SafetyQuestion 332 of 360
During a permit-required confined space entry into a sewer, Cal/OSHA requires an attendant. What is the attendant's primary role?
a.Enter the space alongside the worker to help with tools
b.Leave the site to get parts while the entrant works
c.Remain outside, monitor the entrant, and be ready to summon rescue without entering
d.Perform the atmospheric testing only, then go home
Explanation
Under Title 8 §5157, the attendant stays outside the space, continuously monitors conditions and the authorized entrant, maintains communication, and orders evacuation if a hazard arises. The attendant must summon rescue services but must not enter to attempt rescue, because untrained would-be rescuers are frequently the ones who die. This constant outside watch is a core confined-space safeguard.
Law Reference: Cal/OSHA Title 8 §5157Practice all 360 questions free — no signup required.
Related questions on this topic
- Before entering a sewer vault, a plumber lowers a multi-gas meter to test the atmosphere. In what order must the atmosphere be tested?
- A plumber's gas meter reads the oxygen level inside a sewer vault. What is the acceptable oxygen range for safe entry under Cal/OSHA?
- Testing a sewer manhole, the meter shows the flammable gas reading as a percentage of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL). Below what LEL reading does Cal/OSHA generally consider the flammable atmosphere acceptable for entry?
- A plumber notices a rotten-egg smell while opening a sewer cleanout, then the smell fades. What toxic gas is this most likely, and why is the fading smell dangerous?
- The atmosphere in a sewer vault tests as oxygen-deficient. Before any worker enters, what is the required corrective action?
- A worker will descend into a deep sewer manhole. What retrieval equipment does Cal/OSHA generally require to aid non-entry rescue?
Last reviewed: · editorial process
PrepPass Editorial Team · Verified against California CSLB C-36 Plumbing Trade Examination · How we review