How real is the potential risk of using SCUBA divers?
In 1991 a California water utility hired certified SCUBA divers to inspect their potable water storage tanks. In 1997 a Texas water utility had one of their employees, a certified SCUBA diver, enter one of their water tanks for a “routine” underwater inspection. Divers died in both instances. The reasons were the same; improper equipment and inadequate training. Using a properly equipped and trained certified commercial dive team would have prevented both tragedies. In short: sport diver training is geared to diving with SCUBA gear as a breathing source for personal enjoyment; such training falls far short of providing the knowledge, experience and expertise required to meet the conditions of commercial diving. This regulatory requirement is clearly stated in ANSI/ADC 01 – 1993 as well as OSHA 1910.401(T). IMPORTANT NOTICE: In the event that you allow sport SCUBA divers to enter your water system, whether or not they are your employees (or or if you hire an outside SCUBA “contractor”),
