Continuous Gas Monitoring in Confined Spaces
Even when initial gas readings show a safe atmosphere, conditions inside a confined space can change quickly and without warning. Continuous gas monitoring is essential for detecting changes before they become dangerous.
Once an atmosphere is confirmed as safe for a medium-risk entry, teams should still take escape sets and remain alert to changing conditions. If hazardous gases develop or oxygen levels drop, the risk level may need to be raised to high risk, requiring breathing apparatus (BA) and enhanced rescue provisions.
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Key Considerations for Continuous Monitoring
- Agree reporting frequency: Entrants and entry control should establish how often live readings will be communicated.
- Adjust for environment: Frequency depends on travel distance, task duration, and the level of risk.
- Monitor actively: Entrants should check their monitors every time they move into a new compartment or change levels.
- Track trends: By noting gradual changes in readings, entrants can spot early signs of atmospheric deterioration and exit safely before alarms trigger.
If operating under high-risk conditions with breathing apparatus, gas alarms may not immediately threaten safety but constant monitoring is still essential to ensure the environment isn’t becoming flammable or explosive.
This disciplined approach helps ensure confined space teams work proactively, not reactively.
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