DEFENCE HIGH RISK DIVING WORK STANDARD

Transcription

1 DEFENCE HIGH RISK DIVING WORK STANDARD Approved by Comcare under the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011

2 DISCLAIMER This information is for guidance only and is not to be taken as an expression of the law. It should be read in conjunction with the relevant legislation. For more information contact your local workplace health and safety authority. PUBLICATION DETAILS Published by Comcare Commonwealth of Australia 2014 All material presented in this publication is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia ( licence. For the avoidance of doubt, this means this licence only applies to material as set out in this document. The details of the relevant licence conditions are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence ( USE OF THE COAT OF ARMS The terms under which the Coat of Arms can be used are detailed on the It s an Honour website ( CONTACT US Inquiries regarding the licence and any use of this document are welcome at: Production Services Comcare GPO Box 9905 Canberra ACT 2601 Ph: production.services@comcare.gov.au 2 WHS 122

3 INTRODUCTION The Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (WHS Regulations) set out work health and safety requirements for diving work including high risk diving work. Regulation 183(1) of the WHS Regulations provides that a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) at a workplace where high risk diving work is carried out must ensure that the following are in accordance with AS/NZS :2007 (Occupational diving operations Standard operational practice) ( AS/NZS 2299 ): (a) the fitness of persons carrying out the work; (b) the competence of persons carrying out the work; the carrying out of the work. Members of the Defence Force carry out high risk diving work. In recognition of the sometimes unique nature of Defence s diving activities and the circumstances in which it might be conducted from time to time, special provision was made in regulation 183(2) for Comcare to approve a standard, to replace AS/NZS 2299, for the regulation of this work. On 1 January 2013, the Defence High Risk Diving Work Standard (the Defence Standard) came into force. Following the approval of revisions to the Defence Standard by the Chief Executive Officer of Comcare, a revised Defence Standard came into force on 15 May This revised standard will continue to be called the Defence High Risk Diving Work Standard (the revised Standard). In accordance with regulation 183(3) a PCBU at a workplace where high risk diving work is undertaken by Defence, must ensure that the fitness and competence of persons carrying out the work and the actual carrying out of the work comply with the requirements of the revised Standard. Similarly, under regulation 184(2), a member of the Defence Force must not carry out high risk diving work unless the member has the qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience required by the revised Standard. THE DEFENCE STANDARD Defence s protocols governing the health and fitness, and the training of persons carrying out high risk diving work and the actual carrying out of this work are predominantly compliant with AS/NZS The Defence Standard consequently applies AS/NZS 2299 but with a schedule of modifications, referred to as the Defence High Risk Diving Work Schedule. This schedule is reproduced in Attachment A of this publication. RELEVANT LEGISLATION WHS Regulations: > Regulations 5, 289, 289(3)(d): definition of high risk diving work > Regulations 183 to 184 A copy of this legislation is at 3 WHS 122

4 ATTACHMENT A DEFENCE HIGH RISK DIVING WORK SCHEDULE PART 1: Definitions and terminology AS/NZS 2299 AS AS/NZS AS/NZS :2007 (Occupational diving operations Standard operational practice) AS (Training and certification of occupational divers, Part 1: Occupational SCUBA diver Standard) AS/NZS :2013 (Training and certification of occupational divers, Part 2: Surface supplied diving to 30 m) AS AS (Training and certification of occupational divers, Part 3: Air diving to 50 m) AS AS/NZS AS (Training and certification of occupational divers, Part 4: Bell diving) AS/NZS :2013 (Training and certification of occupational divers, Part 5: Dive supervisor) AS training standards any of AS ; AS/NZS and AS and AS/NZS :2013 SCUBA (air) SSBA means open circuit self-contained underwater breathing apparatus and is to be distinguished from closed circuit SCUBA surface supplied breathing apparatus at immediate notice means fully dressed and ready to enter the water immediately. clause used when referring to paragraph numbers in the text of AS/NZS 2299 and the AS training standards (collectively called the Standards ). The term, clause, is not used when referring to numbered Elements of Competency or Performance Criteria in the tables appearing in the Standards. in-date diver means that the diver holds the Defence qualification to undertake the relevant diving work, is in-date for relevant Defence medical requirements for divers, and is in-date for relevant Defence requirements for diving practice. MEDEVAC plan means a plan for which the dive supervisor is responsible as part of operational risk management processes for each diving operation. In preparing the MEDEVAC plan, the dive supervisor must consult with local health care facilities and the command element, and take into account the following: (a) availability and proximity of a recompression chamber (b) level of medical support required and proximity of that support movement from the dive site to medical support (d) oxygen requirements to support diver s treatment from the dive site to medical support (e) (f) contact details for specialist diving medical advice local command and emergency support requirements. medical officer means a medical officer who has completed the Medical Officers Underwater Medicine course and Emergency Management of Severe Trauma or equivalent, as confirmed by the Officer in Charge, Submarine Underwater Medicine Unit. on site means in the immediate vicinity or at immediate notice and the diver can be transferred to the depth required in a recompression chamber for decompression or therapeutic recompression within 7 minutes. 4 WHS 122

