Which key procedure should be established to control hazards in confined spaces?

The correct answer focuses on the establishment of hazard control or elimination procedures as a key measure for ensuring safety in confined spaces. Confined spaces present unique risks that can include hazardous atmospheres, limited means of entry and exit, and potential for engulfment. Therefore, it is essential to implement procedures that aim to identify, control, or eliminate these hazards before entry is allowed.

Having hazard control or elimination procedures means conducting thorough risk assessments of the confined space, identifying the specific hazards present, and implementing strategies to either mitigate those hazards or remove them entirely. This may involve ventilation to remove toxic gases, using protective equipment, or establishing safe work practices to ensure that workers can perform their tasks without being exposed to these dangers.

While other procedures, such as communication, monitoring, and job rotation, might play supportive roles in a comprehensive safety program, they do not directly address the fundamental need to control or eliminate hazards in confined spaces. Communication procedures would primarily facilitate effective dialogue among workers but wouldn’t directly reduce risk. Monitoring procedures are essential for ongoing safety during operations but stem from already identified control measures. Job rotation can help minimize fatigue among workers but does not inherently reduce the risks associated with confined spaces. Therefore, focusing on hazard control or elimination procedures is central to promoting a