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Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)

Regulations

Commercial Diving Regulations, 2022

Inshore Code of Practice for Commercial Diving

10. Diving Equipment

 

10.1 Diving equipment
10.1.1. Employers working under the scope of this code must use surface supplied diving equipment whenever reasonably practicable, and only use scuba equipment when conventional surface supplied equipment is not practicable, or there is a significant logistical advantage and the HIRA indicates that there is no significant additional risk.
10.1.2. No diver may undertake a dive to a depth greater than that for which the equipment he or she is using is suitable. Suitability of equipment for purpose should be confirmed by the manufacturer.
10.1.3. All equipment used for a dive must be suitable for the planned depth.

 

10.2 Surface-supplied diving equipment (SSDE)
10.2.1. Surface-supplied diving equipment under this code includes as a minimum the following:
(a) a full-face mask or helmet
(b) a diver's umbilical
(c) a bail-out system, connected to the primary breathing apparatus by a valve operable by the diver,
(d) a full body diver safety harness,
(e) a voice communication system between the diver and the control point,
(f) a surface breathing gas control panel,
(g) a suitable pressurised breathing mixture supply.
10.2.3. Diving masks and Helmets
(a) A full-face mask or diving helmet is an essential component of surface supplied diving equipment.
(b) Helmets and full face masks may be supplied with breathing gas by a demand or free-flow system.
10.2.4. Diver's umbilicals
(a) The required length of the diver's umbilical in relation to the worksite will need to be included in the dive plan, particularly where an emergency situation might require rapid location and recovery of the diver.
(b) The standby diver's umbilical must be at least 2m longer than the working diver's umbilical
(c) The length of the umbilical should take into account the distance to hazards.
(d) A diver's umbilical must comply with the following minimum requirements:
i. Contain a breathing gas hose of non-toxic composition (suitable for breathing gas) and a minimum internal diameter of 9mm and a working pressure of 350 kPa (35 bar);
ii. Contain a pneumofathometer hose of non-toxic composition and a minimum internal diameter of 6mm;
iii. Contain a hardwire communications cable for voice communications; and
iv. Have a strength of at least 5 kN
(e) The diver's umbilical must be connected to the diver's safety harness by means of a screw-gate caribiner to prevent the umbilical pulling on the diver's helmet or full-face mask.
10.2.5. Bailout systems
(a) An adequate bailout system must be worn by all divers and the breathing mixture in the bailout system must be appropriate for the dive.
(b) The bailout system capacity must be sufficient to allow the diver to reach a place of safety in emergency situations (e.g. for the time needed by the standby diver to reach the submerged diver and for both to return to the surface; or to return to the stage or wet bell, if this is being used in the diving operation).
10.2.6. Safety harness

A diver's safety harness must be:

(a) capable of supporting the weight of the fully dressed diver in air
(b) attached to the diver in such a way that it cannot be accidentally unfastened.
(c) adjustable to comfortably fit the diver.
(d) provided with an attachment point for lifting the diver in a posture which will minimise potential injury to an unconscious diver during lifting.
(e) provided with an attachment point for connecting the umbilical in such a way that loads will not be transmitted to the mask or helmet.
10.2.7. Surface control panel

The surface gas control panel must have the following functions:

(a) provide an adequate flow of primary breathing gas to each diver through the primary umbilical hose at the appropriate pressure,
(b) provide an alternative supply of primary breathing gas to each diver through the pneumofathometer hose when required,
(c) Indicate the breathing gas supply pressure,
(d) indicate the depth of each diver by measuring the pressure in the pneumofathometer hose, to a resolution of 0.5msw,
(e) provide an adequate flow of backup breathing gas to each diver through the primary and pneumofathometer hoses,
(f) Switch between primary and backup breathing gas supplies without noticeably interrupting supply to the divers
(g) Prevent breathing gas loss from each diver on the panel if any hose to another diver is cut
(h) All valves and gauges must be labelled to indicate function and, where appropriate, which diver they serve.
(i) If gases other than air are to be supplied to the diver, an oxygen analyser must be fixed to the supply manifold.

