O. Reg. 629/94: DIVING OPERATIONS, Under: Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. O.1

Today, December 3, 2024, current consolidated laws on e-Laws are current (up-to-date) to November 1, 2024 (e-Laws currency date).

Occupational Health and Safety Act

ONTARIO REGULATION 629/94

DIVING OPERATIONS

Consolidation Period: From July 1, 2021 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 428/21.

Legislative History: 155/04, 32/14, 428/21.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

 

 

Sections

PART I

INTERPRETATION

1

PART II

GENERAL

 

 

Application

2

 

Method of Giving Notice to Ministry

3

 

Equivalency

4

 

Duties of Employers, Constructors and Owners

4.1-9

 

Duties of Diving Supervisors

12

 

Duties of Divers and Standby Divers

13

 

Duties of Diver’s Tenders

14

PART III

EQUIPMENT

 

 

Diving Equipment — General

15

 

Personal Diving Equipment

16

 

Dive Site Equipment

17

 

Lifelines

18

 

Communications

19

 

Cranes and Hoisting Devices

20

 

Fall Arrest Systems

21

 

Stages and Open (Wet) Bells

22

 

Hyperbaric Chambers

23

 

Gauges and Metering Equipment

24

PART IV

BREATHING MIXTURES

 

 

General Requirements

25

 

Quantities of Primary and Secondary Breathing Mixture Supplies

26

 

Emergency Reserve and Bail-Out Systems

27

 

Breathing Mixtures Containing Nitrogen

28

 

Purity of Breathing Mixtures

29

 

Compressor Requirements

30

 

Oxygen Supply Systems

31

PART V

MEDICAL PROCEDURES

 

 

Medical Examinations

32

 

Emergency Training

33

 

Medical Assistance

34

 

Decompression Procedures and Tables

35

PART VI

S.C.U.B.A. DIVING

 

 

Prohibitions on S.C.U.B.A. Use

36

 

Minimum Crew

37

 

S.C.U.B.A. Diving Equipment

38

PART VII

SURFACE-SUPPLIED DIVING

 

 

Minimum Crew

39

 

Breathing Mixture Supply Lines

40

 

Helmets, Masks and Hookah

41

PART VIII

DEEP DIVING

 

 

General Requirements

42

 

Exposure Limits and Rest Periods

43

PART IX

SUBMERSIBLE COMPRESSION CHAMBERS, SATURATION CHAMBERS, ATMOSPHERIC DIVING SYSTEMS AND REMOTELY-OPERATED (UNDERWATER) VEHICLES

 

 

Submersible Compression Chamber Construction and Equipment

44

 

Saturation Chamber Construction and Equipment

45

 

Atmospheric Diving System Construction and Equipment

46-47.-50

 

Back-up Atmospheric Diving System

51

 

Emergency Rescue from Submersible Compression Chamber

51.1

 

Minimum Crew

52

 

Remotely-Operated (Underwater) Vehicles

52.1

PART X

SPECIAL HAZARDS

 

 

Liveboating

53

 

Sledding

53.1

 

Water Flow Hazards

54

 

Hazardous Mechanisms

55

 

Floating Equipment

55.1

 

Use of Explosives

56

 

UXO Diving Operations

56.1

PART XI

CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS

 

 

Definition

57

 

Application

58

 

Identification and Precautions

59

 

Equipment — General

60

 

Surface-Supplied Diving

61

 

Work Zones

62

PART XII

DIVING RECORDS

 

 

Diver’s Logbook

63

 

Daily Record

64-65., 66

 

 

 

 

PART I
Interpretation

1. In this Regulation,

“adequate”, in relation to a procedure, material, device, object or any other thing, means sufficient for its intended and actual use and sufficient to protect a worker from damage to the worker’s body or health, and “adequately” has a corresponding meaning; (“adéquat”)

“aquarium exhibit diver” means a diver who, at an aquarium facility, maintains underwater exhibits, conducts public presentations or monitors animal husbandry; (“plongeur d’aquarium”)

“atmospheric diving” means diving where the diver is always at one atmosphere; (“plongée à pression atmosphérique”)

“atmospheric diving system” means a diving system designed to withstand external pressures greater than one atmosphere while the internal pressure remains at one atmosphere and includes a one-person submarine; (“système de plongée à pression atmosphérique”)

“bail-out system” means an emergency breathing mixture supply worn by a diver; (“appareil de sauvetage”)

“bottom time” means the total elapsed time measured in minutes, from the time a descending diver leaves the surface to the time the diver begins final ascent, rounded to the next whole minute; (“durée de plongée”)

“breathing mixture” means a mixture of gases for human respiration and includes pure oxygen; (“mélange respiratoire”)

“CSA Standard” means a standard published by the Canadian Standards Association; (“norme CSA”)

“decompression” means the procedure that a diver follows during the ascent from depth in order to minimize the risk of decompression sickness; (“décompression”)

“deep diving” means diving to depths greater than 165 feet; (“plongée profonde”)

“dive site” means a surface location at which diving personnel and equipment are located in support of the underwater work site; (“lieu de plongée”)

“diver” means,

(a)  an atmospheric diving system operator, and

(b)  a worker who performs work underwater at any pressure greater than one atmosphere,

and includes a standby diver who dives in the event of a health or safety emergency; (“plongeur”)

“diver’s tender” means a competent person who assists a diver at the dive site; (“assistant de plongeur”)

“diving operation” means work performed underwater by divers or work performed on the surface in support of divers, and includes underwater inspection, investigation, excavation, construction, alteration, repair or maintenance of equipment, machinery, structures or ships and the salvage of sunken property; (“opération de plongée”)

“employer associated with a diving operation” means an employer of,

(a)  a diver who participates in the diving operation,

(b)  a standby diver who participates in the diving operation,

(c)  a diver’s tender who participates in the diving operation,

(d)  a diving supervisor for the diving operation,

(e)  a hyperbaric chamber operator who participates in the diving operation,

(f)  a life support technician who participates in the diving operation, or

(g)  any other worker who participates in the diving operation at or near the dive site or underwater work site; (“employeur associé à une opération de plongée”)

“hyperbaric chamber” means a pressure vessel and associated equipment designed for subjecting humans to pressures; (“caisson hyperbare”)

“lifeline” means a safety rope used to tether a diver; (“ligne de sécurité”)

“liveboating” means a diving operation conducted from a vessel the propeller of which is turning, whether the vessel is stationary or moving; (“plongée avec bateau-soutien”)

“locked-out” means made inoperable by means that are under the direct control of the diving supervisor or a person authorized by the diving supervisor; (“cadenassé”)

“man basket” means a device used to transport a diver from a height above the water surface to the surface of the water for safe entry and exit to and from the water; (“nacelle”)

“mixed gas” means a breathing mixture other than air; (“mélange gazeux”)

“non-saturation diving” means diving in which decompression occurs during ascent from the underwater work site; (“plongée légère”)

“open (wet) bell” means a diving bell designed to be operated without a differential pressure across its hull; (“cloche de plongée ouverte”)

“saturation chamber” means a hyperbaric chamber that is equipped to permit divers to remain under pressure for an unlimited period of time; (“caisson de saturation”)

“saturation diving” means diving in which the decompression procedure used allows a bottom time of unlimited duration; (“plongée à saturation”)

“scientific diving” means diving performed on behalf of an educational or research institution for the purpose of collecting specimens or data for scientific use; (“plongée scientifique”)

“S.C.U.B.A.” means a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus; (“scaphandre autonome”)

“sledding” means a diving technique in which a diver who uses S.C.U.B.A. and a dive sled is pulled through water by a vessel; (“technique de la luge”)

“stage” means a device used to lower or raise a diver to or from an underwater work site but does not include an open (wet) bell, a submersible compression chamber, an atmospheric diving system or a man basket; (“ascenseur”)

“standby diver” means a diver who is present at the dive site or in a submersible compression chamber and is prepared to rescue a submerged diver should rescue become necessary; (“plongeur de soutien”)

“submersible compression chamber” means a hyperbaric chamber that has the capacity to transport divers at pressures greater than one atmosphere from the surface to an underwater work site and back; (“tourelle”)

“surface-supplied diving” means diving where the diver is supplied with a breathing mixture through an umbilical bundle, whether or not an open (wet) bell or a submersible compression chamber is used; (“plongée non autonome”)

“umbilical bundle” means a composite of hoses, wires and cables designed to supply services, such as breathing mixtures, power, heat and communications, from the surface to a diver, to an open (wet) bell or to a submersible compression chamber; (“ombilical”)

“underwater work site” means the underwater location where work is performed; (“lieu de travail sous-marin”)

“UXO diving operation” means a diving operation involving searching for, locating, accessing, identifying, diagnosing, limiting damage from, recovering, or finally disposing of underwater unexploded explosive ordnance or munitions; (“opération de plongée liée aux UXO”)

“water control structure” includes dams, head gates, stop logs, turbine intake gates and pump intake gates. (“structure de régulation des eaux”)  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 1; O. Reg. 32/14, s. 1.

