| 11.1. | High-pressure water jetting and LP abrasive cleaning |
A dive plan that includes the use high-pressure water jetting and LP abrasive cleaning must include safe operating procedures that must be followed.
The dive plan must include ways to prevent the uncontrolled ascent of a load.
| 11.3. | Abrasive cutting discs |
The dive plan must address the risk of abrasive cutting discs breaking during use under water and to ensure that only dry discs not previously exposed to water are used.
| 11.4. | Oxy-arc cutting and burning operations |
There are inherent hazards in the use of oxy-arc cutting and burning techniques under water, including explosions from trapped gases, trapping of divers by items after cutting, etc. Guidance on this subject exists. The dive plan must include precise instructions regarding the operating procedures. Procedures which eliminate blowback, etc. will need to be employed.
| 11.5.1. | Equipment register |
An equipment register must be maintained at the worksite, with copies of all relevant certificates of examination and test. It should contain any relevant additional information, such as details of the materials used to construct diving bells and surface compression chambers. It should also contain details of any applicable design limitations.
| 11.5.2. | Suitability of equipment |
| (a) | The employer must be satisfied that the equipment provided for the diving project is suitable for the use to which it will be put, in all reasonably foreseeable circumstances on that project. |
| (b) | Suitability should be assessed by means of evaluation by a competent person, clear instructions or statements from the manufacturer or supplier, physical testing, or previous use in similar circumstances. |
| (c) | New, or innovative, equipment must be considered for safety and fitness for purpose. |
| (d) | Single-point failure consequences, both for the equipment components and for operating procedures, must be considered in the HIRA |
| 11.5.3. | Certification of equipment |
The standards and codes used to examine, test and certify plant and equipment, and the requirements of those who are competent to carry out such examinations, tests and certification, must be followed. Suitable certificates (or copies) must be provided at the worksite for inspection.
| 11.5.4. | Maintenance and testing of diving equipment |
Regular inspection, maintenance and testing of diving equipment must be conducted to ensure it is fit for use.
| (a) | Periodic examination, testing and certification |
Detailed guidance exists (Specific regulations, SANS codes, IMCA codes, manufacturer's guidelines, etc.) on the frequency and extent of inspection and testing required of all items of equipment used in a diving project, together with the levels of competence required of those carrying out the work.
| (b) | Planned maintenance system |
| i. | The employer must establish a system of planned maintenance for plant and equipment. |
| ii. | For each major unit, the system should identify the frequency with which each task is to be undertaken and who should do the maintenance work. The responsible technician must provide and file a record of the maintenance work. |
| (c) | Maintenance of cylinders used underwater |
| i. | Divers' emergency gas supply cylinders (bail-out bottles) and cylinders used underwater for back-up supplies on diving bells and baskets must be regularly examined and maintained. |
| ii. | Cylinders used underwater should be tested in accordance with the requirements for scuba cylinders as detailed in SANS 10019, and should be internally inspected for the presence of water if there is sufficient reason to suspect such contamination. |
| (d) | Lifting equipment design, periodic test and examination requirements |
| i. | All lifting gear, such as sheaves, rings, shackles and pins should have test certificates when supplied and be examined at six monthly intervals thereafter. |
| ii. | The certificates should show the SWL and the results of load tests undertaken on the components to 2 x SWL. |
| (e) | Maintenance of bell and basket lift wires |
Regular maintenance of bell and basket lift wires must be undertaken to prevent the wear and deterioration of such equipment.
| (f) | Maintenance of lift bags |
Manufacturers' maintenance instructions and testing requirements must be followed.
| (g) | Testing immediately before use |
All diving equipment used must be checked and tested by the dive team before use so as to determine whether it is in good working order.
| (h) | Additional diver's equipment requirements |
In addition to the required working equipment of the divers, the following accessories and equipment must also be provided:
| i. | diver's location indicator devices, e.g., rescue beacons or strobes, where SCUBA diving operations are to be carried out during the hours of darkness; and |
| iii. | a diving harness, complete with lifting ring, worn by each diver. |
Immediately before each dive, the diver shall check that all his required equipment is present; such equipment is properly fastened in place; and all his apparatus is functioning properly. Before descent, the same check shall be conducted in the water.
| (i) | Surface control point equipment |
When diving is in progress, a surface control point shall be equipped, as a minimum, with the following equipment:
| i. | if Scuba is being used, then one complete spare set of underwater breathing apparatus with fully charged cylinders for emergency purposes; |
| ii. | one weighted shot line, of sufficient length to reach the bottom at the maximum depth of the work area; |
| iii. | a first-aid kit appropriate for the size of the work crew and work location; |
| iv. | one set of decompression tables, appropriate for the depth range and breathing gas in use; |
| v. | therapeutic oxygen and administration equipment; |
| vi. | an adequate two-way communication system connecting the dive site with medical assistance; |
| vii. | adequate means to facilitate the entry and exit of divers to and from the water; |
| viii. | adequate means to facilitate the immediate removal from the water of an unconscious diver; |
| ix. | such other equipment as may be needed to ensure safe operations |
