If you would not issue a PRCS entry permit to enter a space at 19.6% Oxygen, why the hell are we listing this range (19.5% – 23.5%) as acceptable for an unsuspecting entry supervisor?
Why would we not just use 20% – 21% for an acceptable O2 concentration for an everyday supervisor who usually gets limited training on limitations of the brand/model/style of direct-reading instrument and how atmospheres actually behave. If they get a reading outside this narrow range, I hope we can ALL agree something is going on inside the space and an Atmospheric SME should be called to the space for a more thorough understanding of the HAZ ATM and the limitations of the meter being used.
Now I realize some of you may have all your entry supervisors well trained, but if they can not explain what a 19.5% Oxygen atm is called (e.g. IDLH atm) and explain the Respiratory Protection (SCBA/SAR with escape air) and Staffing requirements for entry and working in an IDLH atm and the Rescue Requirements for this entry (rescue team is stationed at entry portal to affect rescue in less than 3-minutes… how long can you hold your breath) then why would we ever put them in this situation?