PART II
GENERAL

Application

2. (1) This Regulation applies in relation to,

(a)  any diving operation; and

(b)  any function in support of a diving operation.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 2 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), this Regulation does not apply in relation to,

(a)  recreational diving, including any diving operation whose purpose is to train people for recreational diving;

(b)  any diving operation in which the only underwater breathing equipment used is snorkelling equipment;

(c)  a dive the sole purpose of which is to respond to an unforeseen emergency situation involving imminent danger to the life, health or safety of any person, if the dive is undertaken voluntarily; or

(d)  any function in support of a diving operation described in clause (a) or (b) or any dive described in clause (c).  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 2 (2); O. Reg. 155/04, s. 1.

(3) For the purposes of clause (2) (c), a dive is not undertaken voluntarily if it is related to a diving operation in relation to which the diver is paid.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 2 (3).

Method of Giving Notice to Ministry

3. (1) In this section,

“Form” means the form available from the Ministry entitled “Notice of Diving Operation”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 2.

(2) Written notice required by this Regulation shall be given by completing the Form and,

(a)  delivering it to the address specified on the Form;

(b)  faxing it to the number specified on the Form; or

(c)  sending it as otherwise specified on the Form. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 2.

(3) Oral notice required by this Regulation shall be given by telephoning the number specified on the Form. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 2.

Equivalency

4. (1) An employer, owner, constructor or diving supervisor may vary a procedure required by this Regulation or a composition, design, size or arrangement of a material, object, device or thing required by this Regulation if,

(a)  the varied procedure, composition, design, size or arrangement affords protection for the health and safety of workers that is at least equal to the protection that would otherwise be afforded; and

(b)  written notice of the variance has been given to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, and to the Ministry. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 3.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in respect of any requirement in the Act or this Regulation to give notice.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 4 (2).

Duties of Employers, Constructors and Owners

4.1 (1) In this section,

“Standard” means CSA Standard Z275.4-12, “Competency Standard for diving, hyperbaric chamber, and remotely operated vehicle operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

(2) An employer shall ensure that every person who participates in a diving operation meets the competency requirement applicable to the type of diving operation being participated in as set out in the Standard. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2) and despite Clause 1.5 of the Standard, the Standard applies to scientific diving as defined in section 1 of this Regulation. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (2) and despite Clause 5.1 of the Standard, Clause 5 of the Standard applies to aquarium exhibit divers using S.C.U.B.A. to the maximum depth of the aquarium facility. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

(5) For the purposes of subsection (2), Clause 5.8.1 of the Standard applies to aquarium exhibit divers for work performed at an aquarium facility. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

(6) For the purposes of subsection (2) and despite Clause 5.8.2 of the Standard, an aquarium exhibit diver shall complete 25 dives and 15 hours of bottom time at an aquarium facility to fulfil the in-water training requirement. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

(7) For the purposes of subsection (2), Clauses 32 and 33 of the Standard do not apply. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 4.

5. (1) Each constructor of a project where a diving operation is to take place, each employer associated with a diving operation and each owner associated with a diving operation shall ensure that the Ministry is given notice of the diving operation. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 5 (1).

(2) Except as provided in subsections (3) and (3.1), notice under subsection (1) shall be given,

(a)  in writing at least 24 hours before the diving operation begins; or

(b)  orally at least 24 hours before the diving operation begins and in writing within five days after the day on which the diving operation begins. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 5 (1).

(3) If a mixed gas is expected to be used in the diving operation other than in a diving operation involving emergency recovery, inspection or repair, notice shall be given in writing at least 24 hours before the diving operation begins. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 5 (1).

(3.1) In the event of an emergency recovery, inspection or repair,

(a)  oral notice shall be given to the Ministry before any diving equipment is moved to the dive site; and

(b)  written notice shall be given to the Ministry within five days after the day on which the diving operation begins. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 5 (1).

(4) Written notice under subsection (1) shall include the following:

1.  Information sufficient to permit an inspector to locate the dive site.

2.  The expected starting date and duration of the diving operation.

3.  The dates when and times of day during which the diving operation is expected to be carried out.

4.  The name, mailing address and telephone number of an owner, constructor or employer who is associated with the diving operation.

5.  The names of all diving supervisors for the diving operation appointed under section 6.

6.  The expected maximum depth of any dive in the diving operation.

7.  A description of the tasks expected to be performed in the diving operation.

8.  The breathing mixtures expected to be used in the diving operation.

9.  A statement whether the diving operation is to be offshore or onshore.

10.  A statement whether recirculating S.C.U.B.A. is to be used in the diving operation.

11.  A statement whether the diving operation is one to which Part XI applies. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 5 (4); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 5 (2, 3).

(5) Oral notice under subsection (1) shall include the following:

1.  Information sufficient to permit an inspector to locate the dive site.

2.  The expected starting date and duration of the diving operation.

3.  The dates when and times of day during which the diving operation is expected to be carried out.

4.  The name, mailing address and telephone number of an owner, constructor or employer who is associated with the diving operation.

5.  A statement whether the diving operation is to be offshore or onshore. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 5 (5).

(6) Each person responsible for ensuring that notice of a diving operation is given under subsection (1) shall also ensure that prior oral notice is given to the Ministry of any departure from the plans described in the notice under subsection (1). O. Reg. 32/14, s. 5 (4).

(7) Notice under subsection (6) shall be given as soon as reasonably possible. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 5 (4).

6. Each person responsible for ensuring that notice of a diving operation is given under subsection 5 (1) shall also ensure,

(a)  that one or more competent persons are appointed as diving supervisors for the diving operation; and

(b)  that one of the persons appointed under clause (a) is present at the dive site and is acting as diving supervisor whenever the diving operation is being carried out.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 6; O. Reg. 32/14, s. 6.

7. (1) Each person responsible for ensuring that notice of a diving operation is given under subsection 5 (1) shall also ensure that a written operational plan and a written contingency plan for the diving operation are prepared, with input from one or more of the diving supervisors appointed for the diving operation under section 6. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 7 (1).

(2) An operational plan shall,

(a)  describe the tasks to be performed in the diving operation;

(b)  state how the tasks referred to in clause (a) are to be performed;

(c)  state how the hazards that could be encountered in the diving operation are to be identified and handled; and

(d)  state which agencies, plants and facilities will be given notice under section 9. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 7 (2).

(3) A contingency plan shall,

(a)  include instructions for communicating with medical assistance in the event of an emergency;

(b)  outline emergency procedures for the evacuation of an injured diver from the dive site;

(c)  outline emergency procedures for responding to any significant failure of a component of any diving equipment;

(d)  outline emergency procedures for responding to a loss of communications with a diver;

(e)  outline emergency procedures for responding to hazardous weather or ice conditions;

(f)  outline emergency procedures for aborting a dive; and

(g)  outline emergency procedures for responding to any inability of an offshore dive site to maintain station.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 7 (3).

8. Each person responsible for ensuring that notice of a diving operation is given under subsection 5 (1) shall also ensure that each of the following is available for inspection by an inspector at the dive site whenever the diving operation is being carried out:

1.  A copy of any written notice that has been given in respect of the diving operation under subsection 5 (1).

2.  Where written notice has not yet been given in respect of the diving operation under subsection 5 (1), a written statement including the date of the oral notice given in respect of the diving operation and the name of the person to whom the oral notice was given.

3.  A copy of the operational plan prepared for the diving operation under section 7.

4.  A copy of the contingency plan prepared for the diving operation under section 7.

5.  A copy of this Regulation.

6.  A copy of any CSA Standard referred to in this Regulation that may apply to the diving operation. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 8; O. Reg. 32/14, s. 7.

9. (1) Each person responsible for ensuring that notice of a diving operation is given under subsection 5 (1) shall also ensure that notice of the diving operation is given to,

(a)  each law enforcement agency that,

(i)  has responsibilities in relation to the area in which the dive site is located, and

(ii)  would need to know about the diving operation in order to ensure that it is carried out safely and in a manner that takes into account other activities and events in the area;

(b)  each industrial plant that is within two kilometres of the dive site and might discharge effluent that would be harmful to the health or safety of a worker associated with the diving operation; and

(c)  each water control facility, such as a hydro-electric authority, or water intake plant that is within one kilometre of the dive site. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 9 (1).

(2) For the purposes of clause (1) (a), examples of law enforcement agencies include harbour commissions, harbour masters, navigable water authorities and police departments. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 9 (2).

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), notice is given to an agency, plant or facility when it is given to a person with control over or responsibility for the agency, plant or facility. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 9 (3).

(4) Notice under subsection (1) shall include the following:

1.  Information sufficient to permit the person receiving the notice to locate the dive site.

2.  The expected starting date and duration of the diving operation.

3.  The dates when and times of day during which the diving operation is expected to be carried out.

4.  The name, mailing address and telephone number of an owner, constructor or employer who is associated with the diving operation. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 9 (4).

(5) Notice under subsection (1) shall be given at least 24 hours before the diving operation begins and may be given orally or in writing. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 8.

