How many attendants must be stationed outside the permit space during entry operations?

During entry operations into a permit-required confined space, there must be at least one attendant stationed outside the space. The role of the attendant is critical for ensuring the safety of those who have entered the space. This individual must be aware of the activities occurring within the space and be prepared to initiate rescue procedures if necessary.

The presence of at least one attendant is crucial because they are responsible for monitoring the conditions inside the permit space, maintaining communication with the entrants, and providing assistance in the event of an emergency. This requirement emphasizes the importance of safety measures in confined space operations. Options that suggest fewer than one attendant would compromise safety protocols, while suggesting more than one is not a minimum requirement established by OSHA regulations in this specific context. Therefore, having one attendant ensures compliance with safety standards designed to protect workers.