What piece of safety equipment must an operator wear when entering a confined space?

When entering a confined space, it is critical for operators to wear a harness as part of their safety equipment. Confined spaces can pose significant hazards, including limited access for rescue, potential for toxic environments, and the risk of engulfment. The harness is essential because it allows for safe retrieval in case of an emergency, enabling rescuers to quickly extract the operator from the confined area. Proper use of a harness ensures that the operator is safely secured at all times while working in potentially dangerous conditions.

In contrast, while safety shoes, hard hats, and face shields are important pieces of personal protective equipment in various work environments, they do not provide the same level of safety specifically related to the risks associated with confined spaces. Safety shoes protect against foot injuries, hard hats shield the head from falling objects, and face shields protect the face from hazardous materials or flying debris. However, they do not address the critical need for fall protection and rescue capability that a harness provides when in a confined space.