5 relevant Defence authority means the relevant Force Commander or his or her delegate. workup training is an element in the Defence assurance program, known as the Sea Release Assurance Framework, within which all units (including those employed in military diving operations) are formally audited. Upon the successful completion of an audit, a unit is approved to undertake Unit Readiness checks. These involve workup training during which units engage in self-assessment of their competencies to undertake mission activities. Where shortfalls are identified or skills need to be updated, these are addressed. The unit is then checked by authorised personnel and, if successful, is ready for Mission Readiness checks which are intended to ensure that the unit is capable of employment in any operational task. PART 2: Competence 1. Where references are made in AS/NZS 2299 to AS training standards that, since publication of AS/NZS 2299, have been superseded by revised versions, the Defence Standard and this Schedule treat these references as if they apply to the revised versions. 2. Delete references in AS/NZS 2299 to diver training requirements and replace with: (a) A diver must be trained to a level of competency at least equivalent to that of a diver training to AS , AS/NZS or AS , as appropriate and as modified in this Schedule, and shall have a certificate issued by Defence from which a diver s level of competency may be determined. (b) For the purposes of subparagraph 2(a) above, Table 1 below sets out which of the modified AS training standards is appropriate for the kind of work undertaken. Tools used The kind of high risk diving work undertaken Maximum diving depth Diving equipment used Explosives used? Appropriate AS training standard Hand tools Not exceeding 30 m SCUBA (air) No AS Hand tools, power tools, explosive power tools Not exceeding 30 m SCUBA (air) SSBA (air) Yes AS/NZS Hand tools, power tools, explosive power tools Not exceeding 50 m SCUBA (air) SSBA (air) Yes AS Hand tools, power tools, explosive power tools Not exceeding 50 m SSBA (gas mixtures other than air) Yes AS and in accordance with paragraphs 10 and 12 of this Schedule Hand tools, power tools, explosive power tools Exceeding 50 m SSBA (gas mixtures other than air) Yes AS and in accordance with paragraphs 10 and 12 of this Schedule 5 WHS 122

6 3. For training of dive supervisors, delete references in AS/NZS 2299 to the AS training standards for training requirements for dive supervisors and replace with the following requirements: (a) Dive supervisors are required to be trained: in accordance only with the units of competency numbered 3.1 to 3.11 of AS/NZS which cover: > the role of the dive supervisor; > implementing and monitoring work health and safety programs; > diving physics, physiology and associated calculations; > managing diving illnesses and medical emergencies; > managing risk associated with dive operations; > planning dive operations; > conducting dive operations ; > plant, equipment and maintenance procedures; > managing people; > supervising use of tools in a dive operation; > for Navy dive supervisors only, supervising on site chamber operations; > for Army dive supervisors only, interpreting engineering drawings, and to a level of competency at least equivalent to that of a diver training to AS , as modified by this Schedule. 4. Amend AS/NZS 2299 and the AS training standards: (a) so that diver trainees will not have to use or familiarise themselves with equipment not used by Defence; (b) so that diver trainees will not be required to explain various underwater inspection and measurement techniques including measurement, magnetic particle inspection, cathodic potential readings, ultrasonics and crack gauging and sizing; so that Navy diver trainees will not be required to describe underwater construction techniques including the principles of: concreting underwater shuttering underwater (iii) grouting underwater (iv) sand bagging underwater; (d) so that diver trainees will not be required to interpret engineering drawings; (e) (f) to remove prohibitions on diver training on SCUBA (air) where there is no direct vertical access to the water surface; to remove all references to training in, or diving work associated with, wet bell diving, bell diving, the use of baskets as the means of entering or leaving the water, the use of hot water suits and diving on enriched air nitrox (EAN) mixtures. Note: Defence diver training on EAN mixtures will be conducted in accordance with paragraph 10 of this Schedule. 6 WHS 122

