Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)

18.25 Where a dive plan requires that oxygen for therapeutic purposes be available, the employer shall supply

• (a) demand-type oxygen therapy equipment; and

• (b) an adequate quantity of oxygen.

• 18.26 (1) Every employer shall ensure that all diving equipment used by employees is

  • (a) designed for its intended use and maintained in a condition that ensures its continuing operation for the purpose and at the depth for which it was designed; and

  • (b) inspected, tested, maintained and calibrated by a qualified person at intervals recommended by the manufacturer and whenever the equipment is thought to be defective.

• (2) Every employer shall ensure that diving equipment used by persons who are not employees and who are granted access to the work place is in a condition that ensures its operation for the purpose and at the depth for which it was designed.

• 18.27 (1) Immediately before each dive, every diver shall check that all the equipment the diver requires is present, properly fastened in place and functioning.

• (2) Before beginning a descent, every diver shall conduct the check specified in subsection (1) again in the water.

• 18.28 (1) Every employer shall ensure that whenever diving operations are carried out from a diving station located more than 2 m above the water, the divers are transported through the air-water interface by a cage, basket or platform.

• (2) Every employer shall ensure that a stationary platform from which a diver works, or any cage, basket or platform on or in which a diver is lowered to or raised from an underwater work place, and any associated hoisting devices and tackle,

  • (a) are used for the purpose for which they were designed; and

  • (b) do not in themselves create a hazard.

• (3) Any cage, basket or platform and any associated equipment referred to in subsection (2) shall be dedicated to the diving operations until the dive is completed.

18.29 Floating equipment used in diving operations, including a vessel that is anchored or moored, shall not be moved or relocated while a diver is in the water unless the dive supervisor agrees to the move or relocation.

18.30 The employer shall ensure that, when a floating platform, vessel or boat is used in support of the dive, it remains on site at all times while a diver is in the water.

• 18.31 (1) Every employer shall ensure that, where a dive plan requires the use of a lifeline to tether a diver, the lifeline

  • (a) is free of knots and splices, other than knots and splices necessary to attach the lifeline to the diver and the dive site;

  • (b) has a breaking strength of not less than 1400 kg;

  • (c) is secured to the diver so as to prevent loss of contact with the diver; and

  • (d) is secured at the surface to a safe point of anchorage.

• (2) A lifeline shall always be used in dives taking place under ice.

• (3) Every employer shall ensure that a lifeline is tended at all times by a diver’s tender.