 

10.3 Self-contained diving equipment (SCUBA)

Scuba equipment under this code includes as a minimum the following:

(a) Primary breathing air supply from high pressure cylinder/s carried by the diver on a harness, including regulator with demand valve and accurate and legible pressure monitoring gauge.
(b) Buoyancy compensator device (BCD) capable of providing the diver with neutral and positive buoyancy without the need to jettison weights or other diving equipment.
(c) Full-face mask, or if not appropriate, half face mask.
(d) Bailout system as comprising independent gas supply carried by the diver and demand regulator, with means of changeover and pressure monitoring gauge.
(e) A diver's safety harness
(f) lifeline
(g) Cutting tool suitable for clearing entanglement by rope or line.
(h) A means of monitoring depth.

 

10.4 Airline diving equipment

Airline equipment under this code includes as a minimum the following:

(a) Airline supply hose with minimum inside diameter of 9mm suitable for breathing gas, complete with demand regulator system, attached to the safety harness by a screw-gate caribiner, in such a way that loads are not transmitted to the mask or DV from the airline or lifeline.
(b) Airline supply hose which is neutrally buoyant or negatively buoyant may be considered in special circumstances.
(c) Lifeline strapped to the airline if the airline is not suitable for this purpose alone.
(d) Primary air supply from low pressure breathing air compressor or regulated flow from high pressure cylinders.
(e) Full-face mask, or if not appropriate, half mask.
(f) Bailout system comprising independent gas supply carried by the diver and demand regulator, with means of changeover and pressure monitoring.
(g) A diver's safety harness.

 

10.5 Quantity of gas
(a) The quantities of gases likely to be needed for diving operations, including for treatments and emergencies, must be calculated when planning a diving project. Allowances should be made for leakage, wastage, contingencies, etc. Diving must be stopped if the quantity of gas needed for safety purposes falls below the minimum specified in the operations manual and the dive plan.
(b) A reserve supply of medical oxygen with a free volume of 40m3 is required at the chamber for the purposes of treatment in the chamber.  A minimum supply of reserve air for the chamber is also required on site.

 

10.6 Divers' breathing gas supply
10.6.1. The diving apparatus must be arranged in such a manner that every diver, including the standby diver receives a breathing gas of the correct composition, volume, temperature and flow for all situations, including emergencies.
10.6.2. All divers must receive an uninterrupted supply of breathing gas. In particular, the supply must be arranged so that no other diver (including the standby diver) is deprived of breathing gas if another diver's umbilical is cut or ruptured.
10.6.3. If breathing gases are not analysed immediately prior to use, an in-line oxygen analyser with an audible Hi-Lo alarm must be fitted to the diver's gas supply line in the dive control area.

 

10.7 Compressors
10.7.1. Compressors used to supply air to divers in the course of a diving operation must be capable of maintaining a supply of air to meet the air requirements of the diver/s.
10.7.2. All receiver tanks and pressure vessels used in connection with compressors must meet the required regulations and standards.
10.7.3. Compressors must be operated by a competent person who, if circumstances permit, may also act as a diver's tender.
10.7.4. The compressor operator must ensure that all equipment necessary to supply an adequate quantity of air to the diver is in good working order. Particular attention shall be given to valves, stop valves, drain cocks, gauges, and all parts liable to be damaged.

 

10.7 Prevention of contamination of breathing air supply

The employer shall ensure that adequate procedures are in place to ensure that compressed air supplied to divers comply with the minimum requirements set out in this Code. This will include procedures, checklists, maintenance and tests with regards to compressor air intakes, the compressor itself, the filtration systems and any other part of the equipment.

