When must air monitoring be conducted when working in a confined space?

Air monitoring in confined spaces is crucial to ensure the safety of workers. Conducting monitoring both before and during work allows for the assessment of potentially hazardous conditions that could be present in the air.

Before starting the work, initial air monitoring establishes a baseline understanding of the air quality, identifying any existing contaminants or oxygen deficiency. However, monitoring should not stop there. Conditions can change rapidly in confined spaces due to the nature of the work being performed, equipment being used, or materials being handled. Continuous monitoring while work is underway is vital to detect any fluctuations in air quality, allowing for immediate responses if hazardous conditions arise, such as an increase in toxic gases or a decrease in oxygen levels.

This approach ensures that workers can be alerted to dangers as they occur, mitigating risks and protecting health and safety effectively throughout the entire duration of the work.