Keep Both Rescuees & Rescuers Safe During a Confined Space Rescue

Keeping both rescuers and rescuees safe during a confined space rescue can be a challenge. But it’s also your responsibility to, and with the right confined space rescue equipment, rescue procedure, and proper training, it is possible.

How Is a Confined Space Defined?

According to OSHA, a confined space is one that is large enough for a worker to enter, but has limited entry and exit points, and is not designed for continuous occupation. A few examples of common confined spaces include:

• Storage Tanks and Vessels
• Silos, Storage Bins, and Hoppers
• Vaults and Pits
• Tunnels
• Equipment Housings
• Ductwork, etc.

There are always dangers when working in confined spaces. In some cases, you'll need to deal with a Permit Required Confined Space. While the basic criteria apply to these spaces, there are also additional hazards to deal with, such as low oxygen, gas in the atmosphere, or other hazards such as the risk of falling, engulfment, or entrapment.

Three Types of Confined Space Rescue 

When you are responsible for workers in confined spaces, it's important to stay up to date on best practices. There are countless confined space safety tips, training methods, programs, books, and classes that will teach you how to perform a confined space rescue. But it’s important to remember that every confined space and each job to be performed within it has different features, and any rescue operation undertaken would have to be unique, as well. OSHA does not specify how confined space rescues must take place. Depending on the space and the situation, any of the three major types of rescue may be required:

Self-Rescue

In some cases, entrants will be able to self-rescue from a potentially dangerous confined space situation. This is the ideal form of rescue since it usually means the entrant has recognized a hazard (such as dangerously rising or falling temperature) or had a minor accident and evacuated the confined space on their own. When someone can free themselves from the space without assistance, it generally means they are not seriously injured. Self-rescue also involves fewer individuals, which minimizes risks for all employees on-site, both in and outside the confined space.

Non-Entry Rescue

If an entrant can’t self-rescue in an emergency, your rescue team needs to spring into action. This is why having all equipment and personnel needed for rescue operations on-site and ready to use is always required for any confined space work. In general, the rescue method that exposes the fewest number of workers to risk of harm is non-entry rescue, in which rescuers remain outside the confined space while bringing entrants safely out. Rescues of this type may involve directing the entrant to safety, opening the space from the outside, or by pulling the individual out with confined space rescue equipment, such as with a tripod, lanyard, and safety harness. 

Entry Rescue

If self-rescue and non-entry rescue are not options, you'll need to send someone into the confined space to perform a rescue. This is, by far, the most dangerous type of rescue reserved for cases when there is loss of consciousness or other incapacitating injury. Anyone performing entry rescues must be professionally trained in order to protect themselves and the victim. It is also essential that all anchor points, lifelines, hoists, and other equipment used in confined space be capable of safely and simultaneously supporting the weight of both an entrant and a rescuer.

Should You Call 911 for Confined Space Rescue?

Although calling 911 when you have an emergency is highly recommended, one of the best confined space safety tips you can get is to think about it first. Your confined space safety plan should already include personnel and equipment on site to perform rescue and provide first aid. Your local fire department may arrive within a few minutes, but that may not be fast enough. Worse yet, if you haven't consulted with first responders in advance, they may not arrive with the necessary confined space rescue equipment. Time is always of the essence during a rescue, whether it's due to injury or a medical emergency, and you need to act quickly. 

How to Develop Your Own Confined Space Rescue Plan

Long before the need for a rescue arises or a job even commences, you need to plan. Even if you've never had an incident with anyone working in confined spaces, you absolutely cannot cut corners or lower your guard. The safety of your employees is your number one priority.

 Follow these confined space safety tips to ensure that your rescue plan, rescue team, and confined space rescue equipment are all ready:

1. Put Together a Rescue Team - When an emergency happens inside a confined space, time is of the essence. A fully trained confined space rescue team (CSRT) that's on site and ready to respond immediately can help avoid tragedy. 

2. Evaluate Potential Hazards - This is less of a tip and more of an absolute imperative—to be completed before anyone ever enters the space. Take note of every potential hazard within the space and evaluate whether the risks are manageable. Once you're fully aware of the potential dangers, you can plan for a rescue.

3. Get Familiar with the Space - Despite the fact that someone may have enough room to work inside a confined space, there may not be room for rescuers and equipment. Knowing the capacity of the space will help determine the type of rescue you can feasibly deploy.

4. Examine Entry/Exit Points - Although the entrant may have gotten into the space through the entrance, a rescuer with equipment may not be able to. Understanding the space thoroughly will help your rescue team determine what technique and equipment are most suitable for a rescue.

Even if you have a team in place, and you all understand the potential hazards and challenges involved with a particular space, you're not fully prepared yet. You also need the right confined space rescue equipment and safety equipment in place to facilitate a rescue if needed.

Essential Confined Space Rescue Equipment 

It's always better to avoid a hazard whenever possible. But, you can't always do that and someone is going to have to enter a potentially dangerous confined space at some point in time. When the time comes, you need to ensure both entrants and rescuers are provided with OSHA-compliant protection.

Harnesses, Lifelines, and Lanyards

You might be tempted to think that the entrant is the only person who may need personal safety devices like a harness, lifeline, and lanyard. The truth is these are essential pieces of equipment for fall protection for your rescue team as well.

Adequate Anchor Points

Every confined space rescue presents unique challenges, but the most common is finding secure anchor points out in the field. It's vital that you have a strong base to attach a fall arrest system, or lifeline to in order to protect rescuers and rescuees. When there is no structure that is adequate to anchor to, you need a portable anchor point. Remember, the anchor point used by a worker must be capable of supporting both that worker and a potential rescuer, as well as both of their equipment.

Safe Material Lifting

Depending on the confined space and the type of rescue operation you're undertaking, you may need equipment and tools. Lifting and moving materials isn’t the same as lifting and moving people, and sometimes you’ll need different equipment on site. A material lifting winch integrated with a secure anchor point is safe and easy to manage in a hectic rescue situation.

OSHA-Compliant Confined Space Safety Equipment

When it comes to protecting employees working in confined spaces, you don’t just need planning, personnel, equipment, and training. You need the best. The safety of your employees is too important for anything less. Contact Tractel today to consult with a confined space safety expert and rest easy knowing your people are always safe as can be on the most hazardous job sites.

You can visit our dedicated confined space page to learn more about our solutions.