Posted by Ken Kurtis on January 27, 2002 at 18:15:38:
In Reply to: Trimix and/or rebreather instruction, an OSHA violation? posted by Bob3 on January 27, 2002 at 14:25:42:
Depends on whether or not the instructor is considered an employee of the facility offering the training.
If not, OSHA regs don't apply. If so, then you'd probably need to comply.
OSHA has a general exemption for recreational scuba diving, a deminimus exemption (which means you have to apply for it and agree to the terms) from the Dixie Divers nitrox exemption, but nothing that I'm aware of other than that.
Among the things you'd need to be in compliance on would be the requirement for a chamber on-site.
And to anticipate the "well-then-how-do-others-do-it?" question that's bound to follow, my answer is . . . I don't know. OSHA generally doesn't come after you until there's an accident and as I've said for years, you really don't want to be the test case.
Ken Kurtis
NAUI Instr. #5936
Co-owner, Reef Seekers Dive Co.
Beverly Hills, CA