OSHA 1926.1086
Mixed-gas diving requirements
Subpart Y
Questions & Answers
Under 1926.1086, where should a construction employer look for the detailed operational requirements (training, equipment, procedures) for mixed-gas diving?
A construction employer should follow the detailed operational requirements in 1910.426, because 1926.1086 makes the construction requirements identical to that general industry standard.
- Use the full text of 1910.426 for specifics on training, medical fitness, equipment checks, decompression procedures, and dive-team responsibilities.
Under 1926.1086, is the construction employer responsible for ensuring that mixed-gas diving operations comply with OSHA standards?
Yes. Under 1926.1086 the construction employer must ensure compliance with the same mixed-gas diving requirements set out in 1910.426, including implementing required procedures, training, medical surveillance, and equipment maintenance.
- Treat 1910.426 as the operative text for what the employer must provide and enforce for mixed-gas diving safety.
Under 1926.1086, are medical fitness exams required for construction mixed-gas divers and where is that requirement found?
Yes. Medical fitness and medical surveillance requirements for mixed-gas divers are addressed in the mixed-gas diving rule text referenced by 1926.1086 and detailed in 1910.426. Employers must follow the medical and fitness-for-duty provisions in 1910.426 when assessing and clearing divers for mixed-gas operations.
- Consult 1910.426 for the specific medical exam content, frequency, and fitness requirements.
Under 1926.1086, must employers follow required decompression and emergency/recompression procedures for mixed-gas diving?
Yes. Employers performing mixed-gas diving in construction must implement the decompression schedules and emergency/recompression procedures required by 1910.426, as 1926.1086 makes those requirements identical for construction.
- Refer to the decompression, emergency treatment, and recompression guidance in 1910.426 to build written procedures and training for your dive team.
Under 1926.1086, if a construction site stores large quantities of breathing gases (or other gases) used for diving, could Process Safety Management (PSM) requirements apply?
Possibly. While 1926.1086 governs mixed-gas diving safety, OSHA has explained that when a site stores Category 1 flammable gases in one location and the aggregate amount meets or exceeds the PSM threshold, the PSM standard at 29 CFR 1910.119 may apply; see the PSM interpretation about aggregating flammable gas quantities in storage at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06.
- If your stored gases include Category 1 flammable gases and the total on-site amount at one location reaches the PSM threshold, follow the guidance in the PSM interpretation (https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-06-06) and consult [1910.119] (Process Safety Management) in planning storage and controls.
- Non-flammable gases (e.g., helium) and oxidizers (oxygen) raise other hazards; evaluate each gas’s properties and applicable OSHA requirements.
Under 1926.1086, how should employers address oxygen-rich or oxygen-deficient atmosphere hazards during mixed-gas diving support operations (e.g., in enclosed support spaces)?
Employers must recognize and control oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched atmospheres around diving-support areas, and where civilian employees are covered by OSHA, oxygen-deficient atmospheres are considered immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) and must be treated accordingly; see the OSHA interpretation on oxygen-deficient atmospheres at https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-07-16 and follow the respirator and atmospheric testing provisions applicable to covered employees.
- For diving-support enclosed spaces or gas-handling rooms, evaluate oxygen levels, implement atmospheric monitoring, and use appropriate protective equipment and procedures in line with OSHA guidance (see https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2024-07-16).
- Where mixed-gas diving procedures in 1910.426 create potential oxygen hazards, adopt testing and controls consistent with OSHA’s respiratory and confined space expectations as applicable.
Under 1926.1086, are mixed-gas diving equipment maintenance and gas quality testing requirements found in 1910.426 the employer’s responsibility?
Yes. Under 1926.1086 the employer must meet the same equipment maintenance, inspection, and gas quality testing requirements set out in 1910.426.
- Use the specific inspection, calibration, and gas-analysis requirements in 1910.426 to develop written maintenance schedules and documented gas testing procedures for mixed-gas diving gear and supply systems.
Under 1926.1086, who must be trained or certified for mixed-gas diving work at a construction site?
Anyone performing duties that involve mixed-gas diving must receive the training and qualifications required by 1910.426, because 1926.1086 makes the construction requirements identical to 1910.426.
- The training provisions in 1910.426 describe required training topics, frequency, and employer responsibilities for ensuring divers, tenders, supervisors, and emergency personnel are competent for mixed-gas diving operations.
Under 1926.1086, are written procedures and dive plans required before beginning mixed-gas dives on a construction job?
Yes. Employers must prepare and follow the written procedures and dive plans required by 1910.426, and 1926.1086 makes those same requirements applicable to construction mixed-gas diving.
- Include planned gas mixtures, decompression schedules, emergency response, personnel assignments, and equipment checks as specified in 1910.426 when you develop dive plans.