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Fact Sheet: Standby and On-Call Time

This chart summarizes the differences between "standby" and "on-call" time.

  Standby On-Call
Is this time considered hours of work? yes no
How restricted is the employee?

The employee is restricted by official order to a designated post of duty and is assigned to be in a state of readiness to perform work with limitations on the employee's activities so substantial that the employee cannot use the time effectively for his or her own purposes.

The employee is allowed to leave a telephone number or carry an electronic device for the purpose of being contacted, even though the employee is required to remain within a reasonable call-back radius; or

The employee is allowed to make arrangements for another employee to perform any work that may arise during the on-call period.

Regulations

Title 5:  5 CFR 550.112(k)

FLSA:  5 CFR 551.431(a)

Title 5:  5 CFR 550.112(l)

FLSA:  5 CFR 551.431(b)




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