(6) Despite subsection (5), notice may be given less than 24 hours before the diving operation begins in the case of an emergency. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 8.

10.-11. Revoked: O. Reg. 428/21, s. 1.

Duties of Diving Supervisors

12. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall have proof of his or her training and his or her diving log book or equivalent statement of diving experience at the dive site and available for inspection by an inspector. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (1).

(2) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall be present at the dive site and shall be in direct control of the diving operation whenever the diving operation is being carried out. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 12 (2); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (2).

(3) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall,

(a)  ensure that the operational plan and the contingency plan for the diving operation are followed;

(b)  brief the workers associated with the diving operation on the operational plan, the contingency plan and the procedures to be followed during the diving operation;

(c)  ensure that each diver participating in the diving operation is competent and fit to perform the work;

(d)  ensure that each diver has his or her diving log book at the dive site and available for inspection by an inspector;

(e)  immediately before each dive, review the nature of the hazards that could be encountered in the underwater work site and brief divers on those hazards;

(f)  ensure that any diving equipment to be used in the diving operation is examined by a competent person at least once on each day on which it is to be used, before the use, and is tested and repaired as appropriate;

(g)  ensure that, whenever the diving operation is being carried out, adequate warning devices are displayed to indicate the area around the dive site that is to be kept clear of any equipment other than that associated with the diving operation;

(h)  except in the case of a health or safety emergency, ensure that a diver is not permitted to remain at any depth longer than the maximum time planned for the depth of the dive;

(i)  supervise all decompression and therapeutic recompression in strict accordance with adequate decompression procedures and tables;

(j)  terminate or interrupt the diving operation if continuing the operation may endanger the health or safety of any worker. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 12 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (3).

(4) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall supervise the standby divers associated with the diving operation and, in particular, shall,

(a)  ensure that an adequate number of standby divers are present and properly positioned at the dive site or submersible compression chamber so that each submerged diver can be reached as quickly as possible in the event that he or she needs to be rescued;

(b)  ensure that no person is permitted to act as a standby diver unless he or she is adequately trained, having regard to the depths and circumstances in which the standby diver would have to operate should a rescue become necessary;

(c)  ensure that each standby diver is adequately dressed and has adequate diving and communication equipment checked, ready and at hand, having regard to the depths and circumstances in which the standby diver would have to operate should a rescue become necessary;

(d)  ensure that each standby diver is equipped with a lifeline or umbilical bundle that is at least 10 feet longer than the lifeline of any submerged diver the standby diver might need to rescue;

(e)  ensure that no standby diver is assigned any duties other than,

(i)  duties of standby diver,

(ii)  where the standby diver is also acting as diving supervisor, duties of diving supervisor, and

(iii)  duties of communicating with a submerged diver; and

(f)  ensure that no standby diver dives or leaves the submersible compression chamber except in the event of a health or safety emergency.

(g)-(i) Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (5);

O. Reg. 629/94, s. 12 (4); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (4, 5).

(5) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall supervise the divers’ tenders associated with the diving operation and, in particular, shall,

(a)  ensure that a diver’s tender is acceptable to each diver to be tended by him or her;

(b)  ensure that no diver’s tender is assigned to any duties other than,

(i)  duties of diver’s tender, and

(ii)  where the diver’s tender is also acting as diving supervisor, duties of diving supervisor;

(iii)  Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (6).

(c)  ensure that no person is permitted to act as a diver’s tender unless he or she meets the competency requirement applicable to the type of diving operation being participated in as set out in Clause 7 of CSA Standard Z275.4-12, “Competency Standard for diving, hyperbaric chamber, and remotely operated vehicle operations”. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 12 (5); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (6, 7).

(6) Except in the event of a health or safety emergency, a person acting as a diving supervisor for a diving operation shall not dive. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (8).

(7) Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 11 (8).

Duties of Divers and Standby Divers

13. (1) Before participating in a diving operation, a diver or standby diver shall ensure that he or she,

(a)  understands the operational plan and the contingency plan for the diving operation;

(b)  is aware of the hazards that could be encountered in the underwater work site;

(c)  has his or her diving log book at the dive site and available for inspection by an inspector;

(d)  has undergone a medical examination in accordance with section 32;

(e)  has a physician’s statement, obtained in accordance with section 32, at the dive site and available for inspection by an inspector;

(f)  is not fatigued; and

(g)  is not impaired in his or her diving ability because of consumption of alcohol or drugs.

(h)  Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 12 (1).

O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 12 (1).

(2) A diver or standby diver who is unfit to dive shall promptly inform the diving supervisor of that fact and shall refrain from diving or from acting as standby diver. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (2).

(3) Immediately before diving, while at the dive site, a diver or standby diver shall check that he or she has all the necessary personal diving equipment and that it is all functioning properly. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (3).

(4) At the onset of any sign of equipment malfunction or distress on the part of any submerged diver, a diver shall, if possible, notify the diver’s tender, the diving supervisor and any diving partner and terminate the dive. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (4).

(5) On completion of any dive for which this Regulation does not require decompression, a diver, other than an atmospheric diving system operator, shall remain under observation in the presence of the diving supervisor for a period set by the diving supervisor. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (5).

(6) On completion of any dive for which this Regulation requires decompression, a diver, other than an atmospheric diving system operator, shall remain under observation at the dive site for at least one hour. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (6).

(7) Where the diving supervisor is of the opinion that, because of the nature of a dive to which subsection (6) applies, a diver should remain under observation for a period longer than one hour, the diver shall remain under observation at the dive site for such longer period as the diving supervisor sets. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (7).

(8) A diver, other than an atmospheric diving system operator, shall not fly at an altitude greater than 1,000 feet above the dive site during,

(a)  the 12-hour period following a no-decompression dive;

(b)  the 24-hour period following an air dive requiring decompression;

(c)  the 24-hour period following a mixed gas dive requiring decompression with a bottom time of less than two hours;

(d)  the 48-hour period following a mixed gas dive requiring decompression with a bottom time of two hours or longer;

(e)  the 72-hour period following a saturation dive; and

(f)  any period set by an attending physician following treatment for decompression sickness. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (8).

(9) A standby diver shall ensure that he or she,

(a)  does not dive or leave a submersible compression chamber except in the event of a health or safety emergency;

(b)  does not perform any duties other than,

(i)  duties of standby diver,

(ii)  where he or she is also acting as diving supervisor, duties of diving supervisor, and

(iii)  duties of communicating with a submerged diver; and

(c)  is adequately dressed and has adequate diving and communication equipment checked, ready and at hand, having regard to the depths and circumstances in which the standby would have to operate should a rescue become necessary. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 13 (9); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 12 (2).

(10) Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 12 (3).

Duties of Diver’s Tenders

14. A diver’s tender shall ensure that he or she does not perform any duties other than,

(a)  tending a diver’s lifeline;

(b)  providing tools and equipment to a diver;

(c)  operating a compressor and associated equipment; and

(d)  where he or she is also acting as a diving supervisor, performing the duties of diving supervisor. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 13.

PART III
EQUIPMENT

Diving Equipment — General

15. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that all diving equipment to be used in the diving operation is adequate. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 15 (1).

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that all diving equipment to be used in the diving operation,

(a)  is of sound construction and adequate strength and is free from patent defects;

(b)  is adequately maintained;

(c)  is tested and repaired by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended procedures; and

(d)  is constructed in a way that ensures against malfunctions caused by low air or water temperatures or by the expansion of air or gas. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 15 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that all written material necessary for adequate dive site maintenance and operation of all diving equipment to be used in the diving operation is available at the dive site. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 15 (3).

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), examples of written material include operation manuals, field manuals, maintenance manuals, alerts and safety checklists. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 15 (4).

(5) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any compressed gas cylinder to be used in the diving operation is hydrostatically tested and visually inspected in accordance with the CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 15 (5); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 14.

Personal Diving Equipment

16. (1) A diver participating in a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the diver is adequately equipped. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 16 (1).

(2) A standby diver participating in a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the standby diver is adequately equipped. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 16 (2).

(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), a diver, other than an atmospheric diving system operator, participating in a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the diver is equipped with,

(a)  a knife that is adequately strong and sharp;

(b)  adequate weights;

(c)  an adequate diving suit or, where a diving suit is not necessary because of the circumstances of the dive, other adequate protective clothing; and

(d)  a five-point diving harness that meets the requirements of Clause 8.3.5 of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 16 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 15 (1).

(4) Clauses (3) (a) and (d) do not apply to an aquarium exhibit diver. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 15 (2).

Dive Site Equipment

17. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that, whenever diving is in progress, the dive site is adequately equipped. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 17 (1).

