What must be continuously monitored during a confined space entry?

During a confined space entry, it is essential to continuously monitor all potential hazardous conditions to ensure the safety of the workers involved. Confined spaces can present a variety of hazards, including, but not limited to, toxic gases, low oxygen levels, flammable materials, and physical hazards such as moving machinery. By continuously monitoring these conditions, you can detect any dangerous changes that may occur while workers are inside the space.

Monitoring just temperatures or gas levels excludes critical environmental factors that could pose serious risks, as various hazards can develop simultaneously. While time spent in the space is also important to consider for the purposes of fatigue and exposure limits, it does not replace the need to monitor actual hazardous conditions. Thus, focusing on all potential hazards provides a comprehensive safety approach necessary for safe operations in confined spaces.