Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 8, § 6090 - 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 Section
6085.
(b) The time of decompression shall be posted
in each air lock.
(c) The lock
attendant shall be under the direct supervision of the physician required by
Section 6120 and stationed at the lock
controls on the free air side during the period of compression and
decompression. The lock attendant shall remain at the 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 shall 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.
Notes
2. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 3-10-2010; operative 4-9-2010 (Register 2010, No. 11).
Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.
2. Amendment of subsection (a) filed 3-10-2010; operative 4-9-2010 (Register 2010, No. 11).
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