Authorised Entrant and Standby Person (AESP)

What is an Authorised Entrant and Standby Person (AESP)?

An Authorised Entrant (AE) is a designated individual who has undergone specialized training to enter confined spaces for purposes like tank cleaning, sewer and utility work, rescue operations, inspecting tanker trucks, and more. The Standby Person stations outside a confined space and monitors the Authorised Entrants.

Confined spaces pose various hazards, such as lack of oxygen and toxic gases, making this one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. That is why the AESP must have undergone training and passed the test or examination conducted by NIOSH or any other training provider recognized by DOSH.

How businesses rely on AESP to keep operations running smoothly

From cleaning and installations to inspections and maintenance, AESPs are indispensable — especially in the manufacturing, construction, utilities and petrochemical industries, which often deal with equipment maintenance, inspections, repairs and installations within confined spaces.

Some businesses train their own Authorised Entrants while others outsource them. So should you train or outsource one?

Outsourcing vs In-house AESP

When should businesses consider outsourcing an Authorised Entrant instead of training their own personnel?

Infrequent Confined Space Work

For businesses that rarely encounter confined space work, outsourcing can be more cost-effective and efficient than maintaining a dedicated in-house team.

Frequent Confined Space Work

Even if your business constantly encounters confined space work, outsourcing AESP can still contribute to overall efficiency, safety and cost-effectiveness. Here are some advantages:

Specialized expertise and experience — a pool of highly trained AESPs well-versed in the latest safety practices.
Flexibility and scalability — engage additional AESP during peak periods without hiring full-time staff.
Compliance and certification — personnel kept up-to-date with certifications and safety regulations.
Reduced administrative burden — recruitment, training and payroll handled by the provider.
Access to advanced technology — equipment for confined space entry and monitoring.
Cost savings — avoid recruitment, training, benefits and ongoing management costs.
Risk mitigation — established safety protocols and contingency plans.
Continuous coverage — no gaps during leave or personnel shortages.
Focus on core competencies — leave confined space entry to specialists.

In summary, outsourcing AESP offers businesses with regular confined space work the advantages of specialized expertise, flexibility, cost savings and risk mitigation.