When it is mandatory
- For all confined space work.
- For all hot work carried out in hazardous areas.
- Questions requiring an attendant to be named also appeared in the confined space, work at height and hot work blocks of the form.
The role
| Does | Does not |
|---|---|
| Watches the person inside continuously | Take part in the work |
| Maintains communication | Leave the post to fetch materials |
| Counts people in and out | Take on a second task |
| Raises the alarm and calls for help | Enter to rescue alone |
The most dangerous reflex
The known pattern in confined space accidents is that the would-be rescuer becomes a casualty too. The attendant not entering is a hard rule: their job is not to rescue but to start the rescue. That in turn requires a rescue plan written in advance and equipment standing ready.
Continuity through the shift
Attendants tire, take breaks and get called away. If continuity cannot be maintained, work stops; an attendant post left empty "for five minutes" invalidates the permit.
Competence
The attendant role is not a task handed to whoever happens to be free: the person has to know how to raise the alarm, what the rescue arrangements are and how to communicate. Writing the attendant's name on the permit only means something when that name is tied to a competence record.