Title: Roles & Responsibilities
Type: Lesson
Working in or around a confined space isn’t a solo job. OSHA requires specific, well-trained personnel to fill key roles for every permit-required confined space (PRCS) entry.
The entrant is the person who physically enters the confined space.
Responsibilities:
Understand the hazards and emergency procedures
Wear and use assigned PPE (including fall protection and gas monitors)
Stay in communication with the attendant
Exit the space immediately if an alarm sounds or instructed to do so
Know how to recognize symptoms of exposure
The attendant stays outside the space and monitors the entrant(s).
Responsibilities:
Remain at the entry point at all times
Maintain constant communication with the entrant
Keep track of who is inside the space
Alert rescue services if needed
Never enter the space — even in an emergency
Prevent unauthorized entry by others
The entry supervisor oversees the entire entry process.
Responsibilities:
Verify that all testing and procedures have been completed
Ensure permits are filled out and posted
Confirm all equipment is in place (PPE, rescue gear, monitoring)
Cancel the permit when work is complete or conditions change
Remove unauthorized personnel
May also serve as an attendant or entrant if qualified and duties do not conflict
A written permit is required for every PRCS entry. It outlines:
Location and description of the space
Hazards and atmospheric readings
Names of the entrant, attendant, and supervisor
Required PPE and equipment
Rescue plan and emergency contact info
No confined space entry should ever happen without clearly assigned and trained roles. Coordination, communication, and control are essential to every safe entry.
Click “Mark Complete” to continue to Lesson 5: Atmospheric Testing & Monitoring, where we’ll dive into the tools and procedures for checking air quality inside confined spaces.