1910.146(k)(1): Evaluating and Selecting Permit Space Rescue

(1) An employer who designates rescue and emergency services, pursuant to paragraph (d)(9) of this section, shall: 123 citations

(i) Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified; Open (k)(1)(i) 29 citations

What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. For example, § 1910.134, Respiratory Protection, requires that employers provide a standby person or persons capable of immediate action to rescue employee(s) wearing respiratory protection while in work areas defined as IDLH atmospheres.

(ii) Evaluate a prospective rescue service's ability, in terms of proficiency with rescue-related tasks and equipment, to function appropriately while rescuing entrants from the particular permit space or types of permit spaces identified; Open (k)(1)(ii) 27 citations

(iii) Select a rescue team or service from those evaluated that: 7 citations

(A) Has the capability to reach the victim(s) within a time frame that is appropriate for the permit space hazard(s) identified; 5 citations

(B) Is equipped for and proficient in performing the needed rescue services;

(iv) Inform each rescue team or service of the hazards they may confront when called on to perform rescue at the site; and Open (k)(1)(iv) 4 citations

(v) Provide the rescue team or service selected with access to all permit spaces from which rescue may be necessary so that the rescue service can develop appropriate rescue plans and practice rescue operations. Open (k)(1)(v) 10 citations

Non-mandatory appendix F contains examples of criteria which employers can use in evaluating prospective rescuers as required by paragraph (k)(1) of this section.