scope:

This chapter discusses the necessary preparatory work, inspections, and tests that should be made to ensure that equipment has been properly made safe for opening, entry, and work. The necessity for thorough removal of harmful liquids, sediments, and deposits; for freeing the equipment of flammable, inert, or toxic gases; and for preventing re-entry of such gases is emphasized. The types of inspections and tests that should be made to ensure the safety of personnel and to minimize the probability of fires and explosions are also covered.

Because of the wide scope of health and fire problems encountered in the preparation and inspection of enclosed spaces to make them safe to work in and because procedures vary greatly with the types of equipment and facilities available, it is not possible to recommend detailed procedures. Therefore, this chapter is limited to general principles. Chapter XIX, "Inspection for Accident Prevention, " contains more details concerning inspections and tests required to safeguard personnel and to maintain testing equipment. Chapter XX, "Inspection for Fire Protection," covers similar information for the prevention of fires and explosions. The aforementioned chapters also suggest various types of written permits for different classes of work that may be conducted.

The term "inspector" is used throughout this chapter as a general term. It applies to any person qualified and authorized to make the various inspections and tests required to permit safe entry into equipment. An inspector making any inspections or tests mentioned in this chapter also should be familiar with the contents of Chapters XIX and XX.