Hi All I am currently writing a policy in respect of deep water an example being where an individual enters an area (not submerged with breathing apparatus) and cleans filtration systems in a aquarium. A snorkel could from time to time be used. The water concerned is around 5ft in depth, we are considering the possibility of draining the pool/tank to half full so the actual depth is 3 ft. As their is a definition for work at height/Confined spaces etc does anyone know what the definition for "diving" is? Or would the policy better relate working on or in deep water? Cheers Dave

David Not "diving" within the meaning of the D at Work Regs 1997 as not breathing in air at a pressure greater than atmospheric. [Regulation 2(2)(b)]

Are U out of your depth here? Read the DAW & CS regs and the various associated guides and evaluate the emergency systems etc therein and see how they could fit into your situation - I doubt that there is WAH to consider but many other things do apply especially a self rescue 'buddy' system remembering that a person can drown in very shallow water I advise working divers and would advise U that its not as simple as many think it is; on the other hand its not rocket science so use plenty of common sense as U walk through your risk assessment and associated method statement with the persons [lone working is in my view not acceptable] doing the job

damage to marine life is another area to look at Your policy should not need to be >1 page long I would expect as it should be an attachment etc to your master H&S policy - that is if we are talking about H&S areas