 

10.8 Storage cylinders
10.8.1. The dive plan must specify adequate protection for the gas storage areas.
10.8.2. Gas storage cylinders must be suitable in design, fit for purpose and safe for use. Each cylinder must be in date in terms of SANS 10019.
10.8.3. Cylinders used under water in direct contact with the water should be tested according to the requirements for Scuba cylinders, as they are subject to the same environmental conditions.
(a) Contents of gas cylinders

Gas cylinders containing breathing gases coming from suppliers will be colour coded in accordance with industry guidance and will be accompanied by an analysis certificate. Neither of these should be accepted as correct until a competent member of the dive team has analysed at least the oxygen content. This analysis should be repeated immediately before use of the gas.

(b) Marking and colour coding of gas storage
i. The employer must ensure that all gas storage units comply with a recognized and agreed standard of colour coding and marking of gas storage cylinders and banks. Where appropriate, pipework should also be colour coded.
ii. Unless special circumstances apply, gas cylinders for inshore and inland operations must be marked and colour coded in accordance with SANS 10019

 

10.9 Breathing gas composition

Constituent gases for breathing mixtures should be within 0.5% by volume of the nominal composition.

10.9.1. Breathing gas toxicity
(a) Divers breathing a mixture of oxygen and nitrogen under pressure, whether compressed natural air or an artificial mixture, are at risk of both oxygen toxicity and nitrogen narcosis as the depth increases. The dive plan must specify the maximum depth for the mixture of oxygen and nitrogen under pressure, whether compressed natural air or an artificial mixture.
(b) The recommended maximum partial pressure range for oxygen used under water is 1.4 bar to 1.6 bar for the working part of the dive. The partial pressure for oxygen used must never be lower than 0.2 bar
(c) Partial pressure of oxygen during decompression should comply with the requirements of the decompression schedule in use, taking into account the breathing apparatus and security of the diver's gas supply and airway in case of loss of consciousness.
(d) Breathing mixtures other than oxygen and nitrogen (or air) should be used when diving takes place deeper than 50 m of water.
10.9.2. Breathing air purity standards

Breathing air for diving under this Code will comply with the SANS 10019

10.9.3. Air purity testing

To ensure that breathing air complies with these minimum standards, the employer must ensure that the air is tested in the following manner:

(a) The compressor should have a monthly functionality test for delivery and pressure.
(b) An air purity test must be performed at a maximum interval of 6-months.
(c) An air purity test may be performed more frequently if deemed necessary.
(d) Testing for contaminants other than those listed in the SANS10019 shall be conducted if their presence is suspected.
(e) Quantitative testing for particulate matter (including oil) shall be conducted if its presence is evident in a qualitative test.
(f) A record of these tests should be kept with the compressor log for inspection
10.9.3.1. Purity of gases for breathing mixtures

These criteria apply equally to the gases in storage and after mixing, before delivery to the diver.

 

Gases should be tested for specific contaminants when there is reason to suspect that they may be present above the limits. A HIRA survey should be used to determine the likelihood of these or any other potentially toxic contaminants being present in the breathing gas.

 

Potential contaminants should be limited to:

 

Contaminant

Limit

Carbon dioxide

1000 ppmv

Carbon monoxide

5 ppmv

Water

Storage:

40 to 200bar        50 mg/m3        (62ppmv)

>200bar        35 mg/m3        (44ppmv)

Low pressure:                RH ideally 50% to 60%

Oil

0.1 mg/m3

Solid particles

0.5 mg/m3 for particles >5 µm

Odour

None

Volatile hydrocarbons excluding methane

5 ppmv

Methane

25 ppmv

Hydrogen Sulphide

1 ppmv

Sulphur dioxide

1 ppmv

Oxides of nitrogen

2 ppmv

(Ref: ECHM Book of Experts Reports, Section 5.1, Table 6: Proposed contaminant units for compressed air).

 

10.10 Oxygen banks and Oxygen installations
(a) Any gas mixture containing more than 25% oxygen by volume should be handled like pure oxygen.
(b) Any components used in plant which is intended to be exposed to high partial pressures of oxygen will need to be cleaned of hydrocarbons to avoid explosions. Formal cleaning procedures for such equipment must be specified by the employer, together with documentary evidence that such procedures have been followed.
10.10.1 Oxygen hoses

The use of hoses for oxygen in lieu of piping shall be kept to a minimum. Hoses and associated fittings shall be constructed of material that is compatible with oxygen at the operating pressure and temperature.

