If a hazard cannot be eliminated, but can be controlled by continuous forced air ventilation, then alternate entry procedures can be used
Paragraph (c)(5)(i) lists the conditions under which alternate entry procedures can be used
Benefits:
Substantially lower equipment requirements
No attendants required
Solo entries permitted
Before employee enters the space, internal atmosphere must be tested with a calibrated, direct-reading instrument for O2, flammable gases and vapors, and for potential toxic air contaminants, in that order
Once testing is completed, the atmosphere within the space must be periodically tested as necessary to ensure that the continuous forced air ventilation is preventing the accumulation of a hazardous atmosphere
There may be no hazardous atmosphere within the space whenever any employee is inside the space
Alternate Entry Procedures
Continuous forced air ventilation must be used for the entire duration of the entry
Entry under the alternate entry procedures would not be acceptable if hazards in the space quickly increased if the ventilation were to stop
Sufficient time must be available for an entrant to safely exit the space if the ventilation stops
Alternate Entry Procedures in Practice
Some industries, such as telecommunications, have had millions of safe entries into their vaults using ventilation, training and written procedures
However, many other employers have been cited for using alternate entry procedures inappropriately
Alternate Entry Procedures
The employer must certify that the space is safe for entry
