Authorized Entrant Duties: What Every Confined Space Entrant Must Know and Do

An authorized entrant is an employee who is authorized by the employer to enter a permit space. Authorization comes with training and a specific set of duties. Search results are full of quiz questions like "authorized entrants must do which of the following," and the answer is in 1910.146(h).

The duties of an authorized entrant

Under 1910.146(h), the employer must make sure each authorized entrant:

1. Knows the hazards that may be faced during entry, including the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure.
2. Properly uses equipment required for entry, such as testing and monitoring equipment, ventilation, communications, PPE, lighting, barriers, ladders and rescue equipment.
3. Communicates with the attendant as necessary to enable the attendant to monitor the entrant's status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate.
4. Alerts the attendant whenever the entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation, or detects a prohibited condition.
5. Exits the permit space as quickly as possible whenever:
   • An order to evacuate is given by the attendant or the entry supervisor,
   • The entrant recognizes any warning sign or symptom of exposure to a dangerous situation,
   • The entrant detects a prohibited condition, or
   • An evacuation alarm is activated.

Signs and symptoms to watch for

Entrants must know how each hazard shows up. Examples:

Many atmospheric hazards impair judgment, which is why entrants must act on early warning signs instead of "toughing it out," and why the attendant also watches for behavioral effects.

Communication

The permit specifies how entrants and attendants stay in contact: voice, radio, rope signals or line-of-sight. Before entry, agree on:

• Check-in frequency.
• Signals for "I'm OK," "send help" and "get out."
• What happens if communication is lost. Usually, loss of contact means evacuate.

Entrant rights

• Entrants or their authorized representatives have the right to observe pre-entry and later atmospheric testing (1910.146(d)(5)(iv)).
• An entrant can ask the employer to reevaluate the space if they believe the evaluation was inadequate, and the employer must retest (1910.146(d)(5)(v)).
• The completed permit must be posted where entrants can confirm preparations are complete before they go in.

Retrieval systems

For non-entry rescue, entrants generally wear a chest or full-body harness with a retrieval line attached at the center of the back near shoulder level or above the head, connected to a mechanical device or fixed point outside the space. A mechanical device must be available for vertical spaces more than 5 feet deep (1910.146(k)(3)). More in rescue.

Key takeaways

• Know the hazards and their signs, symptoms and consequences.
• Use the equipment properly and stay in contact with the attendant.
• Alert the attendant to any warning sign, symptom or prohibited condition.
• Exit immediately when ordered, when you notice warning signs or a prohibited condition, or when an alarm sounds.
• You can observe testing and request retesting.

Last reviewed: October 25, 2026 · Free general education based on OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1926 Subpart AA. It does not replace the site-specific training, written program and hands-on evaluation your employer must provide, and it does not issue a certificate. Nothing you enter on this page is saved or sent.