Federal Register #OSHA20260001

OSHA Considers Permanent Variance for Hyperbaric Work at Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project

OSHA is reviewing a request from Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture (OJD) for a permanent variance to use alternative safety protocols for compressed-air (hyperbaric) work during the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project in Manchester, NH. - Government Buyer: - Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), U.S. Department of Labor - OEMs and Vendors: - American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) (referenced for equipment standards) - Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture (OJD) (applicant and project contractor) - Products/Services Requested: - Hyperbaric intervention services for tunnel construction, including: - Use of advanced tunnel boring machines (TBMs) with airlocks - Hyperbaric operations at pressures up to 37 p.s.i.g. for crews of up to three - Decompression procedures using 1992 French Decompression Tables - Manual decompression control and use of TBM airlock instead of a separate decompression chamber - Specialized medical supervision and safety protocols as outlined in a project-specific Hyperbaric Operations Manual (HOM) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with ASME PVHO-1.2019 standards for pressure vessels - Detailed safety, training, communication, inspection, recordkeeping, and notification requirements - OSHA is seeking public comments to determine if these alternatives provide safety equal to or greater than current standards - No specific products or commercial items are being procured; the notice is focused on regulatory compliance and safety procedures for tunnel construction.

Description

OSHA announces the application of Obayashi-Jay Dee Joint Venture (OJD) for a permanent variance and interim order from provisions of the OSHA standard regulating work in compressed-air environments. The notice presents OSHA's preliminary finding on OJD's application and grants an interim order. The interim order allows OJD to perform hyperbaric interventions under specified conditions during the Cemetery Brook Drain Tunnel Project in Manchester, New Hampshire. OSHA invites public comments to assist in determining whether to grant a permanent variance.

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