(2) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure, whenever diving is in progress, that the dive site is equipped with,

(a)  an oxygen system capable of administering an adequate quantity of 100 per cent pure oxygen to an injured diver until the diver is under the care of a paramedic, physician or other person who,

(i)  is qualified to determine whether the diver requires continued oxygen,

(ii)  has a source of 100 per cent pure oxygen, and

(iii)  is capable of continuing to administer oxygen if required;

(b)  a first-aid kit that is adequate having regard to the nature and circumstances of the diving operation;

(c)  a set of adequate decompression tables;

(d)  where appropriate because of temperature conditions, an adequate climate-controlled facility for the use of workers that is located at or adequately near to the dive site;

(e)  an adequate two-way communication system connecting the dive site with medical assistance;

(f)  adequate means to facilitate the entry and exit of divers to and from the water;

(g)  adequate means to facilitate the immediate exit from the water of an unconscious diver; and

(h)  any other equipment that may be required to protect the health and safety of workers, having regard to the nature and circumstances of the diving operation. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 17 (2); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 16 (1).

(2.1) For the purposes of clause (2) (f), a ladder is not an adequate means to facilitate the entry and exit of divers to and from the water if the dive site is located more than five metres above the water. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 16 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that the dive site is of sufficient size to accommodate all workers and equipment needed for the diving operation without overcrowding. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 17 (3).

(4) Where a diving operation is to be conducted from an offshore dive site, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that, whenever there are workers present at the dive site,

(a)  there are at least two adequate means of evacuating workers from the dive site; or

(b)  a vessel equipped with an adequate primary motor and an adequate back-up motor is available at the dive site as a means of evacuating workers from the dive site. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 17 (4); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 16 (3).

(5) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any vessel used in the diving operation is capable of maintaining station or of being anchored or moored without risk to any diver.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 17 (5).

Lifelines

18. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that an adequate lifeline or strength member is attached to each diver participating in the diving operation when the diver is in the water. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 17.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an atmospheric diving system operator or an aquarium exhibit diver. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 17.

(3) Without limiting the generality of subsection (1), the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any lifeline or strength member used in the diving operation,

(a)  is free of knots or splices, other than knots or splices necessary to attach the lifeline or strength member to the diver and to the dive site or submersible compression chamber;

(b)  has a breaking strength of not less than 907 kilograms;

(c)  is securely attached to the diver’s harness by a device that has a breaking strength of not less than 907 kilograms;

(d)  is no longer than is required to perform the work;

(e)  is securely attached to the dive site or submersible compression chamber, if the diver is using surface-supplied diving techniques;

(f)  is securely attached to the dive site or to a float visible to the diver’s tender, if the diver is using S.C.U.B.A;

(g)  is tended at all times by a diver’s tender continuously holding the umbilical bundle, if the diver is working at a location where,

(i)  differential pressure hazards may exist,

(ii)  strong currents exist,

(iii)  the diver may fall into deeper depth, or

(iv)  liveboating is in progress;

(h)  is tended by an in-water diver’s tender during penetration dives, if line pull signals are not effective or if the diver cannot be pulled to the surface without danger of entanglement;

(i)  is tended at all times by a diver’s tender continuously holding the lifeline or, in the case of a lifeline attached to a float, continuously observing the float, if the diver is using S.C.U.B.A.;

(j)  is tended at all times by a standby diver continuously holding the umbilical bundle, if the diver is operating from a submersible compression chamber; and

(k)  is incorporated in the umbilical bundle, if the diver is using an umbilical bundle. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 17.

(4) Despite subsection (1), a diving supervisor may permit a diver to operate untethered if,

(a)  the diver is a police diver searching for and disposing of explosives;

(b)  the diver is working in accordance with the requirements of Clause 4.5 of CSA Standard Z275.6-11, “Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) and Munitions Diving”; or

(c)  the diver is a police diver using a dive sled that is outfitted with an adequate diver locating device. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 17.

Communications

19. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that each submerged diver, other than an aquarium exhibit diver, is connected to the dive site by a two-way communication system that is adequate and that meets the requirements of subsections (2) to (5). O. Reg. 32/14, s. 18 (1).

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the two-way communication system may be by voice or by pre-arranged line signals. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (2).

(3) The two-way communication system must be by voice where,

(a)  the depth of the dive exceeds 100 feet;

(b)  a diver uses any power tool, explosive, burning equipment or welding equipment;

(c)  a diver directs the use of any hoisting device to place any materials underwater while the diver is underwater;

(d)  a diver works in or near a pipe, tunnel, duct, underwater intake or other confined space or in or near a water control structure;

(e)  a diver places any materials underwater in a way that poses a risk to the health or safety of the diver;

(f)  an atmospheric diving system is used;

(g)  an open (wet) bell is used;

(h)  a submersible compression chamber is used;

 (i)  the diving operation is one to which Part XI applies; or

(j)  during sledding, nothing underwater interferes with through-water voice communication. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 18 (2, 3).

(4) For the purposes of clause (3) (d), a diver works near a thing where the proximity of the thing to the diver poses a health or safety risk to the diver. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (4).

(5) The two-way voice communication system must,

(a)  afford sound reproduction that enables the diver’s breathing to be heard clearly; and

(b)  where a breathing mixture containing helium or any other gas that significantly distorts voice transmission is used, unscramble voices effectively. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (5).

(6) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  all communication through a two-way voice communication system used for a dive to a depth greater than 165 feet or for a dive using an atmospheric diving system is continuously recorded; and

(b)  the recordings referred to in clause (a) are saved for at least 48 hours after they are made. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (6).

(7) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that each submerged diver operating at a depth greater than 100 feet is connected to the dive site by an adequate back-up two-way communications system that is independent of the primary communications system required by subsection (1). O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (7).

(8) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any atmospheric diving system or submersible compression chamber used in a diving operation is provided with an adequate back-up two-way communications system that is independent of the primary communications system required by subsection (1).  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 19 (8).

Cranes and Hoisting Devices

20. (1) Where a crane or other hoisting device is used to lower a stage or man basket carrying a diver into the water, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  the crane or other hoisting device remains available throughout the dive for the immediate recovery of the diver if required in the event of an emergency; and

(b)  except in the event of an emergency, all directions to the operator of the crane or other hoisting device are given, throughout the dive, by the diver, the diver’s tender or the diving supervisor. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 19 (1).

(2) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a diver who is being lowered in a stage or man basket into the water by means of a crane or other hoisting device is continuously able to communicate with the diving supervisor by using pre-arranged visual or line signals or a two-way voice communication system. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (2); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 19 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that any crane or other hoisting device used in a diving operation is adequate. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (3).

(4) Without limiting the generality of subsection (3), each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that any crane or other hoisting device used in a diving operation,

(a)  is of sound construction and adequate strength and is free from patent defects;

(b)  is equipped with a failsafe mechanism that will prevent the boom from descending or telescoping in the event of a power source failure or hoisting system failure;

(c)  is equipped with a brake or mechanical locking device that is applied automatically when the control lever, handle or switch is not held in the operating position;

(d)  is equipped with brakes that can stop and hold 100 per cent of the maximum working load with the outermost layer of wire on the drum;

(e)  is so constructed that any brakes that are power released will be applied automatically on loss of power;

(f)  is so constructed that the lowering and raising of loads is controlled by power drives that are independent of the brake mechanism;

(g)  is not fitted with a pawl-and-ratchet gear on which the pawl has to be disengaged before commencing the lowering or raising of the load; and

(h)  is constructed in a way that ensures against malfunctions at low temperatures. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (4).

(5) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any crane or other hoisting device to be used in the diving operation is adequately maintained and is examined by a competent person at least once on each day on which it is to be used. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (5).

(6) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any cable used with a crane or other hoisting device in the diving operation is used in accordance with the Code for Cable, Slings and Rigging, dated July 4, 1994 and issued by the Ministry. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (6).

(7) Where a crane or other hoisting device is used to lower a submersible compression chamber or atmospheric diving system into the water, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that, except in the event of an emergency, all directions to the operator of the crane or other hoisting device are given, throughout the dive, by the diving supervisor. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (7).

(8) Where a crane or other hoisting device is used to lower an open (wet) bell, a submersible compression chamber or atmospheric diving system into the water, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the crane or other hoisting device is equipped with,

(a)  a primary lifting cable that permits the chamber or system to be lowered safely to the maximum depth of the dive and to be returned safely to the surface, without undue lateral, vertical or rotational movement;

(b)  a secondary lifting cable that is,

(i)  readily available at the dive site, and

(ii)  compatible with the secondary lifting eye or similar device. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (8); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 19 (3).

(9) Where a crane or other hoisting device is used to lower an open (wet) bell or submersible compression chamber into the water, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that, during any air-water interface transfer, the crane or other hoisting device is equipped with a safety rope that will, in the event of the primary cable breaking, cause the open (wet) bell or chamber to stop directly below the turbulent wave zone. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 20 (9); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 19 (4).

Fall Arrest Systems

21. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that an adequate system to arrest the fall of a stage or man basket is used whenever a diver is being lowered into the water and there is a hazard that the stage or man basket might fall,

(a)  a distance of more than 10 feet;

(b)  into or onto operating machinery; or

(c)  into or onto a hazardous substance or object. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 21 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 20 (1).

