Cofferdams and caissons and work in compressed air

• Pages: 55-60

55

10. Cofferdams and caissons and work in compressed air

10.1. General provisions

10.1.1. Every cofferdam and caisson should be:

(a) of good construction and suitable and sound material and of adequate strength;

(b) provided with adequate means for workers to reach safety in the event of an inrush

of water or material;

(c) provided with safe means of access to every place where workers are employed.

10.1.2. The construction, positioning, modification or dismantling of a cofferdam

or caisson should take place only under the immediate supervision of a competent

person.

10.1.3. Every cofferdam and caisson should be inspected by a competent person

at intervals prescribed by national laws or regulations.

10.1.4. A person should only be allowed to work in a cofferdam or caisson if it

has been inspected and found safe by a competent person within such preceding period

as is prescribed by national laws or regulations and the results thereof recorded in a

prescribed form or register.

10.1.5. Work in compressed air should be carried out only in accordance with

measures prescribed by national laws or regulations.

10.1.6. Work in compressed air should be carried out only by workers who are 18

years old or more and who have been medically examined and found fit for such

employment.

10.1.7. Work in compressed air should be carried out only when a competent

person is present to supervise the conduct of operations.

10.1.8. National laws or regulations should lay down conditions in which the

work is to be carried out and the plant and equipment are to be used and provide for

health surveillance of workers and the duration of work in compressed air.

10.1.9. No person should be employed in compressed air unless he is under the

constant supervision of an experienced person and properly instructed and supplied

with a leaflet containing advice as to the precautions to be taken in connection with

such work.

10.1.10. No person should be subjected to a pressure exceeding 2.5 bar except in

emergencies.

10.1.11. For every shift a record should be kept showing the time every worker

spends in the working chamber and the time taken for decompression.