Hazardous Atmosphere

► Testing the Confined Space Atmosphere

Hazardous atmospheres are the leading cause of death in confined space work. In addition, it’s estimated that inhalation causes 90% of all chemical injuries in general industry. Hazardous atmospheres often do not exhibit any warning properties and so may not present themselves in any way that an entrant can recognize though their physical senses. A hazardous atmosphere may be colorless, odorless and tasteless and, with some contaminants, the health effects of overexposure may not be felt right away. For these reasons it is essential that the confined space atmospheric conditions be thoroughly assessed before the operation commences and continuously throughout the entry.

The entry supervisor is responsible for ensuring that a confined space atmosphere is tested before anyone enters the space and that the results of the testing are appropriately recorded on the entry permit. Entrants must be allowed to observe the pre-entry testing if they choose. The internal atmosphere must be tested with a calibrated, direct-reading instrument for the following conditions in the order given:

Oxygen content; Flammable gasses and vapors; and, Potential toxic air contaminants.


► Applications for Gas Detectors

Tank Cleaning and Vessel Inspections-
Confined Space Entry
Hot Work Permits
Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
Planned Maintenance-
Plant Turnarounds/Plant Shutdowns
Fire Brigade
Leak Detection

Fire Rescue
Home CO Alarm Confirmation
Hazmat Response
Confined Space Entry Search and Rescue Operations
Post Fire Inspection Safety

Agriculture
Grain Silo Entry
Food Storage Elevators
Regional Grower’s Commission
Hog Barns

Industry in General
Military
Pharmaceuticals
Mining
Chemicals

Anywhere confined space entry
is necessary