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816 Confined Space Safety in Construction
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Safe Entry Conditions

Eliminating or controlling hazardous atmospheres: Eliminate or control the hazards in the space then document the method and the steps necessary to eliminate or control the hazards. Allow entrants to observe testing, monitoring, and any other activity necessary to eliminate or control hazards.

For permit spaces that are deep or have areas leading away from the entry point, the atmosphere may be layered or may be different in remote areas. For these spaces, testing must be done in the area surrounding the worker, which is considered four (4) feet in the direction of travel and to each side. If a sample probe is used to do the testing, then the worker must move slowly enough so that testing is completed, keeping the equipment "response time" in mind, before he/she moves into the new area.

Providing necessary equipment: Ensure the entrants have the equipment they need to do their jobs (including rescue equipment) and they know how to use the equipment.

Planning for emergencies: Attendants must know how to respond to emergencies, including who to contact and how to remove entrants.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

3-5. What is an essential requirement to establish safe entry conditions into a permit space?