Monitoring - Initial Site Entry

During initial site entry, employers must monitor the site to determine if the site does one or more of the following:

• Shows the potential of having ionizing radiation
• Shows the potential of having IDLH conditions
• Does not yield enough information to eliminate the above-mentioned conditions

Initial site entry monitoring includes air monitoring, which requires using "direct reading instruments for hazardous levels of ionizing radiation." The OSHA Standard does not provide specifics on direct-reading test equipment but provides examples. Note: There are both initial site air monitoring and ongoing air monitoring (which you will learn about shortly). Employers must be sure to conduct both.

As mentioned above, initial site entry monitoring also includes detecting IDLH or other conditions that may cause injury or death. These can include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Combustible atmospheres
• Explosive atmospheres
• Oxygen deficiency
• Toxic substances

To learn more about HAZWOPER visit our HAZWOPER 40 Hour Online Training web page.