This advisory notice is provided to stress the importance of stakeholders vetting secondhand information on guidance for the sanitization of commercial diving life support equipment.

 

Recently, a diving contractor contacted the ADCI to verify an alleged guidance that OSHA/ADCI had issued, recommending the utilization of a diluted bleach mixture for post-dive cleaning of dive helmets. This is completely inaccurate, and is an example of why it is important to verify firsthand what are the recommended practices for the cleaning of shared life support equipment.

 

The ADCI would not, and will not, issue guidelines of this type that should be generated from manufacturers and vendors.

 

The ADCI encourages all contractors and schools to contact manufacturers on the best practices for proper sanitization to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

 

The following links and recommendations are from Kirby Morgan Dive Systems:

 

During this period with the spreading of COVID-19 it is important that the helmets, BandMasks® and full-face masks be cleaned and sanitized properly as defined in our General Preventative Maintenance section 1.3.2.2 and 1.3.2.4 Sanitizing Procedure. 

 

 

It is also important that the minimum post-dive procedures should be done using the Post-Dive Cleaning, Maintenance, and Inspection Checklist A2.6 checklist.

 

 

Just wiping down and changing the parts is not enough. The equipment should be fully immersed and follow the solution manufacturers’ guidelines for immersion time. The regulator cover, whiskers and valves should be opened up as stated in the checklists. Don’t forget about the neck dam and comms. The mic element is often overlooked and should receive the same attention as the other components that come in contact with the face.

 

Ensuring every diver has their own head cushion and oral nasal mask with valve, nose block pad has great value as well.

 

Concerning one of the KMDSI recommended sanitizing products Steramine:
Steramine Efficacy Summary