The Definition of Attendant (Confined Space)

Definition of Attendant (Confined Space)

A confined space attendant is the person stationed outside one or more permit-required confined spaces who monitors the authorized entrants and performs the attendant duties set out in the employer's permit space program. Under OSHA's permit-required confined spaces standards, 29 CFR 1910.146(i) for general industry and 1926.1209 for construction, the attendant keeps an accurate count of entrants, stays in communication with them, watches for hazards inside and outside the space, orders evacuation when conditions require it, summons rescue and keeps unauthorized people out.

Key Facts About Confined Space Attendants

• The attendant must remain outside the permit space during entry until relieved by another trained attendant.
• The attendant may perform non-entry rescue, such as using a retrieval winch, but does not enter to attempt rescue unless trained and equipped as a rescuer and replaced by another attendant.
• An attendant may monitor more than one space only if the permit program allows it and the attendant can perform every duty for each space.
• Attendants must know the space's hazards, including signs, symptoms and behavioral effects of exposure.
• Attendants may not perform any other duties that would interfere with monitoring and protecting entrants.

Example of a Confined Space Attendant

Two maintenance workers enter a wastewater wet well under a signed entry permit. The attendant stays at the hatch with a radio and a continuous gas monitor reading, logs both entrants in, and keeps a tripod retrieval system rigged. When the oxygen alarm sounds, the attendant orders both entrants out immediately and calls the rescue team while the space is re-ventilated.

Duties of a Confined Space Attendant

• Know the hazards of the space and the signs of exposure
• Maintain an accurate count and identification of entrants
• Stay outside the space and in continuous communication with entrants
• Monitor conditions inside and outside the space
• Order evacuation when a prohibited condition, exposure symptom or outside hazard arises
• Summon rescue and emergency services, and perform non-entry rescue if trained
• Warn unauthorized people away and inform the entry supervisor if they enter

Related Terms

• Confined Space
• Gas Detection
• Asphyxiant
• Permit to Work
• Buddy System

Frequently Asked Questions: Confined Space Attendant

Can the attendant go into the space to rescue an entrant?

Not while serving as the attendant. Many confined space fatalities involve would-be rescuers. The attendant should call for rescue and use non-entry retrieval equipment. Entry rescue is performed by a trained rescue team.

Is the attendant the same as the entry supervisor?

No. The entry supervisor authorizes entry, verifies the permit conditions and signs the permit. One trained person may serve as both entry supervisor and attendant, but the roles and duties are distinct.

What training does an attendant need?

Attendants must be trained in the hazards of the spaces they monitor, communication methods, evacuation criteria, how to summon rescue and how to use any non-entry rescue equipment, and the employer must certify that training was completed.