(1) You may enter permit-required confined spaces without a permit using alternative methods when you have monitoring and inspection data that supports the following:

(a) You have eliminated all the hazards1; or

(b) You have eliminated all of the physical hazards1,2, and continuous forced air ventilation controls the actual or potential hazardous atmosphere. You must also have monitoring data that demonstrates the use of continuous forced air ventilation will maintain the permit-required confined space for safe entry. In the event the ventilation system stops working, entrants can exit the space safely.

(2) You must have written documentation for the entrants before each entry that includes the following information:

(a) The location of the space;

(b) Date of the entry;

(d) The hazards of the space and the work;

(e) The specific measures used to eliminate the hazards1;

(f) The ventilation system used to control atmospheric hazards, when applicable, direct reading instruments used to test the atmosphere, and results of the atmospheric testing that demonstrate the absence of a hazardous atmosphere;1,2

(g) All conditions that required evacuation of the space3; and

(h) The name, title, and signature of the entry supervisor ensuring safe entry procedures.

(3) You must make sure all documentation produced is available to each affected employee and their authorized representative.

(4) You must make sure all monitoring and inspection data is documented and available to each affected employee and their authorized representative.

(5) If you must enter prior to the completion of the hazard elimination, you must perform the entry according to WAC 296-809-500 Permit entry procedures. For example - To collect monitoring inspection data or to apply hazard elimination measures.

Notes:	1 For the purposes of this section, energy control procedures must isolate the space and result in the elimination of the hazards including applicable stored energy. Evaluate your energy control procedures (lockout) to ensure they fully eliminate the hazards when used. See chapter 296-803 WAC, Lockout/tagout (control of hazardous energy). Tagout is an example of a method not considered to eliminate hazards.
	2 Controlling atmospheric hazards through forced air ventilation does not eliminate the hazards.
	3 Do not use alternative methods to enter a continuous system unless you can do the following:
	• Completely isolate the area entered from the rest of the space;
	• Demonstrate that the conditions that caused the hazard or potential hazard no longer exist within the system for the duration of the entry including engulfment; and
	• You have sufficient quantities of continuous ventilation to control the atmospheric hazard.
	See Appendix J for Alternative Methods Documentation by visiting the labor and industries website at http://www.lni.wa.gov/safety/rules/chapter/809/.

PDFWAC 296-809-60002

Make sure the following conditions are met if using alternative methods.