664 HAZWOPER for General Site Workers V

Protection of Entry Personnel

The purpose selecting appropriate PPE is to protect against other known and suspected hazards identified during the preliminary site evaluation.

• If there is no permissible exposure limit or published exposure level, the employer may use other published studies and information as a guide to appropriate personal protective equipment.
• If positive-pressure self-contained breathing apparatus is not used as part of the entry ensemble, and if respiratory protection is warranted by the potential hazards identified during the preliminary site evaluation, an escape self-contained breathing apparatus of at least five minute's duration must be carried by employees during initial site entry.
• If the preliminary site evaluation does not produce sufficient information to identify the hazards or suspected hazards of the site an ensemble providing equivalent to Level B PPE must be provided as minimum protection, and direct reading instruments must be used as appropriate for identifying IDLH conditions.
• If IDLH conditions are suspected, the following respirators for IDLH atmospheres would be required by those entering the site:
• full facepiece pressure demand self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) certified by NIOSH for a minimum service life of thirty minutes, or
• combination full facepiece pressure demand supplied-air respirator (SAR) with auxiliary self-contained air supply.

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