Standby person
A person stationed outside a confined space to monitor the entrant or entrants and to initiate rescue procedures if an emergency arises. Required as a key element of confined space safety.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“standby person”Close equivalentThe Confined Spaces Regulations 1997 require that where entry into a confined space is necessary, arrangements for rescue in an emergency must be made before entry begins. HSE guidance specifies that a standby person must be stationed outside the confined space, in communication with the entrant, and able to raise the alarm and initiate rescue without themselves entering the space.
Irish HSA
“standby person”Close equivalentThe General Application Regulations 2007 require that rescue and resuscitation equipment and trained rescue personnel are available for confined space work. A standby person outside the space is a standard element of the safe system of work.
US OSHA
“attendant”Close equivalent“OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(b) defines an attendant as an individual stationed outside one or more permit-required confined spaces who monitors the authorised entrants and performs attendant duties as assigned. The attendant must remain outside the space, maintain accurate count of entrants, maintain communication and initiate rescue procedures.”
Practitioner note: Must not enter to attempt rescue without relief and equipment. Unplanned rescue attempts are the leading cause of multiple fatalities in confined spaces.