BSAC

 

Register for Updates To make sure you recieve a direct notification of each months topic for SAFETY TALK as well as other information about important BSAC changes, new BSAC services and BSAC benefits please register for the BSAC MAILING LIST

---

SAFETY TALK - JUNE 2006


Pre Dive Checks
The importance of pre- dive checks is one that is stressed throughout diver training. There is sometimes a tendency for such practice to fall into misuse as greater experience is gained often due a feeling of familiarity with equipment and diving buddies. Whilst the Diving Incident Report does not specifically highlight weaknesses in this area diver training emphasises the important role that such checks play in the prevention of incidents.
A recent Research Report published by the HSE 'Formal risk identification in professional SCUBA' considers the use of Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) to consider the risks associated with diving. This report having considered a particular fault tree analysis identified that Poor pre-dive checks can have significant implications for faults occurring during a dive.

Personal preparation
Begins with ensuring you have all the necessary equipment before leaving home or loading the boat. Examples of such Personal Checklists can be found elsewhere on the BSAC Website but should be developed to match your own equipment and diving needs.
Following a formal Buddy check and making use of a consistent sequence such as BAR (Buoyancy, Air, Releases) or ABC (Air, Buoyancy, Clips) will help ensure that all important items are checked and all members of the dive party are familiar with the equipment being used.

Technical diving
Including the use of Rebreathers and mixed gases still requires the same level of preparation and checking. Indeed depending on the circumstances and specific equipment this type of diving will require greater attention to detail.

The BSAC Rebreather Courses stress the value of pre-prepared Checklists for the preparation of the equipment and the conduct pre dive checks.

The following are examples of suggested checklists taken from the relevant course notes for BSAC Rebreather Courses. Copies of these Course Notes can be purchased from the BSAC Shop. (Retail price £50 - BSAC members price £25).

Example of the Drager Checklist
For SCR there are a series of checks to be conducted prior to a dive and these include:

• Analyse gases
• Calibration of oxygen monitoring system
• Check correct jet selected
• Absorbent duration
• Positive pressure test
• Negative pressure test
• Pre-breathe for 3 min

Example of the Inspiration Checklist
The CCR series of checks are more detailled and include the following main areas each of which have a further subset of checks that are not best left to the reliance on memory alone

• Analyse gases
• Absorbent duration
• Positive pressure test
• Negative pressure test
• Oxygen system pressure test
• Diluent pressure test
• Power up handsets
• Calibration of oxygen sensors
• Confirm operation of warning buzzer
• Pre-breathe for 3 min

In addition a Post Dive checklist ensures that all subsequent appropriate checks are carried out in advance of subsequent dives.

For mixed gas diving it is important to emphasise the MOD for different gases carried and in both instances the options for safe Alternative Gas Supplies for the buddy are important to identify.

Other factors
Regular practice and attention to pre-dive checks should minimize many risks before even entering the water. Such checks should not be rushed divers should not pressured either by the marshal or the need to hit slack water.
SEASICKNESS
The debilitating effects of Sea sickness should also be considered and suitable steps taken to minimize its impact.
Through the use of suitable checklists to prepare equipment in advance and early briefing of dive buddies some of the worst effects of sea sickness can be mitigated. However, divers must ensure that final safety and operational checks are still conducted BEFORE entering the water. If such essential checks are not made properly then some simple omissions such as failing to turn on gas or electronic handsets or to stow emergency equipment such as AAS properly could have serious if not fatal consequences.
Dive Marshals in particular should take account of such factors and ensure that all relevant checks are conducted safely.
Seasickness can be one of the most debilitating illnesses that any diver can encounter prior to a dive. The effects can range from extreme discomfort through to complete incapacity. Where vomiting is the result then the dehydrating effects can have significant consequences for the subsequent dives. A variety of means of controlling the condition exist ranging through herbal remedies to pressure bands but at present the most common solution is to take some form of medication. The UK Sport Diving Medical Committee has provided specific advice on SEA SICKNESS MEDICATION and divers and crew should take note and follow this advice as appropriate.


Think SAFE - Dive SAFE

---

Any suggestions for further items for inclusion would be welcome and can be made to divesafe@bsac.com

---

Any suggestions for further items for inclusion would be welcome and can be made to divesafe@bsac.com