The Six Roles in a Confined Space Team
Confined space incidents rarely happen because of a single mistake they happen when roles are unclear, missing, or misunderstood.
Every confined space task requires a team with defined responsibilities, from the person entering the space to those managing rescue and overall control. This episode breaks down the six essential roles that form a safe, compliant confined space operation.
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Safe confined space work depends on clear role allocation and accountability.
Each role exists to control a specific risk whether that’s monitoring atmosphere, maintaining communication, managing rescue, or overseeing the entire operation. When one role is missing or duplicated incorrectly, gaps appear in safety control.
Confined space work is not a one-person task. It is a coordinated system.
Practical Steps / Key Takeaways
The six key roles in a confined space team include:
- Entrant – Carries out the work, monitors atmosphere, and follows entry controls.
- Entry Controller (Top Person) – Manages access, PPE checks, gas records, and communication.
- First Aider – Provides immediate medical support if required.
- Rescuer – Trained and equipped to carry out confined space rescues.
- Supervisor – Oversees the operation on site and manages escalation if needed.
- Manager – Responsible for risk assessments, permits, and overall task control.
If someone on site doesn’t have a defined role that’s a warning sign.
We regularly see confined space failures caused by poor role definition rather than poor intentions.
Our training and consultancy focus on:
- Role clarity
- Permit-to-work systems
- Rescue readiness
- Real-world team coordination
Clear roles create calm, controlled responses when things don’t go to plan.
Need help defining roles or building a confined space team?
Our training and consultancy services help you plan, train, and operate safely in confined spaces.
Looking after your kit
Even the best kit needs regular inspection and servicing. we have a team of fully trained PPE inspectors who can take the worry out of the process. Our servicing team are fully certified to carry out the servicing requirements for many of the leading rescue devices currently on the market.
