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605 Confined Space Safety
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Confined Space Entry Supervisor Responsibilities

  • Perform duties as the confined space attendant if required
  • Ensure the attendant knows how to communicate with the entrants and how to obtain assistance
  • Ensure measures are in place to keep unauthorized personnel clear of the area
  • Post any required barriers and signs
  • Remain alert to changing conditions that might affect the conditions of the permits, (i.e., require additional atmospheric monitoring or changes in personal protective equipment)
  • Serve as an attendant, as long as the person is trained and equipped appropriately for that role
  • Change and reissue the permit, or issue a new permit as necessary
  • Ensure periodic atmospheric monitoring is done according to permit requirements
  • Ensure that personnel doing the work and all support personnel adhere to permit requirements
  • Ensure the permit is canceled when the work is done
  • Ensure the confined space is safely closed and all workers are cleared from the area
  • Check the work at least twice a shift to verify and document permit requirements are being observed (more frequent checks should be made if operations or conditions are anticipated that could affect permit requirements)
  • Ensure that necessary information on chemical hazards is kept at the work site for the employees or rescue team
  • Ensure a rescue team is available and instructed in their rescue duties (e.g., an on-site team or a prearranged outside rescue service)
  • Ensure at least one member of the rescue team has current certification in first aid and CPR
  • Terminate entry procedures as required

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

2-3. How often must the entry supervisor check and document work within the confined space?