What is the primary responsibility of the Re-Entry Control Supervisor (RCS) at the scene of a hazardous entry operation?

• A. Oversee and authorize all re-entry activities.
• B. Direct medical triage for entrants.
• C. Manage public communications.
• D. Track PPE inventory.

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that the Re-Entry Control Supervisor is the safety decision-maker for continuing work in a hazardous environment. The primary duty is to oversee and authorize any re-entry activities, ensuring that all conditions, risks, and controls are re-evaluated before entrants return. This means confirming that atmospheric monitoring is current, ventilation and isolation are in place, rescue resources are ready, and the re-entry plan (including the permit and coordination with the Entry Supervisor and Attendant) is valid and followed. In short, the RCS holds the authority and responsibility to green-light re-entry and to ensure it proceeds safely.

Medical triage, public communications, and PPE inventory are typically handled by other specialists or support roles, not by the person responsible for authorizing and coordinating re-entry actions.