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Guidelines Part 9
Guidelines Part 9 - Stand-by persons
G9.34-1 General requirements for a stand-by person
Issued August 1, 1999
Sections 9.34 to 9.36 of the OHS Regulation require that, whenever a worker enters a confined space, another worker or workers must be assigned as the standby person(s). The positioning and functions of the standby person differ, depending on whether the atmosphere in the confined space has been determined through the hazard assessment under section 9.9 to be low, moderate or high.
Depending on the rescue procedures, a stand-by person may also be trained and serve as a rescue person for the purpose of sections 9.37 to 9.41(3) of the OHS Regulation. In accordance with section 9.41(3), the stand-by person may not enter the space to effect rescue until at least one other worker is present and prepared to render assistance to the rescue worker.
G9.34-2 Stand-by person for a low hazard atmosphere space
Issued August 1, 1999
The requirement for low hazard atmosphere confined spaces in section 9.34 allows the stand-by worker to effectively serve as a person-check for a worker working alone in the space. The standby person does not have to be located at or near the entrance to the space if there is a "continuous means of summoning the standby person". However, the standby person cannot be located inside the confined space. The stand-by person must check on the well being of the worker inside the confined space every 20 minutes or more frequently if required by the entry procedures.
G9.35 Stand-by person for a moderate hazard atmosphere space
Issued August 1, 1999
A moderate hazard atmosphere confined space requires a stand-by person to be located at or near the entrance. At least every 20 minutes, the standby must visually observe or otherwise check the well being of the workers in the space. The standby can have other duties if they do not interfere with the standby person remaining at or near the entrance to the space, or interfere with the checking of workers in the space. See also OSH Guideline G9.34-1.
G9.36 Stand-by person for a high hazard atmosphere space
Issued August 1, 1999
A high hazard atmosphere confined space requires the stand-by person to be stationed at the entrance to the space and dedicated to the task of monitoring the workers in the space. The standby worker cannot have other duties. See also OHS Guideline G9.34-1.
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Disclaimer: The Worker and Employer Services Division issues Guidelines to help with the application and interpretation of sections of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and with divisions of the Workers Compensation Act that relate to health and safety. Guidelines are not intended to provide exclusive interpretations but to assist with compliance. WorkSafeBC ("Workers' Compensation Board of B.C.") does not warrant the accuracy or the completeness of the online version of the Guidelines and neither WorkSafeBC nor its board of directors, employees or agents shall be liable to any persons for any loss or damage of any nature, whether arising out of negligence or otherwise, which may be occasioned as a result of the use of the online version of the Guidelines.