10.10.2 Flow velocity

High flow velocities of oxygen through hoses shall be such that the differential pressure along a hose does not exceed 700 kPa (7 bar)

10.10.3 Valves

Quick-opening valves such as ball valves should not be used in oxygen systems where the pressure exceeds 700 kPa (7 bar)

10.10.4 Oxygen storage area

An area where oxygen is stored shall be

(a) adequately ventilated;
(b) properly identified with warning signs;
(c) kept clean and located as far as practicable from combustible materials.

 

10.11 Chambers

All chambers used under this code shall be of a twin-lock configuration and have sufficient space available to treat all the ill or injured divers in an emergency, with at least one ill diver lying in the horizontal position.

10.11.1. Availability of recompression chambers

Whenever deviation from treatment tables is contemplated, it should be accompanied by appropriate instructions provided by the Designated Medical Practitioner and approved by the employer.  If such instructions are given telephonically it should be co-signed by at least two individuals.

 

10.12 Electrical power
10.12.1. Primary electrical power source

The employer shall ensure that the primary source of electrical power for the diving system complies with the relevant regulations.

10.12.2. Alternative power sources

The employer shall ensure that there is a secondary source of power for the diving system in the event of failure of the primary source. The second power source shall be capable of meeting the requirements of the diving system.  This may include the following when applicable:

(a) being rapidly brought online;
(b) operating the handling system;
(c) heating the diving plant and equipment, including providing heat for a diver(s) in water;
(d) sustaining life-support systems for compression chambers and any diver in the water;
(e) illuminating the work site of divers and the interior of compression chambers, dive stations, etc.; and
(f) operating communication and monitoring systems.
10.12.3. Electricity used underwater
(a) Divers, and others in the dive team, may be required to work with equipment carrying electric currents, which present the risk of electric shock and burning. The employer shall ensure that the equipment and procedures do not endanger the health and safety of any person.
(b) Recharging lead-acid batteries generates hydrogen that can cause an explosion hazard in confined spaces. Care will need to be taken to provide adequate ventilation.

 

10.13 Safety equipment
10.13.1. Lifelines

A lifeline system shall

(a) have a breaking strength of no less than 5 kN
(b) incorporate a strength member that is no less than 8 mm in diameter;
(c) be of sufficient length for the intended diving activities;
(d) be free of knots and splices;
(e) be secured to the diver's safety harness by means of a screw-gate carabiner;
(f) be secured at the surface to a safe point of anchorage; and
(g) be tended at all times while attached to the diver by a competent diver's tender.
10.13.2. Shot-lines

The shot-line must:

(a) Be of such the weight that is sufficient to prevent the divers on the line from lifting it off the bottom.
(b) The float must have sufficient buoyancy to prevent the weight of the divers dragging it below the surface if their buoyancy control is compromised.
(c) Be thick enough to offer a comfortable grip to allow a diver to remain in place for decompression stops, and for the surface team to comfortably deploy and recover the shot-line. A diameter of 15 to 25mm is recommended unless there is a good reason to deviate.
(d) Be used when the diver is not lowered to the underwater working place by means of a diving bell or similar device, unless the use of a shot line is impractical.

Whenever a shot line is not used, a boat must be kept ready for rescue purposes if the possibility exists that the diver may surface away from the control point in the course of a dive.  Special consideration must be given when more than one diver may surface away from the control point.

10.13.3. Buddy lines

Buddy lines must conform to the following standards:

(a) Not exceed a length of five meters;
(b) Have a breaking strength of at least 5 Kn;
(c) Must not encumber the diver's hands;
(d) Must be possible to disconnect under tension, either by a reliable release mechanism or by cutting with the diver's knife. The diver should be able to reach the line to cut or release it with either hand.
10.13.4. Depth measuring devices

All divers must use depth measuring devices, provided that surface-supplied divers' diving depth must be measured by pneumofathometer from the surface.

