Reducing Electrical Shock Hazards

CHAPTER 6 — Operational Planning Change A 6-21 The diver must place himself in the path between the fault and earth ground. 6-6.9.1 Reducing Electrical Shock Hazards. The only effective means of reducing elec- trical shock hazards are to ensure: Electrical equipment is properly maintained. All electrical devices and umbilicals are inspected carefully before all operations. Electrical umbilicals are adequately protected to reduce the risk of being abraded or cut when pulled over rough or sharp objects. Personnel are offered additional protection through the use of rubber suits (wet, dry, or hot-water) and rubber gloves. GFI circuits are tested at regular intervals throughout the operation using built- in test circuits. Divers operating with remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) should take similar precautions to ensure the ROV electrical system offers the required protection. Many new ROVs use extremely high voltages which make these protective actions even more critical to diver safety. NEDU has been tasked with repair and testing of the Daniel Woodhead company Model 1670 and 1680 GFIs. Woodhead GFIs needing repair or testing should be sent to: Navy Experimental Diving Unit Shipping and Receiving Officer 321 Bullfinch Road Panama City, FL 32407-7015 ATTN: Code 03D1 Units should be sent to the above address with a DD-1149 and complete return address and written details of problem. 6-6.9.2 Securing Electrical Equipment. The Ship Repair Safety Checklist for Diving requires underwater electrical equipment to be secured while divers are working over the side. While divers are in the water: Ship impressed-current cathodic protection (ICCP) systems must be secured, tagged out, and confirmed secured before divers may work on an ICCP device such as an anode, dielectric shield, or reference cell. When divers are required to work close to an active ICCP anode and there is a risk of contact with the anode, the system must also be secured. In situations other than those described above, the ICCP is to remain active.