Lives Depend on Confined Space Attendants’ Decisions

An attendant must be on duty at all times while entrants are inside a confined space. Attendants can never leave their posts—even for a moment—without being relieved by another attendant.

Keeping Out Unauthorized Personnel

While on duty, attendants must make sure that no unauthorized personnel approach the area or enter the space.

If unauthorized people approach, the attendant has to immediately warn them to stay away from the entry area and entry operations. If necessary, the attendant can contact the entry supervisor and facility security for help dealing with unauthorized people who ignore warnings.

If an unauthorized person in any way endangers the operation, the attendant should call for an immediate evacuation of entrants.

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Evacuating Entrants

The attendant must call for an evacuation of all entrants if:

• A prohibited condition is detected (such as when monitoring indicates an unsafe oxygen level or a concentration of flammable gas)


• An entrant shows effects of hazard exposure


• A situation outside the space could endanger entrants (such as a fire or chemical release)


• Communication between attendant and entrants is lost


• The attendant must leave his/her post because of an emergency and no relief attendant is available

Nonentry Rescue

Next to self-rescue by entrants in an emergency, nonentry rescue is the preferred method. Entry rescue should be a last resort.

Attendants must be trained to retrieve an unconscious or disabled worker while remaining outside the space, using a mechanical device and the retrieval line attached to the entrant’s body harness.

Attendants should only try nonentry rescue if they can confirm visually or verbally that the worker can be moved safely. Otherwise, the entrant must immediately summon the rescue team to perform an entry rescue.

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