How should electrical hazards be controlled on a diving job site?

• A. Lockout/Tagout, isolation of power, use intrinsically safe equipment, bonding/grounding, and follow permit-to-work requirements.
• B. Leave electrical systems on for emergency use.
• C. Use non-insulated tools near water.
• D. Rely on PPE alone.

Answer: (A)

Controlling electrical hazards on a diving job site relies on a layered approach that minimizes exposure to energized systems and fault currents. Lockout/Tagout and isolation of power physically prevent energization, ensuring circuits and equipment cannot be operated while work is being done. Using intrinsically safe equipment reduces risk by design, so equipment is unlikely to ignite or deliver dangerous energy in wet or hazardous environments. Bonding and grounding provide a safe fault path and stabilize potentials, decreasing the chance of electric shock if a fault occurs. Following permit-to-work requirements adds formal oversight, ensuring hazard assessment, approved procedures, and supervision for electrical tasks in challenging conditions.

Relying on leaving systems energized for emergencies, using non-insulated tools near water, or relying on PPE alone do not adequately control the risk in a diving setting, as they either fail to prevent energy, can create dangerous conditions around water, or do not address the root cause of electrical hazards.