What should personnel do if they encounter smoke in a confined space?

When personnel encounter smoke in a confined space, the priority is to ensure their safety and the safety of others. Avoiding the area and following escape procedures is the correct response because smoke is an indication of potential fire or hazardous conditions that could lead to serious injury or death.

By avoiding the area, personnel prevent exposing themselves to the dangers that smoke can represent, such as toxic fumes or decreased visibility. Following protocol for escape entails knowing the safest routes out of the area and alerting others to the hazard without putting oneself in further danger.

Taking quick and decisive action to evacuate rather than investigate or attempt a rescue minimizes risk and can enhance overall safety for everyone on board. Acting promptly to escape also allows for the possibility of trained personnel to handle the situation using appropriate firefighting or rescue techniques, which is a better course of action than intervening without proper training or equipment.