Confined Space Attendant Responsibilities

During a confined space entry, the attendant serves as the direct link to the entrant. The life of the entrant may depend on the performance of the attendant, especially in a crisis. Let us now look at appropriate procedures for an attendant.

An attendant has the following responsibilities:

• Know the configuration of the confined space; ask your supervisor to review schematics or diagrams with you.
• Know the hazards that may be faced in a confined space including the mode, signs, symptoms, and consequences of exposure to hazards.
• Install barriers to prevent unauthorized entry, accidental entry or falls, access when the confined space is not being used, and to designate a security area.
• Read the PRCS Written Program and the Entry Program.
• Aid the entrant in monitoring the oxygen, combustibles, and toxin levels within the confined space in that order.

An attendant has the following responsibilities during the actual entry stage of the process:

• Continuously maintain an accurate count of all authorized entrants in the permit space.
• Remain outside the permit space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant.
• Do not perform any other duties that will interfere with the primary duty to monitor and protect authorized entrants.
• Monitor activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space, and alert them immediately if they need to evacuate. You must order the evacuation of entrants immediately under the following circumstances:
  • Detection of a prohibited condition.
  • Authorized entrants are displaying signs of hazard exposure.
  • You cannot effectively and safely perform your duties.
• Summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as you realize that the authorized entrants may need assistance.
  • Attendants may enter a confined space to attempt rescue if they have been properly trained for rescue operations and have been relieved by the supervisor.
• Continuously monitor the oxygen, combustibles, and toxin levels within the confined space in that order.
  • If hazards are detected, notify supervisor, suspend operations, and call for emergency response.
• Maintain constant communication with the entrant or entrants.
• Perform non-entry rescue as specified by the employer's rescue procedures.
• If an unauthorized person approaches or enters a permit space while entry is underway perform the following actions:
  • Warn the unauthorized person that they must stay away.
  • Order the unauthorized person to exit immediately if they have entered the permit space.
  • Notify your supervisor and entry team of the trespass.

At the completion of a PRCS entry, your supervisor is in charge of canceling the permit. The permit will be cancelled, and a new permit should be initiated. The permit should be evaluated and once corrective actions are taken, should be maintained for one year. Other post-entry responsibilities for attendants include the following:

• Replace, calibrate, and recharge equipment.
• Replace supplies.
• Store all equipment and supplies properly.
• Remove the temporary barriers and signs.
• Prepare the after action report using the same procedures listed under entrant responsibilities.
• File the permit.

To learn more visit our Confined Space Online Training web page.