SafetyQuestion 560 of 700

Workers will enter an excavation deeper than 4 feet next to an old fuel tank where a hazardous atmosphere could exist. What is the BEST practice before and during entry?

a.Enter quickly and leave if anyone feels dizzy
b.Test the atmosphere and provide ventilation or other controls as needed
c.Rely on the natural breeze to clear any gases
d.Only test after a worker reports a smell

Explanation

Where a hazardous atmosphere could reasonably exist in an excavation over 4 feet deep, the air must be tested before entry and controls such as ventilation provided as needed, with retesting as conditions change. Option a exposes workers before detection. Option c assumes conditions that may not exist. Option d waits until harm may already have occurred. Atmospheric testing detects oxygen deficiency or toxic or flammable gas before it injures anyone.

Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8 §1541

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