Confined Space Entry Supervisor Responsibilities
The Confined Space Entry Supervisor holds a key position with important responsibilities.
The confined space supervisor is in charge of all entry/exit and work in the confined space.
This position oversees confined space work and should:
- Ensure requirements for entry have been completed before entry is authorized.
- Authorize entry and oversee entry operations.
- Ensure confined space monitoring is performed by personnel qualified and trained in confined space entry procedures.
- Ensure a list of monitoring equipment and personnel qualified to operate the equipment is maintained by the employer.
- Ensure the rescue team has simulated a rescue in a confined space within the past twelve months.
- Know the hazards that may be faced during entry, including the mode, signs or symptoms, and consequences of exposure.
- Fill out a permit when it is required.
- Determine the entry requirements and that conditions are acceptable for entry.
- Notify all involved employees of the permit requirements.
Notify all involved employees of the permit requirements.
- Post the permit in a conspicuous location near the job.
- Renew the permit or have it re-issued as needed (a new permit is required every shift).
- Determine the number of attendants required to perform the work.
- 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, if 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 per permit requirements.
Ensure periodic atmospheric monitoring is done per permit requirements.
- Ensure 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 that permit requirements are being observed (more frequent checks should be made if operations or conditions are anticipated that could affect permit requirements).
- Ensure 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.
11-2. When should an entry supervisor check the work to verify and document permit requirements are being observed?
You forgot to answer the question!