confined space rescue

Confined space rescue is a subset of technical rescue operations that involves the rescue and recovery of victims trapped in a confined space or in a place only accessible through confined spaces, such as underground vaults, storage silos, storage tanks, or sewers.

Confined spaces are often narrow and constricting, preventing easy access by rescuers, making confined space rescues technically challenging;. The spaces are usually unlit or poorly lit, requiring a light source to be provided. Confined spaces may contain hazardous materials in liquid or gas form, and oxygen may be limited.

These hazards can be fatal as they create a limited window of time in which to perform a rescue. After four minutes without oxygen a person will usually suffer asphyxia causing brain damage or death. The urgent need to rescue someone from a confined space often leads to ill-prepared rescue attempts. Two-thirds of all of deaths occurring in confined spaces are attributed to persons attempting to rescue someone else.

Confined space rescue categories

There are three categories of confined space rescue: self rescue, non-entry rescue and entry rescue.

Self rescue

A person may recognize a critical condition or symptoms of exposure, and exit the space by themself. Alternatively, an entry monitor outside the space may recognize a new hazard and have people leave the space before they are affected. This is the preferred rescue method, as confined space hazards can quickly incapacitate or kill. A person can almost always exit a confined space much faster than waiting to be rescued.

Non-entry rescue

A non-entry rescue involves attempting to extricate an incapacitated person without having anyone else enter the confined space. This can be done via a safety line attached to the personnel in the confined space or by grabbing the personnel with a rope, strap or pole and pulling them to safety.

Less commonly, a non-entry rescue may be performed by passing equipment or tools to the incapacitated person, which because of the nature of the confined space, only they can effectively use.

Entry rescue

This is a last resort option as having more personnel enter an area that has already incapacitated one or more persons places the rescuer at considerable risk. Entry rescues must be carefully planned and executed to avoid creating more victims in need of rescue. Rescuers need to be aware of their surroundings and must reevaluate their plans immediately if there is any change in the conditions of the confined space.

In the event of an entry rescue, standby rescuers are recommended in the event that the initial entry rescuer(s) encounter trouble.

Rescue equipment

Due to the unique nature of confined space rescues, there is specialized equipment necessary to perform a safe and successful rescue.

One of the initial pieces of equipment employed in a confined space is a method of ventilation to disperse collected hazardous gases and introduce fresh air into the environment.

A wristlet is often the first item used to actually perform the rescue, as opposed to the ventilator which is used to prepare the environment for a rescue. A wristlet is a cloth strap that is used t
cinch
tightly around the wrist or ankle of an incapacitated person. Once the strap is looped around a hand or foot, its attached rope is pulled by rescuers, tightening around the arm or leg and pulling the victim out of the confined space.

In the event that an entry rescue must be performed, rescue personnel will wear protective clothing appropriate for the situation. This may include a self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), protective headgear and the use of explosion proof lighting (to prevent igniting any gases). The rescuer may also wear a full body harness with an attached safety line, especially if a vertical descent is required. To assist in vertical descents, a mechanical winch and tripod may be set up over the access point, if the bottom of the confined space is more than five feet from the entrance.

The rescuers may also carry monitoring equipment by which they can ascertain the quality of the air in the environment. Even if the air quality reading does not indicate any hazardous conditions, it is still recommended that rescuers wear SCBA.

Often times, rescuers carry Intrinsically Safe Rescue Communication equipment
Rescom Modular
is a great example of a Rescue Communication System which has an in-built communication wiring, embedded in the rescue rope, simplifying the line management system
Special Electronics & Designs Inc.
is the only manufacturer of a Combined Safety/Communication Rope where this NFPA rated Rope can be used as a Rescue Rope as well as a Communication Wire. This simplifies line management and eliminates the need of shouting or rope actions for communication. A mechanical winch and harness can be used with this system to assist in vertical descent and high-angle rescue scenarios.

Rescue training

Agencies that oversee workplace safety require that persons qualified for confined space rescue operations complete rescue training and exercises annually, at the least, and recommend more frequent training.

Numerous agencies in the United States have facilities for technical rescue training and often have a confined space training area.

In the USA, confined space rescue is covered under the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1670, and under 29 CFR 1910.146 and 29 CFR 1910.147, and must follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards or heavy fines will be levied upon the company that violates their regulation and injury occurs in the workplace. Others are often is managed according to the Incident Command System.

In the UK confined space is governed under by HSE (Health and Safety Executive), which states that those entering a confined space cannot rely on 999 for rescue.

In Canada, The Oil Sands Safety Association has a certification program for Confined Space Entry and Monitor. http://www.misafety.ca/safety-training-edmonton-devon/ossa-confined-space-edmonton

See also

*Cave rescue
*Mine rescue
*Trench rescue
*Incident Response Team

References

External links

*

Confined Space Rescue and Training Facilities

Confined Space Rescue Services and Training , Every year, hundreds of workers suffer needless injuries, even death, due to inadequate (or non-existent) confined space entry programs.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Confined Space Rescue
Rescue