Compressed-air tunneling medical and decompression requirements

November 29, 1983

W. H. Phoon, Director
Industrial Health Division
Ministry of Labour Nos. 5 & 7
[Recipient address omitted]
Dear Dr. Phoon:

This is in reply to your letter of November 10, 1983, addressed to Dr. Ralph E. Yodaiken, Director, Office of Occupational Medicine, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U. S. Department of Labor, requesting information pertaining to work in compressed air and underground tunnelling.

I am enclosing a copy of the OSHA Construction Standards for your reference and use.

In answer to the three specific questions you asked in your letter:

1. The decompression tables used by OSHA can be found on page 151 under 1926.804, Appendix A.

2. A medical lock is required, and this requirement can be found on page 144, 1926.803(b)(9).

3. Requirements for medical examinations and supervision of workers exposed in compressed air atmospheres can be found on page 144, 1926.803(b).

If we can be of further service to you, please call on us.

Sincerely,
John B. Miles, Jr., Director
Directorate of Field Operations