7 5. Amend AS to comprise the following: (a) clauses 1.6(a) to which set requirements for a trainee s medical fitness, minimum age and swimming competency; (b) Table 2 (Anatomy, Physiology and Diving Physics); Table 3 (Health and Safety in Diving Operations); (d) Table 4 (Diving First Aid); (e) (f) elements of competency numbered from 7.1 to 7.4 in Table 7 (Emergency Procedures); elements of competency numbered from 8.1 to 8.3 in Table 8 (SCUBA Equipment); (g) Table 9 (Pre-dive Preparations); (h) Table 10 (Underwater Deployment) except that diver trainees will only be required to train to a maximum depth of 20 m before 1 June On and from this date, the maximum depth will increase to 30 m; (j) Table 11 (Post-dive Procedures); and Table 12 (Diving Work Tasks). 6. Insert into AS : A trainee must pass a fitness test supervised by an ADF Physical Training Instructor or Combat Fitness Leader and successfully undertake a preliminary dive using SCUBA (Air) equipment supervised by a dive supervisor. 7. Amend AS/NZS : (a) so that Section 1 Scope and general in AS/NZS does not apply; (b) so that training which involves assisting the dive supervisor in the preparation of a work plan including a risk assessment and selection of the appropriate dive schedule from dive tables does not apply; to apply the following training requirements to diver trainees using SCUBA as well as to diver trainees using SSBA: Table 7, Underwater work basic ; Table 8, Underwater work powered tools ; (iii) Table 9, Cutting and Welding ; and (iv) element of competency 10.3 in Table 10 complete simple underwater construction tasks ; subject to the amendments specified in subparagraphs 4(b) to (d) of this Schedule; (d) so that references to training on enriched air nitrox (EAN) mixtures do not apply. 8. In AS : Note: Defence diver training on EAN mixtures will be conducted in accordance with paragraph 10 of this Schedule. (a) replace references to maximum depths not exceeding 30 m for SCUBA (air) diving with maximum depths not exceeding 50 m; (b) for Navy divers only, delete training requirements associated with seamanship that are referred to in AS under the following elements of competency: navigation; handling a small boat; (iii) equipping a small boat; (iv) crewing a diving work boat; and delete requirements for an understanding of the relevance and requirements of other codes, awards and guidance, in Table 2.9, Legislation and guidance, and replace with a requirement for an awareness of the existence of guidance and Codes of Practice made under relevant work health and safety laws. 7 WHS 122

8 9. Delete all references in the AS training standards: (a) to minimum training requirements (for example, minimum number of training dives in various conditions to qualify for certification, minimum bottom time, etc.); (b) which prescribe how elements of competency (and performance criteria) shall be assessed including the minimum number of occasions that certain competencies must be demonstrated and assessed; and replace with: Defence divers who undertake high risk diving work* are trained in-house Competency based assessments are the means of determining whether a diver should be certified as having attained diving competency in the type of diving and involving the kinds of tasks the diver will undertake as a Defence diver. A certificate issued to a diver by Defence will provide information from which it can be determined whether the diver has attained diving competency equivalent to or exceeding that of a diver training to the AS training standards as amended by this Schedule. *Note: The WHS Regulations define high risk diving work to mean, among other things, work carried out in or under water or any other liquid while breathing compressed gas and involving construction work. See regulation 5 for the full definition. 10. Insert into the Defence Standard: High risk diving work* undertaken in the course of diver training which involves diving at depths up to or exceeding 50 m while diving on SSBA with gas mixtures other than air may only be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of paragraph 12 of this Schedule. *Note: The WHS Regulations define high risk diving work to mean, among other things, work carried out in or under water or any other liquid while breathing compressed gas and involving construction work. See regulation 5 for the full definition. PART 3 Carrying out the work 11. Insert into the Defence Standard: A diver is not to dive and must not be directed to dive in excess of the diver s qualification. 12. Insert into the Defence Standard: (a) A diver carrying out high risk diving work referred to in paragraphs 12(b) and below, must: be trained to a level of competency at least equivalent to that of a diver trained to AS or be in training to meet a level of competency at least equivalent to that of a diver trained to AS (as modified by this Schedule); and complete workup training; before undertaking the work. (b) High risk diving work* at depths not exceeding 50 m using SSBA with gas mixtures other than air may only be undertaken in accordance with the following: the equipment operating instructions issued by the manufacturer of the equipment in use; and (iii) the dive plan prepared by the dive supervisor in accordance with the requirements of Part 3.1 of the WHS Regulations ( Part 3.1 dive plan ). 1 High risk diving work* referred to in subparagraph 12(b) may only be carried out at depths exceeding 50 m with the prior approval of the relevant Defence Authority who must indicate his or her approval by signing the Part 3.1 dive plan while also noting on the plan the time and date of signing. *Note: The WHS Regulations define high risk diving work to mean, among other things, work carried out in or under water or any other liquid while breathing compressed gas and involving construction work. See regulation 5 for the full definition. 1 Part 3.1 of the WHS Regulations sets out the framework within which work health and safety risks must be managed. This framework requires the elimination of risks so far as is reasonably practicable and, if it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate these risks, they must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. The regulations set out a hierarchy of control measures for the minimisation of risks and mandate the maintenance and regular review of these control measures. 8 WHS 122