(2) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that the fall arrest system,

(a)  is adequately secured to a fixed support at the dive site or to a line that is securely fastened to a fixed support at the dive site;

(b)  is designed so that if the stage or man basket falls, the stage or man basket will be suspended not more than five feet below the location it occupied before the fall; and

(c)  is attached to a secondary lifting eye or similar device that is of at least the same strength as the primary lifting eye for the stage or man basket. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 21 (2); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 20 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that the fixed support referred to in clause (2) (a) is capable of resisting any arrest forces in the event of a fall and is free of sharp edges that might cut or chafe the connection between the fall arrest system and the fixed support.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 21 (3).

Stages and Open (Wet) Bells

22. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any stage or open (wet) bell used in the diving operation is designed in accordance with good engineering practice and, in the case of a stage, meets the requirements of Clause 6.12 of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”, and in the case of an open (wet) bell, meets the requirements of Clause 6.13 of the same Standard. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 21.

Hyperbaric Chambers

23. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a hyperbaric chamber is at the dive site during any dive that exceeds,

(a)  the no-decompression limit given by the decompression tables used for the dive; or

(b)  a depth of 100 feet.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 23 (1).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply in relation to a dive where the diver is always at one atmosphere.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 23 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a hyperbaric chamber is at the dive site during any dive where that would be reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of the diver.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 23 (3).

(3.1) Despite subsections (1) and (3), where the dive site is located on an ice surface, the hyperbaric chamber may be located on land as close as possible to the dive site. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 22 (1).

(4) Each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that any hyperbaric chamber used on land in the diving operation has been registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority, for use in Ontario.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 23 (4); O. Reg. 155/04, s. 4.

(5) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any hyperbaric chamber used in the diving operation, other than as a submersible compression chamber or saturation chamber, meets and is operated in accordance with the requirements specified in Clauses 1 to 9 of CSA Standard Z275.1-05, “Hyperbaric Facilities”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 22 (2).

(6) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall, in the case of a dive for which a hyperbaric chamber is used other than as a submersible compression chamber or saturation chamber, ensure that a quantity of air or adequate mixed gas is available with the hyperbaric chamber that is twice the quantity required,

(a)  to pressurize the hyperbaric chamber to a pressure equivalent to the pressure at the greatest depth in respect of which the hyperbaric chamber is used in the dive or to the pressure at 165 feet, whichever is greater; and

(b)  to ventilate the hyperbaric chamber at this pressure.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 23 (6).

Gauges and Metering Equipment

24. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any gauge or metering equipment to be used in the diving operation meets the requirements of Clause 6.2 of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 23.

PART IV
BREATHING MIXTURES

General Requirements

25. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that no diver participating in the diving operation is permitted to dive without a breathing mixture and breathing mixture supply system that are adequate, having regard to the depths and circumstances in which the diver will be operating. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 25 (1).

(2) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any breathing mixture used in the diving operation meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 24.

(3) Except for decompression or therapeutic purposes, the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that no diver participating in the diving operation is given pure oxygen as a breathing mixture unless notice is given under paragraph 10 of subsection 5 (4). O. Reg. 629/94, s. 25 (3).

(4) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any breathing mixture supply system used in the diving operation is designed to ensure that,

(a)  an interruption of the breathing mixture supply to one diver will not affect the supply of breathing mixture to any other diver; and

(b)  an interruption of the primary breathing mixture supply to a diver will not affect the delivery of breathing mixture from,

(i)  any emergency bail-out system worn by the diver,

(ii)  any emergency reserve system worn by the diver, or

(iii)  any secondary breathing mixture supply;

(c)  an interruption of the primary breathing mixture supply to a submersible compression chamber will not affect the delivery of breathing mixture from any emergency reserve system attached to the chamber; and

(d)  an interruption of the primary breathing mixture supply in an atmospheric diving system will not affect delivery of breathing mixture from any secondary breathing mixture supply in the atmospheric diving system.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 25 (4).

Quantities of Primary and Secondary Breathing Mixture Supplies

26. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that the total supply of breathing mixture that is available at the dive site at any time during a dive consists of,

(a)  an adequate primary supply to complete the dive as planned; and

(b)  an adequate secondary supply.

(2) The secondary supply referred to in clause (1) (b) shall at the start of a dive consist of,

(a)  in the case of a dive in which S.C.U.B.A. is used, one complete S.C.U.B.A. unit, including regulator and fully charged cylinder, in addition to the sets required for the divers and standby divers;

(b)  in the case of a dive in which surface-supplied diving techniques are used, an adequate supply of breathing mixture to allow the diver to return to the surface and undergo any in-water decompression that might be required;

(c)  in the case of a dive in which a submersible compression chamber or atmospheric diving system is used, an adequate supply of breathing mixture to enable the occupants of the chamber or system to return to the surface;

(d)  in the case of a dive in which an on-line gas blender or diver’s gas recovery system is used, an adequate supply of pre-mixed breathing mixture to allow the divers to return to the surface and undergo any in-water decompression that might be required; and

(e)  in the case of a dive in which a hyperbaric chamber is used, an adequate supply of breathing mixture to allow the diver to undergo any decompression that might be required and undergo any treatment that might be required for decompression sickness.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 26.

Emergency Reserve and Bail-Out Systems

27. The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  each diver wears an adequate bailout system that meets the requirements of Clause 4.7.3 of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”;

(b)  every submersible compression chamber is equipped with an emergency reserve breathing gas supply that is adequate for all of the chamber’s occupants for at least 24 hours;

(c)  every submersible compression chamber is equipped with an emergency reserve breathing gas supply that can provide all lock-out divers with at least 30 minutes of breathing gas at a rate of 40 litres per minute; and

(d)  every atmospheric diving system is equipped with an emergency reserve breathing gas supply that is adequate for all of the system’s occupants for at least 48 hours. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 25.

Breathing Mixtures Containing Nitrogen

28. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that, when nitrogen is a component of any breathing mixture used in the diving operation, the mixture is not used at depths where the nitrogen partial pressure in the breathing mixture exceeds 4.8 bars.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 28.

Purity of Breathing Mixtures

29. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that the purity of any breathing mixture used in the diving operation meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 26.

Compressor Requirements

30. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  any compressor and associated equipment used in the diving operation to supply a breathing mixture meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”; and

(b)  any compressor and associated equipment used in the diving operation is operated by a competent worker, who may be the diver’s tender. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 27.

Oxygen Supply Systems

31. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any oxygen supply system used in the diving operation meets the requirements of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 28.

PART V
MEDICAL PROCEDURES

Medical Examinations

32. (1) No person shall dive, other than as an atmospheric diving system operator, unless he or she,

(a)  if under 40 years of age, has undergone a medical examination to determine fitness to dive during the 24-month period preceding the dive or during such shorter period preceding the dive as has been recommended by the person’s examining physician;

(b)  if 40 years of age or older, has undergone a medical examination to determine fitness to dive during the 12-month period preceding the dive or during such shorter period preceding the dive as has been recommended by the person’s examining physician; and

(c)  has obtained a written statement from the examining physician who performed the most recent medical examination that indicates the diver is fit to dive or fit to dive with limitations. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 29.

(2) A medical examination under subsection (1) shall,

(a)  be performed by a physician who is knowledgeable about diving medicine and hyperbaric medicine; and

(b)  be performed in accordance with the Code for the Medical Examination of Divers, dated October 2013 and issued by the Ministry. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 29.

(3) No person shall dive as an atmospheric diving system operator unless he or she,

(a)  if under 40 years of age, has undergone a medical examination to determine fitness to operate an atmospheric diving system during the 24-month period preceding the dive or during such shorter period preceding the dive as has been recommended by the person’s examining physician;

(b)  if 40 years of age or over, has undergone a medical examination to determine fitness to operate an atmospheric diving system during the 12-month period preceding the dive or during such shorter period preceding the dive as has been recommended by the person’s examining physician; and

(c)  has obtained a written statement from the examining physician that indicates that the diver is fit to operate an atmospheric diving system or fit to operate an atmospheric diving system with limitations. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 29.

(4) A written statement under clauses (1) (c) or (3) (c) shall be signed by the examining physician and shall include,

(a)  the physician’s name and address;

(b)  the date of the examination; and

(c)  the recommended date for the next examination. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 29.

Emergency Training

33. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that up-to-date certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, oxygen administration and first aid is held by,

(a)  each person appointed as a diving supervisor for the diving operation;

(b)  each diver participating in the diving operation; and

(c)  whenever the diving operation is being carried out, at least one diver’s tender at the dive site. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 30.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1),

(a)  certification for cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and for first aid shall be from St. John Ambulance, the Canadian Red Cross Society or an organization that offers equivalent training; and

(b)  certification for oxygen administration for S.C.U.B.A. diving injuries shall be from the Divers Alert Network or an organization that offers equivalent training. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 30.

Medical Assistance

34. Each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that arrangements are made with one or more physicians who are knowledgeable about diving medicine and hyperbaric medicine so that any medical advice or support that may be required is available whenever,

(a)  a dive that involves decompression is carried out; or

(b)  a dive to a depth greater than 100 feet is carried out using techniques other than those of atmospheric diving.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 34; O. Reg. 32/14, s. 31.

