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

e. 29 CFR 1910.427(c)(5). A diver-carried reserve breathing-gas supply shall
be carried by each diver engaged in liveboating operations.
M. 29 CFR 1910.430 Equipment.
1. 29 CFR 1910.430(a) General. Every equipment modification, repair, test,
calibration, or maintenance service must be recorded in a log or by means of a
tagging system. The tag or log entry must include the date, the type of work
performed on the equipment, and the name or initials of the person who
performed the work. The CSHO shall check to ensure that the employer has
recorded the information required by this provision. This information is used to
determine whether the equipment meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.430
or is in need of maintenance, testing, or replacement. These records (logs or
tags) must be kept by the employer until replaced by a subsequent up-to-date
record, or until the equipment is withdrawn from service.
2. 29 CFR 1910.430(b) Air compressor system.
a. 29 CFR 1910.430(b)(1) and (b)(2). Air compressor systems used to supply
air to the diver must be equipped with a volume tank (VT), a check valve on
the inlet side of the VT (to prevent loss of air if the compressor fails), a VT
pressure gauge, a VT relief valve (to prevent excessive pressure buildup),
and a VT drain valve (to drain or “bleed” accumulated moisture from the
VT). In addition, the air compressor intakes must be located away (upwind)
from any internal combustion engine exhaust or other contamination source
to protect the diver’s breathing air.
NOTE: Generally, an upwind horizontal separation of at least twelve feet
should be maintained between the air compressor intake and the engine
exhaust. In addition, the air intake should be located at least six feet above
the ground, deck, or other low-lying area that could collect contaminants
that are heavier than air. Even if a system is designed to keep the exhaust
downwind of the intake (e.g., floating, weathervaning system), these
horizontal and vertical distances should be maintained.
b. 29 CFR 1910.430(b)(3) and (b)(4). The employer is responsible for
checking the output of the air compressor system every 6 months to ensure
that the diver’s breathing air does not contain more than 20 ppm (parts per
million) by volume of carbon monoxide (CO), more than 1,000 ppm by
volume of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), 5 milligrams per cubic meter of oil mist
(except that non-oil-lubricated compressors need not be tested for oil mist),
or a pronounced or noxious odor. The CSHO shall interview appropriate
employees and examine the records indicating the results of such tests. The
CSHO also shall check to ensure that the air sample was taken at the
connection to the distribution system (manifold). The CSHO or industrial
hygienist should obtain a sample of the breathing air for later evaluation or,
when possible, test for contaminants onsite.
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