Product Overview

Summary: This Use of Rebreathers Safe Operating Procedure provides clear, practical guidance for the safe selection, set‑up, operation and maintenance of rebreather equipment in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations control life‑critical risks such as oxygen toxicity, CO₂ buildup and equipment failure, while demonstrating strong compliance with WHS duties for hazardous environments and respiratory protection.

Rebreathers are highly specialised respiratory systems that allow workers to operate in hazardous or low‑oxygen environments such as underwater, confined spaces, tunnels and contaminated atmospheres. While they provide extended duration and operational flexibility, they also introduce critical risks including hypoxia, hyperoxia, carbon dioxide buildup, gas supply failure and complex equipment malfunctions. This Use of Rebreathers Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, step‑by‑step method for planning, conducting and closing out rebreather operations in line with Australian WHS expectations.

The SOP helps businesses translate technical rebreather requirements into clear workplace instructions that supervisors and operators can consistently follow. It covers pre‑use inspections, system configuration, gas management, checklists, operational limits, communication protocols, emergency drills and post‑use cleaning and maintenance. By implementing this procedure, organisations can strengthen their due diligence, reduce the likelihood of catastrophic incidents and provide verifiable evidence of safe systems of work during audits, regulator inspections or incident investigations.

Key Benefits

• Ensure rebreather operations are conducted within defined safe operating limits, reducing the risk of life‑threatening incidents.
• Reduce the likelihood of equipment failure through standardised pre‑dive and post‑use inspection and maintenance routines.
• Demonstrate compliance with WHS legislation and relevant Australian Standards for respiratory protection and diving work.
• Improve training quality and operator competency by providing clear, task‑focused instructions and checklists.
• Strengthen incident preparedness with documented emergency response actions for common rebreather failure scenarios.

Who is this for?

• Diving Supervisors
• Commercial Divers
• Scientific and Research Divers
• Confined Space Entry Supervisors
• Emergency Response Team Leaders
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Marine Operations Managers
• Utilities and Infrastructure Maintenance Supervisors
• Hyperbaric and Dive Safety Officers
• Training and Competency Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Hypoxia (insufficient oxygen supply leading to loss of consciousness or death)
• Hyperoxia and oxygen toxicity from incorrect gas mix or depth exposure
• Carbon dioxide buildup due to scrubber failure or incorrect assembly
• Gas supply interruption or regulator malfunction
• Drowning or asphyxiation resulting from system leaks or flooding
• Barotrauma and pressure‑related injuries during diving operations
• Exposure to toxic or contaminated atmospheres in confined or enclosed spaces
• Thermal stress (cold water or environmental conditions affecting operator performance)
• Manual handling injuries associated with lifting and transporting rebreather units and cylinders
• Psychological stress and fatigue impacting decision‑making during extended operations

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Terminology (Including Rebreather Types and Components)
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Organisational Policies
• 5.0 Risk Management and Job Safety Analysis for Rebreather Operations
• 6.0 Pre‑Use Requirements and Authorisation to Operate
• 7.0 Equipment Specifications and Suitability Criteria
• 8.0 Pre‑Use Inspection, Assembly and Function Checks
• 9.0 Gas Management, Mixing and Verification Procedures
• 10.0 Operational Limits, Environmental Conditions and Exclusion Zones
• 11.0 Step‑by‑Step Operating Procedure (Start‑up, Entry, Monitoring and Exit)
• 12.0 Communication, Buddy Systems and Supervision Requirements
• 13.0 Emergency Procedures and Contingency Plans (Bail‑out, System Failure, Lost Diver/Worker)
• 14.0 Post‑Use Procedures, Decontamination and Disassembly
• 15.0 Maintenance, Servicing, Storage and Recordkeeping
• 16.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 17.0 Incident Reporting, Investigation and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Document Control and Review

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Hazardous work, diving work and confined spaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Confined Spaces
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace (where applicable gases are used)
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 2299.1: Occupational diving operations – Standard operational practice
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use