Decompression Procedures and Tables

35. The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that dives that involve decompression are carried out in accordance with adequate decompression procedures and tables.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 35.

PART VI
S.C.U.B.A. DIVING

Prohibitions on S.C.U.B.A. Use

36. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that S.C.U.B.A. is not used by,

(a)  a diver working near or in an operating underwater intake;

(b)  a diver working near or in a pipe, tunnel, duct or other confined space;

(c)  a diver working at a water control structure;

(d)  a diver using any power tool, hoisting device, burning equipment or welding equipment;

(e)  a diver placing any materials underwater in a way that poses a risk to the health or safety of the diver;

(f)  a diver operating at depths in excess of 100 feet;

(g)  a diver working in a diving operation to which Part XI applies;

(h)  a diver handling an explosive device, unless the diver is a police diver engaged in a diving operation, including a diving operation for training purposes, that involves searching for and disposing of explosives; or

(i)  a diver participating in a UXO diving operation, unless the diver meets the requirements of Clause 5 of CSA Standard Z275.6-11, “Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) and Munitions Diving”. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 36 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 32.

(2) For the purposes of clauses (1) (a) and (b), a diver works near a thing where the proximity of the thing to the diver poses a health or safety risk to the diver.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 36 (2).

Minimum Crew

37. (1) Whenever S.C.U.B.A. is used, each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  an adequate number of diver’s tenders, and in any event at least one diver’s tender, is present at the dive site;

(b)  an adequate number of standby divers, and in any event at least one standby diver, is present at the dive site;

(c)  an adequate number of divers, and in any event at least one diver, is present at the dive site; and

(d)  one person does not act at the same time both as diver’s tender and as standby diver for one or more divers.

(2) Whenever S.C.U.B.A. is used, the diving supervisor may also function either as a standby diver or as a diver’s tender.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 37.

S.C.U.B.A. Diving Equipment

38. (1) A diving supervisor for a diving operation using open circuit S.C.U.B.A. shall ensure that each diver uses equipment that meets the requirements of Clause 7.8.1. of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 33.

(2) Despite subsection (1), Subclause (c) of Clause 7.8.1. of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”, does not apply to an aquarium diver. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 33.

PART VII
SURFACE-SUPPLIED DIVING

Minimum Crew

39. (1) Whenever surface-supplied diving is being carried out, each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  an adequate number of diver’s tenders, and in any event at least one diver’s tender, is present at the dive site;

(b)  an adequate number of standby divers, and in any event at least one standby diver, is present at the dive site;

(c)  an adequate number of divers, and in any event at least one diver, is present at the dive site;

(d)  except in a health or safety emergency, there is a separate diver’s tender for each diver engaged in surface-supplied diving; and

(e)  one person does not act at the same time both as a diver’s tender and as a standby diver for one or more divers engaged in surface-supplied diving. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 39 (1).

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the diving supervisor may also function either as a standby diver or as a diver’s tender. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 39 (2).

(3) Whenever a hyperbaric chamber is required by subsection 23 (1) or (3) and surface-supplied diving is being carried out, each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  the requirements of subsection (1) are met; and

(b)  a competent worker who does not have any duties that would interfere with his or her adequate operation of the chamber is available to operate the chamber. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 39 (3).

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the diving supervisor may also function as one of the following:

1.  A standby diver.

2.  A diver’s tender.

3.  A chamber operator. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 39 (4).

(5) Whenever surface-supplied diving is carried out in a diving operation to which Part X or XI applies, each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  the requirements of subsection (1) or (3), as the case may be, are met; and

(b)  the diving supervisor does not perform the duties of a diver’s tender or a standby diver. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 39 (5); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 34.

Breathing Mixture Supply Lines

40. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any breathing mixture supply line used in surface-supplied diving,

(a)  is adequate;

(b)  has an internal diameter sufficient to permit adequate flow rates and pressures;

(c)  is protected in a way that ensures against damage at the dive site; and

(d)  is protected against kinking.

(2) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that each breathing mixture supply line used in surface-supplied diving is fitted with an adequate breathing mixture supply valve.

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that the breathing mixture supply valve of any diver engaged in surface-supplied diving is,

(a)  readily accessible to dive site personnel;

(b)  protected in a way that ensures against damage at the dive site;

(c)  clearly marked to permit dive site personnel to identify the diver whose breathing mixture supply it controls; and

(d)  under the care and control of a competent person.

(4) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that each breathing mixture supply line used in surface-supplied diving is fitted with an adequate pressure gauge installed,

(a)  downstream of the diver’s supply valve, except where the diver’s supply valve is a position indicating valve; and

(b)  in a way that permits dive site personnel a clear and unobstructed view of its dial and figures.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 40.

Helmets, Masks and Hookah

41. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any diver engaged in surface-supplied diving wears a diving helmet or full face mask or uses a hookah that meets the requirements of subsections (2) to (4).

(2) A helmet, face mask or hookah must be,

(a)  adequate;

(b)  fitted with an adequate non-return valve; and

(c)  attached by a hose to an adequate emergency bail-out system that is,

(i)  worn by the diver, and

(ii)  not used for suit-inflation.

(3) A helmet or mask shall be fitted with an adequate locking or fastening device.

(4) A helmet shall be fitted with an adequate and compatible attachment system for securing and sealing the helmet in place.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 41.

PART VIII
DEEP DIVING

General Requirements

42. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any diver engaged in deep diving, other than atmospheric diving, is provided with an adequate breathing mixture that is mixed gas. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 42 (1).

(2) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that deep diving is not carried out unless,

(a)  an adequate stage, downline, structure or other means is available to enable the diver to maintain the decompression stop depths and times specified in the decompression tables used for the dive without undue exertion and movement; and

(b)  the diving supervisor has a means of,

(i)  monitoring the depth of each diver,

(ii)  controlling the pressures at which breathing mixtures are being supplied to each diver, and

(iii)  analyzing the breathing mixtures being supplied to each diver. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 42 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a submersible compression chamber that meets the requirements of Part IX is used to transfer personnel under pressure greater than one atmosphere to and from the underwater work site during any dive where,

(a)  bottom time exceeds 40 minutes and depth is greater than 165 feet;

(b)  bottom time exceeds 25 minutes and depth is greater than 195 feet; or

(c)  depth exceeds 230 feet.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 42 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 35.

Exposure Limits and Rest Periods

43. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a diver who has engaged in deep diving using non-saturation diving techniques does not work at a pressure greater than one atmosphere during the 18-hour period immediately following completion of decompression. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 43 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 36 (1).

(2) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a diver who has engaged in deep diving using saturation diving techniques does not work at a pressure greater than one atmosphere during the 14-day period immediately following completion of decompression, except as permitted by a physician who is knowledgeable about diving medicine and hyperbaric medicine. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 43 (2); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 36 (2).

(3) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a diver who has engaged in deep diving using saturation diving techniques observes the following limits:

1.  In the case of a dive to a depth of 500 feet or less using a submersible compression chamber, no diver shall spend, seal to seal,

i.  more than four hours in the water, or

ii.  more than 10 hours in the submersible compression chamber.

2.  In the case of a dive to a depth greater than 500 feet using a submersible compression chamber, no diver shall spend, seal to seal,

i.  more than three hours in the water, or

ii.  more than eight hours in the chamber.

3.  A diver shall not work for at least 12 continuous hours immediately after reaching a limit set out in subparagraph i or ii of paragraph 1 or subparagraph i or ii of paragraph 2 and, in any event, a diver shall not work for at least 12 continuous hours in any 24-hour period.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 43 (3).

Part Ix
Submersible compression chambers, saturation chambers, atmospheric diving systems and remotely-operated (underwater) vehicles

Submersible Compression Chamber Construction and Equipment

44. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any submersible compression chamber used in the diving operation,

(a)  meets and is operated in accordance with the requirements specified in Clauses 1 to 9 and 13 of CSA Standard Z275.1-05, “Hyperbaric Facilities”;

(b)  is capable of mating to a hyperbaric chamber that meets the requirements specified in Clauses 1 to 9 and, in the case of saturation diving, Clause 12 of CSA Standard Z275.1-05, “Hyperbaric Facilities”;

(c)  is adequately equipped to permit the transfer of persons under pressure into and out of a hyperbaric chamber;

(d)  is of adequate size and design to accommodate the number of occupants that it is to carry during the diving operation without overcrowding;

(e)  is designed in a way that permits divers to enter and exit the submersible compression chamber with ease;

(e.1)  is equipped with a stage or an adequate standoff;

(f)  is designed to permit a diver to disconnect or shear the umbilical bundle of the chamber in the event of a health or safety emergency;

(g)  is provided with an adequate mechanism for shedding ballast weights that,

(i)  can be operated from within the chamber, and

(ii)  is designed in a way that ensures against accidental shedding of the weights;

(h)  is equipped with,

(i)  adequate doors and hatches that act as pressure seals and that may be opened from either side,

(ii)  adequate valves, gauges and other fittings to control pressure within the chamber and to clearly indicate internal and external pressures,

(iii)  adequate pressurization valves and main exhaust valves that are spring-loaded so as to close when not held in the open position,

(iv)  adequate primary lighting equipment and emergency back-up lighting equipment,

(v)  adequate first aid equipment,

(vi)  adequate hoisting equipment to recover an unconscious or injured diver into the chamber,

(vii)  adequate heating equipment,

(viii)  adequate emergency thermal protection for all occupants,

(ix)  an adequate emergency stroboscope light,

(x)  an adequate emergency locating device,

(xi)  adequate instruments to monitor temperature, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels within the chamber,

(xii)  adequate primary and emergency carbon dioxide scrubbers,

(xiii)  adequate hull shut-off valves on all gas and water penetrations into the chamber,

(xiv)  a secondary lifting eye or similar device that is at least as strong as the primary lifting eye,

(xv)  a blind port, and

(xvi)  an adequate tool kit;

(i)  is designed in a way that ensures against inadvertent operation of the secondary breathing mixture supply system;

(j)  is designed in a way that permits the secondary breathing mixture supply to be brought on-line from within the chamber; and

(k)  is provided with an adequate secondary means of retrieving the submersible compression chamber if its primary support cable breaks. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 44; O. Reg. 32/14, s. 38.

