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713 Confined Space Program
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Entry Supervisor Responsibilities

The Confined Space Entry Supervisor holds a key position with important responsibilities.

Confined Space Team
The Confined Space Entry Supervisor holds a key position with important responsibilities.

This position is in charge of 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 that 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.
  • Post the permit in a conspicuous location near the job.
  • Renew the permit or have it reissued 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.
  • Ensure the confined space entry is barricaded or guarded to prevent entry while work is not in progress.
  • 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.

7-2. How often should the entry supervisor verify and document to make sure permit requirements are being observed?