• Provide information on known permit spaces and hazards/potential hazards and precautions used to protect employees in the space to the controlling contractor - 1926.1203(h)(1)

*If there is no controlling
contractor the host employer
or another employer will
perform these duties (1926.1203(i))

• Obtain information from the host employer and provide information collected to all affected entities on the site - 1926.1203(h)(2)
• Coordinate with the entry employer when more than one permit entry occurs at once or other activities occur which could result in a hazard in the space - 1926.1203(h)(4)
• Debrief each entity that entered a permit space - 1926.1203(h)(5)
• Apprise the host employer of any information received from debriefings - 1926.1203(h)(5)

• Identify all confined spaces and those which require a permit
• Evaluate each space (testing if necessary)
• Post signs or otherwise inform employees of the dangers
• Inform the controlling contractor and the employees’ authorized representative - 1926.1203(a) and 1926.1203(b)
• Reevaluate a non-permit space if there are any changes that might increase the hazards 
• Reclassify a permit space as a non-permit space, only if: 
  • There are no hazards present
  • The hazards have been eliminated or isolated (forced air ventilation is not elimination or isolation)
  • Certification exists in writing of the elimination/isolation of all hazards
  • Reclassify a non-permit space if any hazards arise and evacuate all employees from the space - 1926.1203(f) and 1926.1203(g)

• Must be familiar with and understand the hazards (including mode, signs and symptoms, consequences)
• Properly use required equipment
• Communicate with the attendant about entrant status
• Alert attendant of the need to evacuate the space
• Exit the space as quickly as possible when so ordered or if a dangerous situation is detected -  1926.1208

*It is best to have one
attendant per PRCS, but one attendant may cover more than one permit space
if they are close by and can fulfill their duties in multiple PRCSs.

*Attendants must never enter the PRCS.  

• Must be familiar with and understand the hazards
• Be aware of the possible behavioral effects of exposure
• Continuously maintain an accurate count of authorized entrants and ensure the means to accurately identify who is in the permit space
• Remain outside the space until relieved by another attendant
• Communicate with entrants about their status and alert them to evacuate
• Assess activities inside and outside the space to determine if there is a need to evacuate
• Summon rescue and emergency services
• Prevent unauthorized persons from entering the space
• Perform non-entry rescues
• Perform no duties that interfere with their primary attendant duties - 1926.1209
• At least one attendant must be outside the permit space during the duration of operations
• Attendants may be assigned to more than one permit space only if they can effectively perform their duties at each space
• They can be at any location outside the space as long as they can effectively perform their duties
• If they are attending more than one space, the means to do so and procedures for responding to emergencies must be included in the permit - 1926.1204(f) and 1926.1204(g)

“Qualified person assigned by
employers to determine if acceptable
entry conditions are present in a
permit space, to authorize entry, oversee
operations and terminate them as required.”

• Be familiar with and understand the entry hazards
• Verify entry permits, including tests and procedures before endorsing each permit
• Cancel or suspend entry when required
• Verify rescue services are available and means of communication is operable
• Notify employer immediately if rescue service is unavailable
• Remove any unauthorized individuals and prevent their entry into the space
• Determine if acceptable conditions are maintained as conditions change and whenever responsibility is transferred - 1926.1210
• Sign the entry permit to authorize entry - 1926.1205(b)
• Make the permit available by posting at the portal (or other equally effective means) - 1926.1205(c)
• Terminate entry and
  • Cancel the permit when the operation is completed
  • Suspend/cancel the permit and fully reassess the space before allowing re-entry when a temporary condition that is not allowed arises in or near the space
  • Cancel the permit if a non-allowed condition arises - 1926.1205(e)

*Directs employees to enter
a permit space

• Must document acceptable entry conditions by preparing an entry permit
• Permits must not exceed the time to complete the task/job on the permit
• Retain the canceled entry permit for at least one year to help in program review
• Any problems encountered must be noted on the permit - 1926.1205
• Designate a competent person to identify and assess confined spaces - 1926.1203(a)
• Post signs or communicate with employees about each permit space - 1926.1203(b)(1)
• Inform the controlling contractor and employees’ authorized representative about each permit space - 1926.1203(b)(2)
• Prevent non-authorized employees from entering the permit spaces - 1926.1203(c)
• Implement a written permit space program and make it available for inspection - 1926.1203(d)
• Before entry, obtain all information from the controlling contractor - 1926.1203(h)(3)
• Inform the controlling contractor of the permit space program and expected hazards - 1926.1203(h)(3)
• Coordinate with the controlling contractor when there is more than one entity performing entry at the same time or when nearby activities may affect the space - 1926.1203(h)(4)
• Must consult with affected employees and their authorized representatives on the development and implementation of all aspects of the permit space program - 1926.1212(a)
• Must make available all information developed under this standard to affected employer and their authorized representatives - 1926.1212(b)
• Designate each person that has an active role in the PRCS program and their duties; provide them with training - 1926.1204(h)
• Develop and implement procedures for summoning rescue services, rescuing entrants, performing emergency services and preventing unauthorized personnel from attempting a rescue - 1926.1204(i)
• Develop and implement a system to prepare, issue, use and cancel entry permits - 1926.1204(j)
• Develop and implement procedures to coordinate entry operations when more than one employer’s employees are affected - 1926.1204(k)
• Develop and implement procedures to conclude entry after operations have been completed - 1926.1204(l)
• Review entry operations when measures may not protect employees and revise the program before any subsequent entries - 1926.1204(m)
• Review the canceled permits within one year and revise the program as necessary - 1926.1204(n)