Confined Space Teams
Three categories of workers have specific duties whenever work is performed in a permit space: authorized entrants; attendants, and entry supervisors. The entry employer is responsible for ensuring that these workers carry out those duties.
Authorized Entrant: An authorized entrant is a worker who is authorized by the entry supervisor to enter a permit space. Open the link below to read more about authorized entrant duties and responsibilities.
- Know space hazards, including information on the means of exposure such as inhalation or skin contact, and symptoms of the exposure;
- Use appropriate personal protective equipment properly;
- Stay in communication with attendants as necessary to enable the attendants to monitor the entrant’s status and alert the entrant to evacuate when necessary;
- Exit from the permit space as soon as possible when:
- Ordered by the attendant or entry supervisor;
- He or she recognizes the warning signs or symptoms of exposure;
- A prohibited condition exists; or
- An automatic alarm is activated
- Alert the attendant when a prohibited condition exists or when warning signs or symptoms of exposure exist.
Attendant: An attendant is an individual stationed outside one or more permit spaces who monitors conditions within the space(s) and prevents unauthorized entry. Open the link below to read more about attendant duties and responsibilities.
- Remain outside the permit space during entry operations unless relieved by another authorized attendant;
- Perform non-entry rescues when specified by the employer’s rescue procedure;
- Know existing and potential hazards, including information on the mode of exposure, and signs or symptoms, and consequences, and possible behavioral effects of exposure;
- Maintain communication with and keep an accurate account of those workers entering the permit space;
- Assess conditions inside and outside the space and order evacuation of the permit space when:
- A prohibited condition exists;
- A worker shows behavioral effects of hazard exposure;
- A situation exists outside the confined space that could endanger entrants; or
- The attendant cannot effectively and safely perform required duties.
- Summon rescue and other services during an emergency;
- Ensure that unauthorized people stay away from permit spaces or exit immediately if they have entered the permit space;
- Inform authorized entrants and the entry supervisor if any unauthorized person enters the permit space; and
- Perform no other duties that interfere with the attendant’s primary duties.
Entry Supervisor: An entry supervisor is a qualified person (such as the employer, foreman, or crew chief) responsible for overseeing entry operations. An entry supervisor also may serve as an attendant or as an authorized entrant, as long as that person is trained and equipped as required by this standard for each role he or she fills. The duties of entry supervisor may be passed from one individual to another during the course of an entry operation. Open the link below to read more about attendant duties and responsibilities.
- Know space hazards including information on the mode of exposure, signs or symptoms and consequences;
- Verify that specified entry conditions are satisfied, including permits, tests, procedures and equipment before allowing entry;
- Terminate entry and cancel or suspend permits when entry operations are completed or if a condition that is not allowed under the permit arises;
- Verify that rescue services are available and that the means for summoning them are operable;
- Take appropriate measures to remove unauthorized entrants; and
- Ensure that entry operations remain consistent with the entry permit and that acceptable entry conditions are maintained.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
11-8. Which confined space entry team member has a primary duty to prevent unauthorized entry?
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