During a confined space operation, what should responders be attached to?

In confined space operations, responders should be attached to a lifeline because it provides a reliable method for extracting personnel in the event of an emergency. A lifeline allows for continuous connection to a safety system, enabling quick retrieval without additional delay. It is usually secured outside the confined space, ensuring that rescue teams can pull the responder back to safety without needing to enter the hazardous environment themselves, which is crucial for maintaining safety during these inherently risky operations.

While a harness is important for securing a responder, it is the lifeline that directly facilitates the safety mechanism for extraction. A safety rope, similar to a lifeline, may not always have the same specific utilization in terms of rescue protocols, and a rescue throwbag is typically used in water rescues rather than confined space situations, making it less applicable in this context. Thus, a lifeline is the most appropriate choice for ensuring the safety of responders in confined spaces.