Saturation Chamber Construction and Equipment

45. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any saturation chamber used in the diving operation meets and is operated in accordance with the requirements specified in Clauses 1 to 9 and 12 of CSA Standard Z275.1-05, “Hyperbaric Facilities”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 39.

Atmospheric Diving System Construction and Equipment

46. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any atmospheric diving system used in the diving operation,

(a)  is designed to permit a diver to disconnect or shear the umbilical bundle of the system in the event of a health or safety emergency;

(b)  is provided with an adequate mechanism for shedding ballast weights that,

(i)  can be operated from within the system, and

(ii)  is designed in a way that ensures against accidental shedding of the weights;

(c)  is designed in a way that ensures against inadvertent operation of the secondary breathing mixture supply system;

(d)  is designed in a way that permits the secondary breathing mixture supply to be brought on-line from within the system;

(e)  is equipped with the things mentioned in subclauses 44 (h) (i), (ii), (iv), (v) and (vii) to (xvi); and

(f)  meets the requirements for registration set out in,

(i)  Det Norske Veritas, “Rules For Certification of Diving Systems”, October 2010,

(ii)  Lloyd’s Register, “Rules and Regulations For the Construction and Classification of Submersibles and Underwater Systems”, 1989, Notice No. 1, July 17, 1991, or

(iii)  American Bureau of Shipping, “Rules For Building and Classing Underwater Vehicles, Systems and Hyperbaric Facilities”, 2002. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 46 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 40.

(2) For the purposes of clause (1) (e), a reference in clause 44 (h) to “chamber” shall be deemed to be a reference to “system”.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 46 (2).

47.-50. Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 41.

Back-up Atmospheric Diving System

51. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that, whenever an atmospheric diving system is used to carry out the diving operation, a back-up atmospheric diving system with adequate depth capability is available and can be deployed quickly enough to effect a rescue within 48 hours of an emergency arising.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 51.

Emergency Rescue from Submersible Compression Chamber

51.1 Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that there are adequate means of rescuing divers from a submersible compression chamber within 24 hours of an emergency arising. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 42.

Minimum Crew

52. (1) Whenever a submersible compression chamber or an atmospheric diving system is used to carry out a diving operation, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the number of workers at the dive site meets the number required by Clauses 9.3.4 and 9.3.5 of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 43.

(2) Whenever a submersible compression chamber or an atmospheric diving system is used to carry out a diving operation, each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that at least two divers are available at the dive site to render any in-water assistance in the launch or recovery of the chamber or system that may be needed in the event of a health or safety emergency. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 43.

Remotely-Operated (Underwater) Vehicles

52.1 (1) In this section,

“ROV” means remotely-operated (underwater) vehicle. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 43.

(2) No person shall operate an ROV near a diver unless each employer associated with the diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation ensure that,

(a)  the ROV pilot is under the diving supervisor’s authority;

(b)  the ROV pilot is adequately trained to operate an ROV;

(c)  high-voltage electrical connections, terminations and penetrations are clearly marked to warn divers of electrical hazards;

(d)  electrical power to the ROV is disconnected before a diver assists with the recovery of the ROV;

(e)  all thrusters are guarded to prevent contact with any part of a diver or a diver’s umbilical bundle;

(f)  an adequate system is provided to permit voice communication between the dive site and the ROV’s control station;

(g)  a monitor is available at the dive site showing what the ROV pilot can see; and

(h)  the ROV maintains adequate distance from the diver while the diver ascends to the surface or returns to the submersible compression chamber. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 43.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (2), an ROV is near a diver where the ROV’s proximity to the diver poses a health or safety risk to the diver. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 43.

PART X
SPECIAL HAZARDS

Liveboating

53. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that liveboating is not conducted,

(a)  after sunset and before sunrise;

(b)  in sea-state that poses a risk to the health or safety of a diver; or

(c)  from vessels without adequate manoeuvrability. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 53 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 44 (1).

(2) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall not permit in-water decompression procedures to be used in conjunction with liveboating unless,

(a)  a hyperbaric chamber ready for immediate use is available on the vessel used for liveboating;

(b)  an independent rope is secured to a weight or structure underwater and is connected to an adequately buoyant flotation device on the surface so that the diver can maintain position during decompression stops;

(c)  the vessel’s captain has a continuous unobstructed view of the flotation device supporting the diver’s decompression line, the diver’s umbilical bundle and the diver’s tender by means of a remote operating station that allows adequate command of the vessel;

(d)  the vessel requires no more than one-third of its power to maintain station; and

(e)  the diving supervisor maintains contact with the diver at all times by means of a two-way voice communication system that can be heard adequately by both the captain and the diver’s tender. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 44 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that, whenever a diver participates in liveboating, a procedure or device that ensures against the diver’s umbilical bundle becoming entangled in the propeller is employed. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 53 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 44 (3).

(4) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that any diver’s tender participating in liveboating has a continuous unobstructed view of the vessel’s captain. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 53 (4).

(5) Each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that any captain of a vessel participating in liveboating is competent to perform the duties of captain during liveboating. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 44 (4).

(6) The captain of the vessel and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall co-operate in carrying out their responsibilities as needed to protect the health and safety of the divers.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 53 (6); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 44 (5).

Sledding

53.1 (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that sledding is not conducted,

(a)  after sunset and before sunrise;

(b)  in sea-state that poses a risk to the health or safety of a diver;

(c)  from vessels without adequate manoeuvrability; or

(d)  without either an adequate procedure or an adequate device to prevent the diver’s towline from becoming entangled in the propeller. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 45.

(2) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that a captain of a vessel participating in sledding is competent to perform the duties of captain during sledding. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 45.

Water Flow Hazards

54. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that diving is not conducted in hazardous water flow conditions. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 54 (1).

(2) Each employer and each owner associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure before a dive begins that any water flow that may be a hazard to a diver,

(a)  is identified by using the test methods described in the 2011 “Guideline for Diving Operations on Dams and Other Worksites where Delta-P Hazards May Exist”, published by the Canadian Association of Diving Contractors; and

(b)  is locked-out or controlled in a manner that,

(i)  is satisfactory to the diver and the diving supervisor, and

(ii)  ensures that the water flow poses no safety hazard to the diver. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 46.

(3) Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 46.

Hazardous Mechanisms

55. Each employer and each owner associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure before a dive begins that any mechanism that may be a hazard to a diver is dealt with in accordance with Clause 4.5.4 of CSA Standard Z275.2-11, “Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations”. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 47.

Floating Equipment

55.1 A constructor of a project where a diving operation is to take place and each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that no barge, scow or vessel is moved into the vicinity of a dive site without permission from the diving supervisor while a diver is in the water. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 47.

Use of Explosives

56. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  any transportation, handling, storage or use of explosives is carried out in a manner that does not endanger any worker;

(b)  any initiation of explosives is subject to the direct control of the diving supervisor;

(c)  the blasting initiator and its operating key or operating mechanism are kept physically separated from each other until initiation of the explosive is to take place; and

(d)  no diver is in the water when an underwater explosive is initiated.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 56.

UXO Diving Operations

56.1 Each employer associated with a diving operation shall ensure that all persons who participate in a UXO diving operation are trained and work in accordance with CSA Standard Z275.6-11, “Unexploded Explosive Ordnance (UXO) and Munitions Diving”, other than Clause 4.1.1 and Clauses 4.7.12.2.3 to 4.7.12.2.6 of the Standard. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 48.

PART XI
CONTAMINATED ENVIRONMENTS

Definition

57. In this Part,

“contaminant” has the same meaning as in the Environmental Protection Act.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 57.

