Section 296-37-550. Scuba diving.

(1) General. Employers engaged in scuba diving shall comply with the following requirements, unless otherwise specified.

(2) Limits. SCUBA diving shall not be conducted:

(a) At depths deeper than 130 fsw;

(b) At depths deeper than 100 fsw or outside the no-decompression limits unless a decompression chamber is ready for use;

(c) Against currents exceeding one knot unless line-tended; or

(d) In enclosed or physically confining spaces unless line-tended.

(3) Procedures.

(a) A standby diver shall be available while a diver is in the water.

(b) A diver shall be line-tended from the surface, or accompanied by another diver in the water in continuous visual contact during the diving operations.

(c) A diver shall be stationed at the underwater point of entry when diving is conducted in enclosed or physically confining spaces and shall have positive means of communication with the diver or divers within the space.

(d) A diver-carried reserve breathing gas supply shall be provided for each diver consisting of:

(i) A manual reserve (J valve); or

(ii) An independent reserve cylinder with a separate regulator or connected to the underwater breathing apparatus.

(e) The valve of the reserve breathing gas supply shall be in the closed position prior to the dive.

[Statutory Authority: Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-37-550, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 81-07-048 (Order 81-4), § 296-37-550, filed 3/17/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, and chapters 42.30 and 43.22 RCW. WSR 78-10-094 (Order 78-18), § 296-37-550, filed 10/2/78.]

Chapter 49.17 RCW and RCW 49.17.040, [49.17].050 and [49.17].060. WSR 92-22-067 (Order 92-06), § 296-37-550, filed 10/30/92, effective 12/8/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040 and 49.17.050. WSR 81-07-048 (Order 81-4), § 296-37-550, filed 3/17/81. Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.240, and chapters 42.30 and 43.22 RCW. WSR 78-10-094 (Order 78-18), § 296-37-550, filed 10/2/78.