Compressed air-1926.803

1926.803(a)(1)
There shall be present, at all times, at least one competent person designated by and representing the employer, who shall be familiar with this subpart in all respects, and responsible for full compliance with these and other applicable subparts.

1926.803(a)(2)
Every employee shall be instructed in the rules and regulations which concern his safety or the safety of others.

1926.803(b)Medical attendance, examination, and regulations.

1926.803(b)(1)
There shall be retained one or more licensed physicians familiar with and experienced in the physical requirements and the medical aspects of compressed air work and the treatment of decompression illness. He shall be available at all times while work is in progress in order to provide medical supervision of employees employed in compressed air work. He shall himself be physically qualified and be willing to enter a pressurized environment.

1926.803(b)(9)
A medical lock shall be established and maintained in immediate working order whenever air pressure in the working chamber is increased above the normal atmosphere.

1926.803(b)(10)
The medical lock shall:

1926.803(b)(10)(xii)
Be in constant charge of an attendant under the direct control of the retained physician. The attendant shall be trained in the use of the lock and suitably instructed regarding steps to be taken in the treatment of employee exhibiting symptoms compatible with a diagnosis of decompression illness;

1926.803(e)Compression.

1926.803(e)(1)
Every employee going under air pressure for the first time shall be instructed on how to avoid excessive discomfort.

1926.803(f)Decompression.

1926.803(f)(1)
Decompression to normal condition shall be in accordance with the Decompression Tables in Appendix A of this subpart.

1926.803(f)(2)
In the event it is necessary for an employee to be in compressed air more than once in a 24-hour period, the appointed physician shall be responsible for the establishment of methods and procedures of decompression applicable to repetitive exposures.

1926.803(f)(3)
If decanting is necessary, the appointed physician shall establish procedures before any employee is permitted to be decompressed by decanting methods. The period of time that the employees spend at atmospheric pressure between the decompression following the shift and recompression shall not exceed 5 minutes.

1926.803(h)Compressor plant and air supply.

1926.803(h)(1)
At all times there shall be a thoroughly experienced, competent, and reliable person on duty at the air control valves as a gauge tender who shall regulate the pressure in the working areas. During tunneling operations, one gauge tender may regulate the pressure in not more than two headings: Provided, That the gauge and controls are all in one location. In caisson work, there shall be a gauge tender for each caisson.