Application

58. This Part applies to,

(a)  any diving operation that poses a risk to the health or safety of a worker because it is carried out at or near the point of discharge of effluent from an industrial plant, sewage treatment plant or water treatment plant;

(b)  any diving operation that poses a risk to the health or safety of a worker because the purpose of the operation is to clean up or contain a contaminant; and

(c)  any diving operation that poses a risk to the health or safety of a worker because it is carried out at or near the site of a spill within the meaning of Part X of the Environmental Protection Act.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 58. O. Reg. 32/14, s. 49.

Identification and Precautions

59. (1) Each constructor of a project where a diving operation is to take place, each employer associated with a diving operation, each owner associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for a diving operation shall ensure that, before any dive is begun, a competent person identifies each contaminant that is or is likely to be present during the diving operation, at or near the dive site or underwater work site, at a concentration that would pose a risk to the health or safety of a worker. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 59 (1); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 50 (1).

(2) Each constructor of a project where a diving operation is to take place, each employer associated with a diving operation and each owner associated with a diving operation shall ensure that a written contaminant management plan is prepared, with input from one or more of the diving supervisors appointed for the diving operation under section 6. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 59 (2).

(3) A contaminant management plan shall,

(a)  name the contaminants identified under subsection (1);

(b)  describe the known health or safety risks that the contaminants identified under subsection (1) pose to humans;

(c)  describe the equipment and apparel required to be used by section 60;

(d)  specify the location of the exclusion zone, contaminated reduction zone and support zone required by section 62;

(e)  outline the procedures to be followed by personnel in moving from one zone to another;

(f)  describe the special emergency measures associated with exposure to the contaminants identified under subsection (1), where appropriate; and

(g)  outline procedures for obtaining, within an adequately short time, information relating to,

(i)  the handling of the contaminants identified under subsection (1), and

(ii)  the administering of any emergency treatment that may become necessary as a result of exposure to a contaminant identified under subsection (1). O. Reg. 629/94, s. 59 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 50 (2)

(4) The diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that a copy of the plan is prominently posted at the dive site.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 59 (4).

Equipment — General

60. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  adequate precautions are taken to ensure that the breathing mixture supply used is not adversely affected by a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1);

(b)  adequate breathing equipment for surface support personnel is provided if there is a risk to their health or safety from inhaling a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1) during the diving operation;

(c)  adequate apparel and equipment is worn to prevent exposing surface support personnel to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1);

(d)  an adequate means of decontaminating personnel exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1) is provided at the dive site;

(e)  diving equipment used in the diving operation is not used in any subsequent diving operation unless it is free of all contaminants identified under subsection 59 (1); and

(f)  diving equipment that is not for reuse is adequately disposed of.

(2) The diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  diving equipment that has been or may have been exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1) is examined before each dive to ensure that it has not deteriorated in a way that would result, if it were used in the dive, in a worker being exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1); and

(b)  diving equipment that has been or may have been exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1) is not removed from the dive site except as authorized by a competent person.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 60.

Surface-Supplied Diving

61. Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that a diver engaged in surface-supplied diving wears, in addition to the equipment required by section 41,

(a)  an adequate diving helmet designed to protect divers from exposure to contaminants; and

(b)  an adequate, totally enclosed diving suit that mates to the helmet with a positive seal and locking device and that does not permit contact between the contaminated environment and the diver.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 61.

Work Zones

62. (1) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the dive site has a clearly marked contamination reduction zone that is adequately designed and equipped to permit,

(a)  personnel who have been or may have been exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1) to dress and undress; and

(b)  equipment and personnel that have been or may have been exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1) to be cleaned. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 62 (1).

(2) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the dive site has a clearly marked support zone that is adequately designed and equipped to permit the further cleaning or the disposal of equipment that has been or may have been exposed to a contaminant identified under subsection 59 (1). O. Reg. 629/94, s. 62 (2).

(3) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that the dive site has a clearly marked exclusion zone that is adequately designed and equipped for the purpose set out in subsection (4). O. Reg. 629/94, s. 62 (3).

(4) Each employer associated with a diving operation and the diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that all handling of contaminants identified under subsection 59 (1) that occurs at the dive site and that is not of a sort described in subsection (1) or (2) shall occur in the exclusion zone. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 62 (4); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 51.

(5) The diving supervisor for the diving operation shall ensure that,

(a)  no person enters the exclusion zone unless he or she is wearing adequate personal protective equipment;

(b)  personnel enter and leave the exclusion zone only through the contamination reduction zone or the support zone;

(c)  no person cleans contaminated equipment in the contamination reduction zone or the support zone unless he or she is wearing adequate personal protective clothing;

(d)  no food, drink or tobacco is taken into, left or consumed in the contamination reduction zone, the support zone or the exclusion zone; and

(e)  no person enters the contamination reduction zone, the support zone or the exclusion zone without the authorization of the diving supervisor.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 62 (5).

PART XII
DIVING RECORDS

Diver’s Logbook

63. (1) No person shall dive in a diving operation unless he or she has a diving log book that,

(a)  is permanently bound;

(b)  has numbered pages;

(c)  contains the diver’s signature and photograph;

(d)  has attached to it or entered into it a record of any qualifications obtained by the diver that relate to diving; and

(e)  has attached to it or entered into it a record of the certification referred to in section 33.

(2) Each person who dives in a diving operation shall make an entry, in accordance with subsections (4) to (7), in the diving log book in respect of each dive, each medical recompression and each hyperbaric exposure carried out or undergone by the person in connection with the diving operation.

(3) No person shall dive in a diving operation unless he or she has made an entry, in accordance with subsections (6) and (7), in the diving log book in respect of any dive of a type described in clause 2 (2) (a), (c) or (d) that the person carried out during the 48 hours preceding the dive that is part of a diving operation.

(4) Entries under subsection (2) shall be made within 48 hours of the dive, medical recompression or hyperbaric exposure and shall appear in the log book in chronological order.

(5) An entry under subsection (2) in respect of a dive shall be signed by the diving supervisor and an entry under subsection (2) in respect of a medical recompression or a hyperbaric exposure shall be signed by the diving supervisor or presiding physician.

(6) An entry under subsection (2) or (3) in respect of a dive shall state,

(a)  the type of diving equipment used;

(b)  the breathing mixture used;

(c)  the time the diver left the surface;

(d)  the maximum depth attained;

(e)  the time the diver left the bottom;

(f)  the time the diver reached the surface;

(g)  the time of the surface interval, if a repetitive dive was undertaken;

(h)  the decompression table used;

(i)  the date;

(j)  any unusual incidents; and

(k)  the environmental conditions.

(7) In addition, an entry under subsection (2) or (3) in respect of a dive originating from a submersible compression chamber or other submerged base shall state,

(a)  the depth at the base;

(b)  the maximum and minimum depths attained; and

(c)  the duration of the excursions from the base.

(8) A person who is required to have a diving log book shall retain the log book for five years after the date of the last entry in it.  O. Reg. 629/94, s. 63.

Daily Record

64. (1) The diving supervisor for a diving operation shall make a record in accordance with subsections (2) to (4) in respect of each day of the diving operation. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 64 (1).

(2) A daily record shall include an entry in respect of each dive undertaken during the day, stating,

(a)  the type of diving equipment used;

(b)  whether a hyperbaric chamber was used;

(c)  the breathing mixture used;

(d)  the time the diver left the surface;

(e)  the maximum depth attained;

(f)  the time the diver left the bottom;

(g)  the time the diver reached the surface;

(h)  the time of the surface interval, if a repetitive dive was undertaken;

(i)  the decompression table used;

(j)  the name of the diver;

(k)  the name of the tenders;

(l)  the name of the standby diver;

  (m)  any unusual incidents;

(n)  the location of the dive site;

(o)  the environmental conditions;

(p)  the purpose of the dive; and

(q)  any underwater work site hazards. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 64 (2).

(3) A daily record shall also include,

(a)  a record of equipment examinations, tests and repairs performed during the day under clause 12 (3) (f);

(b)  a record of hoisting device maintenance and examinations performed during the day under subsection 20 (5);

(c)  Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 52.

(d)  any arrangements for medical advice or support made under section 34 in respect of the day;

(e)  a description of any diving vessel used during the day;

(f)  a record of any disposal of equipment undertaken during the day under clause 60 (1) (f);

(g)  the name of any client on whose behalf the diving operation is being carried out on the day; and

(h)  a general description of the purpose of the diving operation on the day. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 64 (3); O. Reg. 32/14, s. 52.

(4) A daily record shall state the date in respect of which it is made and shall include the name and signature of the diving supervisor. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 64 (4).

(5) A diving supervisor who makes a daily record under this section shall file the record with his or her employer within a reasonable time. O. Reg. 629/94, s. 64 (5).

(6) An employer with whom a daily record is filed shall retain the record for a period of five years from the day in respect of which it is made, together with the attachments described in subsection (7). O. Reg. 629/94, s. 64 (6).

(7) An employer shall attach to the daily record a copy of any report or notice relating to the day that was given under sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act. O. Reg. 428/21, s. 2.

65., 66. Revoked: O. Reg. 32/14, s. 53.