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

When entering a confined space, wearing a harness is essential for safety. This type of equipment is designed to secure a worker in place, allowing for safe retrieval in case of an emergency. Confined spaces can present numerous hazards, such as limited entry and exit points, the potential for hazardous atmospheres, and the risk of falls or entrapment. A harness helps ensure that a worker can be safely pulled out of the confined space if they encounter any difficulties or if there is a loss of consciousness due to unsafe conditions.

In many regulations and safety protocols, using a harness is a critical component of confined space entry procedures, often accompanied by other equipment such as a lifeline and a designated retrieval system. This ensures that safety measures are in place to protect the operator during potentially dangerous situations.