Who is responsible for controlling entry to a confined space and maintaining an accurate count of people inside?

The attendant plays a vital role in confined space operations by controlling entry to the space and maintaining an accurate count of individuals inside. This responsibility is essential for ensuring the safety of the workers. The attendant monitors the conditions inside and outside the confined space, communicates with entrants, and must be aware of the hazards that may affect the safety of those inside. This position is crucial for initiating rescue operations if necessary and ensuring that no unauthorized individuals enter the space, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

While the authorized entrant is responsible for safely performing the work within the confined space and the entry supervisor oversees the overall operation, it is specifically the attendant who monitors entry and provides ongoing support during the entry process. The employer has the ultimate responsibility for safety compliance and ensuring that procedures are in place, but it is the attendant who actively manages access and counts those within the confined space.