WAC 296-809-50020   Provide an attendant outside the permit-required confined space.  

     IMPORTANT:

     • The number of attendants assigned should be tailored to the requirements of the space and the work performed.

     • You need to assess if it is appropriate or possible to have multiple permit spaces monitored by a single attendant, or have an attendant stationed at a location outside each space. Video cameras and radios are examples of tools that may assist an attendant monitoring more than one space.

     • Attendants may be stationed at any location outside the permit-required confined space if the duties described in this section can be effectively performed for each space that is monitored.

     You must:

     • Provide at least one attendant outside the permit-required confined space during entry operations.

     • Make sure each permit-required confined space attendant:

     – Understands the hazards that may be faced during entry, including the mode, signs or symptoms, and results of exposure to the hazards.

     – Is aware of the behavioral effects of exposure to the hazard.

     – Continuously maintains an accurate count of entrants in the space.

     – Maintains an accurate record of who is in the permit-required confined space.

     – Communicates with entrants as necessary to monitor their status or alert them of the need to evacuate the space.

     – Monitors activities inside and outside the space to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space.

     – Orders entrants to evacuate the space immediately if any of the following conditions occur:

     ▪ A prohibited condition.

     ▪ The behavioral effects of hazardous exposure in an entrant.

     ▪ A situation outside the space that could endanger entrants.

     ▪ The attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties required in this chapter.

     – Takes the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a space:

     ▪ Warn unauthorized persons to stay away from the space.

     ▪ Tells the unauthorized persons to exit immediately if they have entered the space.

     ▪ Informs entrants and the entry supervisor if unauthorized persons have entered the space.

     – Performs nonentry rescues as specified by your rescue procedure.

     – Has the means to respond to an emergency affecting one or more of the permit spaces being monitored without preventing performance of the attendant's duties to the other spaces being monitored.

     – Carries out no duties that might interfere with their primary duty to monitor and protect the entrants.

     – Calls for rescue and other emergency services as soon as entrants may need assistance to escape from the space.

     – Monitors entry operations until relieved by another attendant or all entrants are out of the space.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 04-03-081, § 296-809-50020, filed 1/20/04, effective 5/1/04.]