5 Responsibilities
Qualified Person (Federal Jurisdiction)
“Qualified person” means, in respect of a specified duty, a person who, because of his or her knowledge, training and experience, is qualified to perform that duty safely and properly.
Competent Person (NS)
Qualified because of that person’s knowledge, training and experience to do the assigned work in a manner that will ensure the health and safety of every person in the workplace, and
knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and regulations that apply to the assigned work, and about the potential or actual danger to health or safety associated with the assigned work.
Exercise
Review and highlight where “qualified” or “competent” person appears. Be prepared to discuss the duties that must be performed by a “qualified” or “competent” person.
Note: It is recommended that an organization have a documented process to ensure that all entrants, attendants and rescuers involved in confined space work have the necessary physiological and psychological capability to safely perform their assigned duties.
External Service Providers (Contractors)
If ESPs are hired to perform work in and around confined spaces, the organization should establish a documented process to ensure that ESPs meet
legal obligations and the requirements of the organization’s confined space management program. ©CSA Z1006-10 – Management of work in confined spaces should be referred to for detailed recommendations for managing ESPs.
Attendant
- Remains alert
- Stays immediately outside access point
- Is aware of hazards & procedures
- Uses equipment properly
- Follows procedures
- Maintains communications
- Monitors conditions
- Recognizes signs/symptoms
- Activates emergency plan
- Orders evacuation as required
- Assists with/performs non-entry rescue
Entrant
- Remains alert
- Is aware of hazards & procedures
- Uses equipment properly
- Follows procedures
- Maintains communications
- Recognizes signs/symptoms
- Notifies attendant of unacceptable condition
- Exits space immediately if conditions are unacceptable or if directed to by attendant
Air Supply System Attendant
A dedicated air supply system attendant shall be assigned when entrants are working with an air line supply system. An air supply system attendant:
- Remains alert
- Ensures that all respiratory equipment is in proper working order and is properly deployed
- Manages the air lines to ensure that they do not become entangled or otherwise compromised
- Ensures that the air supply is uninterrupted
- Assists with rescue as specified in the emergency/rescue plans.
Entry Supervisor
- Prior to entry, ensures that entrants and those entering the confined space are competent and trained
- Ensures that all requirements, including proper execution of the duties of entrants and attendants, are followed
- Ensures that hazard identification/risk assessment is done
- Certifies the space safe to enter (after testing)
- Signs & issues the permit
- Ensure that acceptable conditions are maintained for the duration of the entry
- Verifies that rescue services are available prior to and throughout the entry and that the means for summoning them are operable
- Assists the emergency response team if required
- Terminates the entry and ensure removal of personnel and equipment at the appropriate time
- Can revoke the permit if conditions are not met
Exercise
Are there situations that may require more than one attendant? How is this determined?