Watch Out For Differential Pressure Hazards

One of the biggest threats to commercial divers is virtually invisible. The difference in water pressure that occurs on either side of a dam or that results from an opened valve can lead to catastrophic diving injuries and death.

Differential pressure is not a hazard when there is no water flowing from the high pressure area to the low pressure area. However, once it begins, the force that it creates can be significant, pulling divers onto an opening, which may not only damage their equipment, but cause injury and hold them there for an indefinite amount of time.

If you are a commercial diver, you are most likely already aware of this significant danger underwater. When low pressure exists in one area and high pressure in another, there is an increased risk of a commercial diving accident. This differential pressure under the water’s surface can cause a wide range of perilous situations. For example, differential pressure can lead to a circumstance where you become pinned against a suction intake. It can also result in the following:

• Traumatic amputation
• Entrapment
• Drowning
• Death
  

Diving accidents caused by differential pressure hazards can often be avoided. If you know you will be conducting a dive near a recently installed pipeline, dam or other structure, you need to be very careful. You need to make sure that certain safety measures are put into place to protect you during the dive. Failure to do so could be deadly.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial dive accident, you may be able to recover compensation. Most commercial divers are considered seamen under the Jones Act and therefore entitled to protection under this maritime law. For more information regarding your commercial diving injury case, contact an experienced Houston diving accident attorney at the Law Offices of Vujasinovic & Beckcom, P.L.L.C. at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800.