This section provides an overview of the roles and responsibilities of each member on the confined space team within the organization.  

Overview

To enter confined spaces, an entry team shall be established and assembled to ensure that all the activities performed in the spaces shall be monitored and observed. The team will have four main categories:

Confined Space Supervisor

The entry supervisor makes sure conditions are safe:

• Before entering the confined space, the supervisor verifies that the permit is filled out completely and all safety steps listed on it are taken. The supervisor then signs the form.
• During entry into the confined space, the entry supervisor checks conditions to make sure they stay safe throughout the work.
• If conditions become unsafe, the permit is cancelled and everyone is ordered out of the space.
• The entry supervisor sees that any unauthorized people are removed.

When the work is finished, the entry supervisor cancels the permit and concludes the operation.

Attendant

The attendant stays at his or her post to observe conditions and support the entrant.

• As an attendant, you must know the hazards of the permit space and the signs of exposure.
• Keep a current count and be able to identify all entrants.
• Stay in continuous contact with the entrants. 
• Be sure only authorized people enter the space or the area surrounding the space.
• Order all workers out of the space in any of the following situations:
  • You see a condition not allowed by the entry permit.
  • You notice signs of exposure in any entrant.
  • You see something outside the permit space that could cause danger inside.
• An attendant must never leave the observation post for any reason.
• If the entrants need to escape, call the rescue team at once. In case of emergency, do not enter the permit space unless you are trained in confined space rescue, have proper emergency equipment and make sure another attendant is there to replace you.

Entrant

The entrant must do his or her part to control the hazards of confined space entry.

• As an entrant, be sure you know the hazards of the space and the signs of exposure. For example, lack of oxygen can cause:
  • Loss of muscle control.
  • Mental confusion.
  • Breathing difficulty.
  •  Misguided feeling of well-being.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Death.
• Follow your personal protective equipment training carefully.
• Keep in contact with the attendant, and leave the space at once if you are ordered to evacuate.
• Always be ready to evacuate quickly and, if possible, without help.
• If you see that you are in danger, leave the space and tell the attendant. 

Rescue Team

The Rescue Team must do their part to control the hazards of confined space entry.

• As a rescuer, be sure you know the hazards of the space and the signs of exposure, same as the attendant and entrant.
• Participate in workplace-specific rescue training scenarios.
• Follow your personal protective equipment training carefully.
•  Be briefed and notified on the upcoming entry work. 
• Review and understand the specific confined space plan and the activities being conducted.
• Respond to the emergency situation as quickly as possible to give assistance in the rescue operations.