What should be the first step taken when preparing to enter a confined space?

Conducting a thorough hazard assessment is essential when preparing to enter a confined space because it helps identify potential risks associated with the environment before any personnel enter. This assessment includes evaluating atmospheric conditions, recognizing possible physical hazards such as entrapment or falls, and understanding the necessary precautions needed for safe entry and work.

By assessing the hazards, a team can develop a proper entry plan and implement the right safety measures, such as ventilation or personal protective equipment. This proactive approach protects the safety and health of all individuals involved, ensuring that they are aware of what they may face in the confined space.

The importance of hazard assessment cannot be overstated, as it lays the groundwork for other safety protocols and procedures that follow. Organizing personal belongings and communicating about break schedules, while necessary in the overall work process, are secondary to the critical step of understanding the dangers present in the confined space. Similarly, reviewing the benefits of safety gear is important but must take place after recognizing the specific hazards that the gear is meant to mitigate.