Hole Watch/Fire Watch

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE HOLE WATCH ATTENDANT

The Hole Watch Attendant remains outside the permit confined space during entry operations until relieved by another attendant and communicates with authorized entrants as necessary to monitor entrant status and to alert entrants of the need to evacuate the space.    

The Hole Watch Attendant monitors the “space” to determine if it is safe for entrants to remain in the space and orders the authorized entrants to evacuate the permit space immediately under any of the following conditions;

• If the attendant detects a prohibited condition;
• If the attendant detects the behavioral effects of hazard exposure in an authorized entrant;
• If the attendant detects a situation outside the space that could endanger the authorized entrants;  
• If the attendant cannot effectively and safely perform all the duties as required.  

The Hole Watch Attendant will summon rescue and other emergency services as soon as the attendant determines that authorized entrants may need assistance to escape from permit space hazards.  

The Hole Watch Attendant will take the following actions when unauthorized persons approach or enter a permit space while entry is underway:

• Notify Client / Owner of unauthorized entry into the confined space.  

The Hole Watch Attendant may be asked to:  

• Warn the unauthorized persons that they must stay away from the permit space;
• Advise the unauthorized persons that they must exit immediately if they have entered the permit space;  
• Inform the authorized entrants and the Rescue Lead if unauthorized persons have entered the permit space;

The Hole Watch Attendant performs no duties that might interfere with the attendant's primary duty to monitor and protect the authorized entrants.

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