Duties_and_Responsibilities.pdf

Duties and Responsibilities

Duties of the Authorized Entrant The duties of the authorized entrant are specified in paragraph (h). 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).

Duties of the Attendant Paragraph (i) specifies the duties of the attendant. At least one attendant must be present outside the PRCS during the entry. The attendant role is frequently seen as a low-grade responsibility anyone can perform. In reality, the attendant has more duties listed than either the authorized entrant or the entry supervisor. The attendant must:

(1) Know the hazards.

(2) Know the behavioral effects of the hazards.

(3) Be able to identify the authorized entrants.

(4) Remain outside until relieved.

(5) Communicate with entrants.

(6) Monitor and evacuate entrants if necessary.

(7) Summon rescue.

(8) Warn away unauthorized persons.

(9) Be able to perform non-entry rescues.

In addition, the attendant may not undertake any additional duty that might interfere with these primary safety-related duties.

Duties of the Entry Supervisor The duties of the entry supervisor are specified in paragraph (j). The entry supervisor is responsible for determining whether acceptable entry conditions exist, authorizing the entry, overseeing entry operations, terminating the entry, and canceling the entry permit. The entry supervisor represents the employer and is accountable for entry operation safety. If the entry supervisor is properly trained and equipped, he or she may also serve as an authorized entrant or attendant. The entry supervisor must:

(1) Know the hazards.

(2) Verify safe entry conditions.

(3) Terminate entry and cancel permit.

(4) Verify availability and effectiveness of rescue services.

(5) Remove unauthorized persons.

(6) Ensure acceptable entry conditions are maintained.