What is always necessary when working in a confined space?

Continuous air monitoring is essential when working in a confined space because it ensures the safety of individuals by checking for dangerous gases, low oxygen levels, or harmful air contaminants that may be present. In confined spaces, the air quality can deteriorate rapidly, leading to hazardous situations, including asphyxiation or exposure to toxic substances.

By implementing continuous air monitoring, workers can receive real-time data about the atmosphere within the space, allowing for timely interventions if air quality becomes unsafe. This monitoring is crucial for managing risks in environments that may not have adequate ventilation or could be subject to conditions that change quickly.

While protective clothing, emergency communication, and ventilation systems are also important safety measures, they do not directly address the specific air quality challenges presented in confined spaces as effectively as continuous air monitoring does.