1926.1211(a)(1): Evaluate Rescuer Response Time
The employer must evaluate the prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazards identified. What is timely depends on the specific hazards of each entry.
Key takeaways
- 1926.1211(a)(1) is part of OSHA's construction standards (29 CFR Part 1926, Subpart AA).
- OSHA cited it 1 times in the last 3 years, in 1 inspections, with $0 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1926.1211(a) (4 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1926.1211(a)(1) is one requirement inside 1926.1211 Rescue and emergency services, an OSHA construction standard (Part 1926, Subpart AA). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(1) Evaluate a prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner, considering the hazard(s) identified; 1 citations
What will be considered timely will vary according to the specific hazards involved in each entry. For example, § 1926.103 (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.
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1926.1211.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1926.1211(a)(1).
At 5:00 p.m. on July 13, 2024, Employee #1 entered a manhole to tape piping in preparation for pouring concrete inverts. Shortly after entry, a coworker, stationed topside, observed that Employee #1 appeared pale and was sweating profusely. When asked, Employee #1 indicated difficulty breathing.…
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1926.1211(a)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1926.1211(a)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1926.1211(a) 4 citations
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Frequently asked questions
What must be evaluated?
A prospective rescuer's ability to respond to a rescue summons in a timely manner.
What counts as timely?
It varies according to the specific hazards involved in each entry.
What example does the rule give?
1926.103 requires a standby person capable of immediate action for employees wearing respiratory protection in IDLH atmospheres.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1926.1211 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.