10.13.5. Communications

Effective communications are essential to ensure that all personnel directly involved in operations are made fully aware of the work being undertaken and that during operations all parties are kept aware of the status of any unusual situation.

10.13.5.1. Language during operations

The dive plan should state the language to be used during the project, and all team members must be able to speak to each other fluently and clearly at all times, particularly during emergencies.

10.13.5.2. Communications between supervisor and divers
i. The employer must provide an effective means of direct, two-way communication between the divers and the diving supervisor of a diving operation. Where voice communications are required, the following shall be provided:
• a diver voice communication system adequate to enable the diver's breathing to be clearly heard at all times;
• a suitable means of voice-unscrambling when breathing mixtures containing helium or other gases that significantly distort sound transmission are being used; and
• a system for recording voice communications.
ii. In addition to the primary communication system between the diver and the diving supervisor, an emergency signal system shall also be in effect.
iii. All voice communications should be recorded, and the recording kept for a period of at least 48 hours.
iv. If an incident occurs during the dive, the communication record must be retained for any subsequent investigation.  All such voice recordings must be made available to an inspector for inspection purposes.
10.13.5.3. Communications between supervisor and persons other than the divers
i. The employer must ensure that an effective means of communication is in place between the diving supervisor and any other person that may assist in the diving operation.
ii. The diving team should have access to the communications system and services of any installation or vessel on which operations are based including all available media.
10.13.5.4. Communications with Designated Medical Practitioners

The employer must lay down clear protocols and procedures in the operations manual for consultation with the Designated Medical Practitioner especially in case of an accident or other medical emergency in the course of a diving operation.

10.13.6. Diving stages and wet diving bells

A wet bell, used in support of surface-supplied diving, must:

(a) be able to carry at least two divers in an un-cramped position.
(b) be fitted with a chain or gate at the entry and exit point to prevent the divers falling out, and with suitable hand holds for the divers.
(c) be fitted with additional lifting points to permit emergency recovery of the wet bell.
(d) have direct viewing through the view ports and when the wet bell is under water, be by means of a CCTV camera.
10.13.7. Man-riding Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS)
(a) A safe launch/ recovery procedure must exist and it should be understood by all members of both the diving team and any other support crews. The procedure should progress in smooth, logical steps and be designed so that all personnel involved in the operation are fully aware of the situation at all times.
(b) The device used to lower the diver(s) into the water shall remain available throughout the dive for the immediate recovery of the diver in the event of an emergency if required.
(c) The person responsible for giving directions to the operator in charge of the hoisting device shall be identified in the dive plan.
(d) All lifting equipment should be examined by a competent person before the equipment is used for the first time, after installation at another site and after any major alteration or repair.
(e) Regular examination every six months is recommended. Any additional testing specified should be at the discretion of the competent person.
(f) Any lifting cable or wire should be provided with a test certificate confirming its Safe Working Load (SWL).
(g) The SWL should never be exceeded during operations and should include the deployment device, the number of divers to be deployed (with all their equipment) and any components that hang from the lifting cable (including cable weight in air).
(h) The condition and integrity of the cable should be checked at six monthly intervals, or more frequently as circumstances dictate.
(i) The lifting and lowering winch should be rated by the manufacturer for a safe working load at least equal to the weight of the deployment device plus divers in air plus any additional components. An overload test of the winch's lifting and braking capacity should be undertaken after:
i. All permanent base fixings are in place;
ii. NDT on relevant welds have been completed;
iii. After initial installation and thereafter, after each subsequent installation.
10.13.7.1. Winches

Both hydraulic and pneumatic winches must have suitable braking systems, providing primary and secondary protection. They are not to be fitted with a pawl and ratchet gear in which the pawl has to be disengaged before lowering.

10.13.7.2. Lift wires

Man-carrying lift wires, including wires intended for secondary or back-up lifting must have a suitable safety factor, be non-rotating, and be as compact as possible to minimise the space requirements of their operating winches.