The confined space standby person: role and rescue readiness
Work health and safety laws across Australia require a standby person to be in place for the whole time a worker is inside a confined space. The standby person is the entrant's lifeline. This guide sets out what we expect of ours. Your permit and rescue plan come first wherever they set different steps.
Before entry
- Read and sign onto the confined space entry permit
- Check the gas test results and keep monitoring running
- Confirm isolations, ventilation and the communication method
- Set up and check the rescue equipment named in the rescue plan
- Know who to call and how long the rescue team will take
During entry
The standby person stays at the entry point, keeps a log of who is inside, stays in constant contact with the entrant and watches for changes in the atmosphere or conditions. They do not leave, and they do not take on other tasks.
If something goes wrong they raise the alarm and start the rescue plan from outside the space. They never enter to attempt a rescue unless they are trained, equipped and part of the plan.