If one or more entrants suffers an injury or illness and is unable to exit the confined space without help, who must initiate a rescue?

In the context of confined space entry, the attendant plays a crucial role in monitoring the safety of the entrants and is trained to respond in case of emergencies. If one or more entrants suffers an injury or illness and cannot exit without assistance, it is the responsibility of the attendant to initiate a rescue. The attendant is typically on-site, aware of the conditions inside the confined space, and prepared to monitor the situation while also signaling for help and informing emergency services if necessary.

The employer has a broader responsibility for ensuring safety protocols and providing necessary training and equipment but is not necessarily the one to directly initiate an immediate rescue in the moment. Emergency services are equipped for rescue operations but would not be the ones to enter the confined space without first being alerted and directed by the attendant monitoring the situation. First responders, similar to emergency services, respond to calls but need to be informed of the situation by the attendant or another designated person on-site. The attendant is thus the key individual who acts first during such emergencies in confined spaces.