OAR 437-004-1075: Working Over or In Water

(1) Definition. Rescue device means a ring buoy and line, gaff pole, throwable rescue device, or other device that serves as a means to rescue somebody from the water without requiring the rescuer to enter the water. (2) Scope and Application. (a) These rules apply where there is a danger of drowning and the water is more than 5 feet deep. These rules do not apply to workers protected by general or personal fall protection. (b) If employees are engaged in diving and related support operations conducted in connection with Agricultural employment, Division 2, 1910.401 through 1910.440, Commercial Diving Operations, applies. (3) Personal flotation and rescue devices. (a) Workers in water, over water on floating or unstable surfaces, or adjacent to water, must wear a Coast Guard approved or equivalent, wearable personal flotation device (PFD). (b) The PFD must be: (A) The right size for the wearer, (B) Able to perform the function that the manufacturer intended, and (C) Maintained according to the manufacturer’s requirements and recommendations. (c) Piers, docks, wharves and work sites along developed shorelines must have rescue devices available within 200 feet of the water or shoreline work area.