Code of practice for the safe use of electricity under water
- Code of Practice
- Revision 1.1 - August 2023
This Code of Practice provides comprehensive guidance for ensuring the safe use of electricity in underwater environments, primarily to prevent electric shock hazards to divers.
The document also addresses risks such as toxic emissions from insulation materials and ignition hazards from electrical faults but excludes non-electrical risks like mechanical injuries or ionizing radiation.
The document applies to all electrical equipment used by divers or in their vicinity, and covers various underwater scenarios, including work on subsea equipment, cables, diving suits, ROVs, and habitats.
Contents
Scope
Introduction
Physiology
Derivation of values used
Definitions and explanations
Basic assumptions
Ensuring electrical safety
Application scenarios
Appendix A – Bibliography
Appendix B – Calculation of ‘safe distance’
Appendix C – Residual current devices
Appendix D – Salinity of water
Appendix E – Design considerations
Appendix F – Batteries
Appendix G – Installation practices
Appendix H – Methods for protection against shock
Appendix I – Summary table of safe practices
Revision
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Rev. 1.1 - May 2024Page 2 and references updated; no change to content
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Rev. 1 - August 2023Addition of section 8.9 - diving on high power cables
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Rev. - October 2010Initial publication