9 13. Replace requirements in AS/NZS 2299 to limits on divers alcohol consumption with: In accordance with Defence Instruction (General) (DI(G)) PERS 15 4, all personnel on duty are to maintain a zero Blood Alcohol Level (BAL). For testing purposes, BAL readings below 0.02% will be considered not to be a positive reading. 14. Replace the reference to breathing air in AS/NZS 2299 with breathing medium. 15. Modify clause (d) in AS/NZS 2299 to read: Breathing medium used in diving operations shall not contain more than 800 ppm by volume of carbon dioxide. 16. Modify clause (e) in AS/NZS 2299 to read: Breathing medium used in diving operations shall not contain more than 1.0 mg of oil per cubic metre. 17. Modify note 3 to clause in AS/NZS 2299 to read: For SCUBA cylinders, the residual water content when air is tested should not exceed 100 mg per cubic metre. 18. Replace the requirement in AS/NZS 2299 for an on site operational recompression chamber when free or buoyant ascent training is being conducted with: (a) (b) For diving trainees who are undergoing initial free ascent training, there shall be on site: an operational recompression chamber, suitable for therapeutic treatment; and a medical officer trained in underwater medicine. For qualified divers who are undergoing free ascent exercises or workup training, there shall be: an operational recompression chamber, suitable for therapeutic treatment, located within 15 minutes of the dive site and at immediate notice; and a medical officer trained in underwater medicine or a member of the Defence Force trained in underwater medicine on site. 19. Replace requirements for an on site operational recompression chamber (other than that relating to free or buoyant ascent training which is referred to in paragraph 18 above) and requirements and recommendations for risk management when diving without an on site chamber in AS/NZS 2299 with: (a) (b) An on-site two compartment recompression chamber shall be provided for: all planned decompression dives; and all dives exceeding a depth of 42 m. An on-site recompression chamber is not required for: no planned decompression dives of less than 30 m provided that a MEDEVAC plan is in place; and no planned decompression dives of between 30 m 42 m provided that a medical officer is on call, a MEDEVAC plan is in place and a two compartment recompression chamber is within two hours travelling time of the dive site. 20. Replace restrictions in AS/NZS 2299 on SCUBA (air) dives where physical exertion may be required; direct surface access cannot be maintained; there is a risk of entanglement, or the maximum depth of the dive exceeds 30 m, with the following: (a) A dive supervisor shall not permit a diver to undertake high risk diving work* using SCUBA (air) in circumstances where one or more of the following applies: prolonged physical exertion is required (see subparagraph 20(b) below); direct access to the surface cannot be maintained; (iii) there is a risk of entanglement; (iv) the maximum depth of the dive is between 30 m and 50 m; unless the dive supervisor has carried out a risk assessment in accordance with Part 3.1 of the WHS Regulations and is satisfied that risks have been eliminated or minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. 9 WHS 122

10 (b) When determining whether prolonged physical exertion is required (as referred to in subparagraph 20(a) above), the dive supervisor should take into account factors including but not limited to: the type of high risk diving work* to be undertaken; environmental conditions including water temperature, visibility and strength of current; (iii) the extent to which swimming is involved in the work; and (iv) the extent to which the work involves the carrying of loads. *Note: The WHS Regulations define high risk diving work to mean, among other things, work carried out in or under water or any other liquid while breathing compressed gas and involving construction work. See regulation 5 for the full definition. 10 WHS 122