TITLE 8:
CHAPTER 4, SUBCHAPTER 3, ARTICLE 3,
COMPRESSED AIR SAFETY ORDERS
SECTION 1205;
ARTICLE 4, SECTION 1210; ARTICLE 6, SECTION 1220;
ARTICLE 7, SECTION 1230;
COMPRESSED AIR SAFETY ORDERS

Amend Section 1205 to read:

§1205. General Provisions.

(a) No work, where persons are employed in compressed air, shall be started until 7 days after the firm, corporation, commission, or person undertaking such work has notified, in writing, the Division of such contemplated work.
(b) The employer shall ensure that a qualified competent person, who is familiar with these and other applicable safety orders, is present at the work site at all times when employees are required to work in a compressed air environment.

 NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

Amend Section 1210 to read:

§1210. Compression Rate.

 (a) During the compression of employees, the pressure shall not be increased to more than 3 psig within the first minute. The pressure shall be held at 3 psig and again at 7 psig sufficiently long to determine if any individuals are experiencing discomfort. After the first minute the pressure is to be raised uniformly and at a rate not to exceed 10 psi per minute. If any employees complain of discomfort, the pressure will be held to determine if the symptoms are relieved. If after 5 minutes the discomfort does not disappear, the lock attendant shall gradually reduce the pressure, until the employee signals that the discomfort has ceased. If the employee does not indicate that the discomfort has disappeared, the lock attendant shall reduce the pressure to atmospheric and the employee shall be released from the lock.
(b) No employee shall be subjected to pressure exceeding 50 pounds per square inch except in an emergency.

 NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

Amend Section 1220 to read:

§ 1220. Air Locks.

(a) Except in emergency, no employees employed in compressed air shall be permitted to pass from the working chamber to atmospheric pressure until after decompression, in accordance with the procedures in either Appendix A, Appendix B, or Section 1217.
(b) The time of decompression shall be posted in each air lock.
(c) A qualified The lock attendant shall be under the direct supervision of the physician required by Section 1280, and stationed at the lock controls on the free air side during the period of compression and decompression. The lock attendant and shall remain at in the vicinity of the air lock control station whenever there are employees in the working chamber or in the air lock.
(d) Except where air pressure in the working chamber is below 12 psig, each air lock shall be equipped with suitable automatic controls which automatically regulate decompressions. It shall also be equipped with manual controls to permit the lock attendant to override the automatic system in the event of an emergency.
(e) A manual control, which can be used in the event of an emergency, shall be placed inside the air lock.
(f) For each 8-hour shift, a record of employees employed under compressed air shall be kept by the lock attendant. This record shall show period of stay in the working chamber of each employee and the time taken for decompression.
(g) A clock, thermometer, and continuous recording pressure gauge with a 4-hour graph shall be installed outside of each air lock and shall be changed prior to each shift's decompression. The chart shall be of sufficient size to register a legible record of variations in pressure within the air lock and shall be visible to the lock attendant. A copy of each graph shall be submitted to the physician after each shift. In addition, a pressure gauge, clock, and thermometer shall also be installed in each air lock. Additional fittings shall be provided so that test gauges may be attached whenever necessary.
(h) Except where air pressure is below 12 psig and there is no danger of rapid flooding, all caissons having a working greater than 150 square feet and each bulkhead in tunnels of 14 feet or more in diameter, or equivalent area, shall have at least 2 locks in perfect working condition, 1 of which be used exclusively as an air lock. Where only a combination air and materials lock is required, this single lock shall be of sufficient capacity to hold the employees constituting two successive shifts. If emergency locks are provided, they shall be large enough to hold an entire heading shift and a limit maintained of 12 psig. There shall be a chamber available for oxygen decompression therapy to 28 psig.
(i) The air lock shall be large enough so that those using it are not compelled to be in a cramped position, and shall not have less than 5 feet clear head room at the center and a minimum of 30 cubic feet of air space per occupant.
(j) Locks on caissons shall be so located that the bottom door shall be not less than 3 feet above the water level surrounding the caisson on the outside. (Note: The water level, where it is affected by tides, is construed to mean high tide.)
(k) In addition to the pressure gauge in the locks, an accurate pressure gauge shall be maintained on the outer and inner side of each bulkhead. These gauges shall be accessible at all times and shall be kept in accurate working order.
(l) Air locks shall be illuminated and shall have an observation port at least 4 inches in diameter located in such a position that all occupants of the air lock may be observed from the working chamber and from the free air side of the lock.
(m) Air locks shall be maintained at a minimum temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit, dry bulb.
(n) When locks are not in use and employees are in the working chamber, lock doors shall be kept open to the working chamber, where practicable.
(o) All locks shall be constructed in accordance with the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders of the Division.
(p) Adequate ventilation shall be provided in accordance with Section 5143 of the General Industry Safety Orders.

NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

Amend Section 1230 to read: 

§1230. Temperature, Illumination, Sanitation and Ventilation.

(a) Temperature of all working chambers which are subjected to compressed air shall, by means of after-coolers or other suitable devices, be maintained at a temperature not to exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
(b) Illumination in compressed air chambers shall be by electricity exclusively and two independent electric-lighting systems with independent sources of supply shall be used. The emergency source shall be arranged to become automatically operative in the event of failure of the regularly used source. Electrical installations and equipment shall comply with applicable portions of the Electrical Safety Orders.
(c) The minimum intensity of illumination on any walkway, ladder, stairway, or working level shall not be less than 10-foot candles, and in all work places the illumination shall at all times be such as to enable employees to see clearly.
(d) Sanitary, heated, illuminated, and ventilated dressing rooms and drying rooms shall be provided for all employees engaged in compressed air work. Such rooms shall contain suitable benches and lockers. Bathing accommodations (showers at the ratio of 1 to 10 employees per shift) equipped with running hot and cold water along with suitable and adequate toilet accommodations shall be provided. One toilet for each 15 employees, or fractional part thereof, shall be provided. While in a compressed air environment and the toilet bowl is shut by a cover, there shall be an air space so that the bowl or bucket does not implode when the pressure is increased. All parts of caissons and other working compartments shall be kept in a sanitary condition.
(e) Ventilation in the locks and chambers, with the exception of the medical chamber, shall be such that the air quality meets the requirement of Section 5144(e) of the General Industry Safety Orders.
(f) Exhaust valves and exhaust pipes shall be provided and operated so that the working chamber shall be well ventilated, and there shall be no pockets of dead air. Outlets may be required at intermediate points along the main low pressure air supply line to the heading to eliminate such pockets of dead air. Ventilating air shall be not less than 30 cubic feet per minute per person.
(g) The air in the workplace shall be analyzed by the employer not less than once each shift, and records of such tests shall be kept on file at the place where the work is in progress. The test results shall be within the permissible exposure limits (PEL’s) specified in Section 5155 of the General Industry Safety Orders, for hazardous gases and within 10 percent of the lower explosive limit of flammable gases.
(h) Forced ventilation shall be provided during decompression. During the entire decompression period, forced ventilation through chemical or mechanical air purifying devices that will ensure a source of fresh air shall be provided.

 NOTE: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.