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.
It 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 Code 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