
operations:
i. 29 CFR 1910.421(h) requires the warning signal to be displayed when
diving from surfaces other than vessels such as wharves, piers, pilings,
jetties, fixed caissons, levees, dikes, dams, breakwaters, and artificial
islands (secured to the sea floor). Violations of this requirement shall
be cited under this section.
ii.
The requirement for displaying the warning signal when the dive
location is located on a vessel is covered by the U.S. Coast Guard
Inland Navigation Rules. These requirements are not enforceable by
OSHA. If the CSHO observes violations of the warning signal when
the dive location is on a vessel, no citation shall be issued. However,
the CSHO shall inform the employer of the violation(s) and
recommend abatement(s). The CSHO also shall note the incident on
the OSHA-1 Form and notify the nearest U.S. Coast Guard Office of
the violation(s) (see http://homeport.uscg.mil or USCG Phonebook).
b. The warning signal is a rigid replica of the international code Flag “A,” and
must be at least one meter (3΄-3½˝) in height (see Appendix F of this
instruction).
NOTE: The red flag with a white diagonal stripe commonly used by
recreational SCUBA divers does not satisfy the 29 CFR 1910.421(h)
requirements. However, it can be used in addition to the “Alfa” flag to alert
others who are familiar with the recreational SCUBA diving flag (e.g.,
recreational divers and boaters).
F. 29 CFR 1910.422 Procedures during dive.
1. 29 CFR 1910.422(b) Water entry and exit. A means capable of supporting the
diver (such as an inwater stage or ladder) while entering or exiting the water is
required. If it is a fixed structure, such as a ladder, it must extend below the
water sufficiently to allow adequate diver access and support (a minimum of
one meter is recommended). Portable ladders should be secured to maintain
stability and to prevent pinch points. The employer also must provide a means
for assisting an injured diver from the water to the surface or into a diving bell
(such as an inwater stage, stokes basket, or harness).
21