R 408.40934 Hazardous atmospheres; testing and controls.

Rule 934. To prevent exposure to harmful levels of atmospheric contaminants and to assure acceptable atmospheric conditions, all of the following requirements shall apply: (a) Where an oxygen deficiency (an atmosphere that contains less than 19.5% oxygen) or a hazardous atmosphere exists, such as in excavations in areas where hazardous substances are stored nearby, the atmosphere in the excavation shall be tested before employees enter excavations that are more than 4 feet (1.22 m) deep. (b) Precautions shall be taken to prevent employee exposure to atmospheres that contain less than 19.5% oxygen and any other hazardous atmosphere. These precautions include providing proper respiratory protection or ventilation in accordance with the requirements of this part. (c) Precautions shall be taken, such as providing ventilation, to prevent employee exposure to an atmosphere that contains a concentration of a flammable gas in excess of 20% of the lower flammable limit of the gas. (d) When controls are used that are intended to reduce the level of atmospheric contaminants to acceptable levels, testing shall be conducted as often as necessary to ensure that the atmosphere remains safe.