When performing confined space entry, what must be checked regularly?

When performing a confined space entry, regularly checking atmospheric conditions is crucial for ensuring the safety of personnel entering the space. This includes monitoring for hazardous gases, oxygen levels, and other airborne contaminants that could pose risks such as asphyxiation or toxic exposure. Pre-existing conditions in confined spaces can change unpredictably, so it's necessary to conduct continuous or periodic evaluations of atmospheric conditions to maintain a safe work environment.

While aspects such as ventilation quality and rescue equipment are also important for overall safety, they do not hold the same primary significance as atmospheric conditions. The latter involves direct indicators that can affect immediate health and safety, making it a top priority in confined space operations. Monitoring personal productivity, on the other hand, does not relate directly to safety but rather to the efficiency of work being performed.