Confined Space Entry Supervisor Duties

Overview

Confined Space Entry Supervisor Duties should be managed through a planned system of work: identify the task-specific hazards, eliminate exposure where practical, use engineered or collective controls before relying on PPE, verify critical safeguards before starting, and stop the task when controls are missing or conditions change. This guide applies those principles specifically to entry authorization, hazard verification and permit closure responsibilities.

Main Hazards

• • Authorizing entry with incomplete isolation or invalid testing
• • Permit remaining active after conditions or personnel change
• • Oxygen deficiency or enrichment
• • Toxic or flammable atmosphere
• • Engulfment, entrapment or difficult rescue

Essential Controls

1. 1Verify required tests, isolations, equipment and rescue arrangements before authorizing entry.
2. 2Cancel or suspend entry when prohibited conditions occur and close the permit when work ends.
3. 3Identify permit-space hazards and isolate connected energy, process and material sources.
4. 4Test the atmosphere with suitable calibrated instruments before and during entry as required.
5. 5Provide ventilation, communication, attendant coverage and controlled entry authorization.
6. 6Prepare non-entry or entry rescue arrangements appropriate to the space and hazards.

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