The international standards for safe anaesthesia may all be satisfied with relatively limited resources. General standards deal with clinical and administrative autonomy, peer review, training, clinical practice and the role and working conditions of the anaesthetist. Additional recommendations deal with suggestions for the progressive acquisition of equipment and monitors as resources allow. These include: a light source, thermometer, sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, with an oxygen analyser if nitrous oxide is to be used, and a disconnect alarm if a ventilator is to be used (basic requirements); a low pressure oxygen supply failure alarm, devices mitigating against the supply of hypoxic gas mixtures, oximeter, capnograph, electrocardiograph and defibrillator (highly recommended); a spirometer, neuromuscular junction monitor and electronic thermometer (recommended); and finally devices such as volatile agent monitors and invasive blood pressure monitors for areas with ample resources.