What describes the employer's written procedure for confined space entry and return procedure?

The employer's written procedure for confined space entry and return is best described by a permit system. A permit system serves as a formal process that outlines the necessary precautions, safety measures, and protocols that must be followed before, during, and after entry into a confined space. It typically involves the issuance of a permit that details specific tasks to be performed, the hazards present, the required safety equipment to be used, and the personnel involved in the operation.

This system ensures that all potential risks are assessed and mitigated, and helps to establish a framework for safe entry and monitoring during operations within confined spaces. By documenting these procedures, employers can create a standardized approach to confined space entry that enhances the safety of all personnel involved.

Other options like access control, safety protocol, and entry supervision play important roles in confined space safety but do not specifically define the formalized procedure in written form that is characteristic of a permit system. Access control often refers to managing who can enter the space, safety protocol encompasses the broader range of policies and guidelines, and entry supervision relates to the oversight during the operation itself. The specific structured nature of a permit system distinctly reinforces safety by ensuring that all necessary procedures are clearly established and agreed upon before entry.