If ventilation does not eliminate atmospheric hazards, what must the entrants wear?

When atmospheric hazards cannot be effectively mitigated through ventilation, it is essential for entrants to wear respiratory protection. Respirators are designed to filter out harmful substances or provide clean air to the wearer, ensuring their safety in environments with toxic gases, insufficient oxygen, or harmful particulate matter. This is a vital safety measure to protect workers from potential respiratory issues or exposure to hazardous agents.

Choosing to enter a confined space where atmospheric hazards exist without the appropriate level of respiratory protection can lead to serious health consequences, including asphyxiation or long-term respiratory diseases. Therefore, using respirators is a critical component of safety protocols in these situations, following OSHA guidelines.

Options such as quickly completing the entry or having multiple attendants outside do not address the immediate need for personal protective equipment that would safeguard the entrants against identified hazards. It is crucial to prioritize personal safety equipment like respirators when atmospheric conditions cannot be controlled through ventilation alone.