Confined Space E&A – Authorized Entrant

By Standard Number 1926.1208 – Duties of authorized entrants. The duties of the authorized entrant are specified in paragraph (h) of the standard. Authorized entrants are employees who are authorized by the employer to enter a permit space.

Authorized entrants must:

(1) Know the hazards associated with confined space entry, and in particular, the hazards associated with the PRCS being entered.

(2) Know how to use all required equipment.

(3) Know the procedures for communication with the attendant.

(4) Know how to alert the attendant of hazardous or prohibited conditions.

(5) Know how to exit the space if necessary (that is, self rescue).

The entry employer must ensure that all authorized entrants:

• Are familiar with and understand the hazards that may be faced during entry, including information on the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;
• Properly use equipment as required by §1926.1204(d);
• Communicate with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to assess entrant status and to enable the attendant to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space as required by §1926.1209(f);

Alert the attendant whenever:

• There is any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation; or
• The entrant detects a prohibited condition; and

Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:

• An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor;
• There is any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation;
• The entrant detects a prohibited condition; or
• An evacuation alarm is activated.