Entrant Responsibilities
Authorized entrants are workers who have been approved and trained to enter a permit-required confined space. They play an important role in protecting themselves and others by following safe work practices and staying alert to changing conditions. Before entering and while working in a confined space, entrants should:
Read and Follow the Entry Permit: Review the entry permit before entering the space. Make sure you understand:
- The work to be performed
- The hazards that are present or could develop
- The required control measures, such as ventilation or lockout/tagout
- The required personal protective equipment (PPE)
- The communication procedures
- The evacuation and rescue procedures
Recognize and Understand Hazards: Know the hazards associated with the confined space before entering. These may include:
- Oxygen deficiency or oxygen enrichment
- Toxic gases or vapors
- Flammable or explosive atmospheres
- Engulfment hazards
- Mechanical or electrical hazards
- Heat stress or cold stress
- Slippery surfaces or falling objects
Use Required Protective Equipment: Inspect and properly use all equipment required by the permit, including:
- Hard hats
- Safety glasses or face shields
- Gloves
- Protective clothing
- Respiratory protection
- Fall protection equipment
- Retrieval harnesses and lifelines
- Portable gas monitors
- Communication devices
Maintain Communication: Stay in contact with the attendant using the communication method specified on the permit. This may include:
- Voice communication
- Two-way radios
- Hand signals
- Rope signals
- Visual contact, when possible
Promptly report. Don't wait to report hazards. It may be too late if you hesitate.
- Unsafe conditions
- Defective PPE
- Equipment problems
- Changes in atmospheric conditions
- Symptoms of illness or injury
Stay Alert to Changing Conditions: Conditions inside a confined space can change quickly. Continuously watch for signs of danger, such as:
- Gas monitor alarms
- Smoke, fumes, or unusual odors
- Rising water or leaking liquids
- Excessive heat
- Unexpected equipment movement
- Changes in ventilation
Never ignore warning signs or assume someone else has already noticed the problem. Watch for physical or behavioral changes that may indicate exposure to hazardous conditions. Early symptoms may include:
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Slurred speech
- Poor coordination
- Unusual anxiety or irritability
When Entrants Must Leave the Confined Space: Authorized entrants must immediately exit the confined space when:
- The attendant instructs them to leave
- An evacuation order is given
- An atmospheric monitor or other alarm sounds
- They recognize a prohibited condition or another hazardous situation
- They believe they are in danger
- They experience symptoms of exposure, such as dizziness, blurred vision, difficulty breathing, confusion, or loss of coordination
- They observe physiological stresses or changes in themselves or co-workers
- Communication with the attendant is lost
- Ventilation or other required safety equipment fails
1910.146(h)
Duties of authorized entrants. The employer must make sure all authorized entrants:
- 1910.146(h)(1) Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of the exposure;
- 1910.146(h)(2) Properly use equipment as required by paragraph (d)(4) of this section;
- 1910.146(h)(3) Communicate with the attendant as needed so the attendant can monitor entrant status and alert them to evacuate as required by paragraph (i)(6);
- 1910.146(h)(4) Alert the attendant whenever:
- 1910.146(h)(4)(i) The entrant sees any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or
- 1910.146(h)(4)(ii) The entrant detects a prohibited condition;
- 1910.146(h)(5) Exit from the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
- 1910.146(h)(5)(i) An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or entry supervisor,
- 1910.146(h)(5)(ii) The entrant sees any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation,
- 1910.146(h)(5)(iii) The entrant detects a prohibited condition, or
- 1910.146(h)(5)(iv) An evacuation alarm goes off.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
7-3. What must confined space entrants do if they notice physiological stresses or changes in themselves or co-workers?
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