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SEL Number: 01WA-05-SUTD
Title: Suit, Diving, Dry, Protective, Contaminated Water, NFPA 1953


Last Updated: 7/20/2023 5:25:35 PM

Previous SEL Number: 01WA-05-SUTD

Description: Protective dry suit for use in contaminated water diving operations (certified as compliant with NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1953).

ImportantFeatures: NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1953 defines dry suits that are worn with an ensemble, which consists of dry suit gloves or mittens, dry suit boots or booties, dry suit underwear, and swimming fins. The ensemble is designed to maintain integrity of the breathing air supply and against chemical/biological contaminants, insulate against cold water, and protect against physical hazards. The dry suit should include an integrated hood and permit the integration/interface with gloves or mittens and boots or booties to minimize potential leakage of external contaminants into the suit interior. Materials used in dry suits are required to demonstrate resistance to physical hazards, barrier effectiveness against chemical and biological contaminants, and thermal insulation to the body. After any exposure to a contaminated environment, the entire dry suit ensemble should be decontaminated and tested for integrity.

Operating Considerations: The principal hazard encountered during contaminated water diving is exposure to hazardous biological or chemical agents. While some contaminants may be so diluted that the associated risks are small, others such as PCBs may be immediately dangerous even at very low concentrations. Some materials may not dissolve in water; these chemicals could be encountered as pockets of highly concentrated material in bottom sediment or as slicks on the water's surface. Therefore, for maximum safety, the diver must be completely isolated from the water environment. Under certain conditions, when only a moderate biological hazard exists (such that only temporary illness could result), a lesser degree of protection may be sufficient. In general, because not all hazards may be apparent, the prudent decision is to use the equipment giving the highest level of protection.

Training Requirements: Core Training: Public Safety Diver with nationally-recognized dive certification. NFPA
National Fire Protection Association
1006, Chapter 13.
Initial Training: Extensive (> 2 days)
Sustainment Training: Extensive (> 2 days)

Mandatory Standards:


Applicable Standards and References:


MSSL:
  • Dive Team
  • Maritime
  • Preventive Rad/Nuc Detection