Rescue confined space

Non-Entry Rescue The rescue services we have discussed to this point all involve making external (non-entry rescue) confined space rescues—the preferred method of rescue recommended by this text, even though it may not be feasible on all occasions. The rule of thumb that we use is that if external rescue via a tripod, winch, retrieval line, and body harness... 

Rescue of any person from a confined space where dangerous fumes, or an oxygen-deficient atmosphere, may be present is prohibited without wearing appropriate safety equipment... 

Specialty duties are assigned to teams formed for specific tasks or responding to unusual circumstances (e.g., waste characterization, confined-space rescue, asbestos, lead abatement, etc.). These teams are formed, as necessary, on a permanent or temporary basis. In many cases, special training, drills and exercises, and development of safe work plans are needed to prepare team members to conduct work safely and effectively. 

The contractors SSAHPs at Sites B, F, and K had general confined space provisions but lacked site-specific confined space procedures. For example, SSAHPs for the Site K contractor and subcontractor had written confined space entry programs, but the programs did not establish site-specific rescue procedures or identify the confined space hazards present on the site. The job hazard analyses for both programs failed to address site maintenance tasks that could involve confined space entry and hot work hazards. The programs also failed to identify the specific person or position responsible for supervising confined space entry procedures and the location of permit-required confined spaces on site. Interviews with both contractors indicated confusion about rescue procedures. 

Employees stated that they had received confined space training and were prepared to perform confined space rescue, but they had not rehearsed rescue procedures. In addition, the confined space entry permit form for both contractors did not ask for all required information. For example, the form did not require documentation of the duration for the permit, the intended communications procedures for entry operations, or documentation of hot work performed during confined space entry operations. Completed permits did not contain documentation of hot work performed during confined space entry operations, even though hot work had been performed during such operations at least twice during the project. 

Similarly, the Site B contractor s SSAHP provided corporate policy and procedures for permit-required confined space entry but lacked the site-specific detail necessary to describe the application of the corporate policy to procedures at the site. For example, the SSAHP did not identify specific components of the thermal treatment unit that presented confined space hazards, nor did it describe the specific circumstances or procedures that would require employee entry into these areas. In addition, the plan stated that the contractor would maintain an onsite employee confined space rescue team, but did not identify the members of this team. The SSAHP for Site F also contained a generic confined space entry program but did not identify the specific location of confined space hazards present at the site. 

The contractor at Site A had a written confined space program however, the permits used onsite were different from those specified in the plan. In addition, confined spaces onsite were not labeled, rescue drills had not been conducted, and employee training records were not available onsite. 

An emphasis on developing a system for safe rescue within atmospheres that could have been nitrogen-enriched. The bulletin states that about 10% of the fatalities occurred to personnel attempting to rescue injured people within confined spaces. 

Performing a job safety analysis for each task at confined spaces, for example entry plan, assigned standby persons, communication between workers, rescue procedures, and specified work procedures... 

Safety and loss prevention professionals may also look for potential joint ventures within the public sector (such as municipalities) for various specialty services, such as confined-space injury and rescue. Often the expenditure required to acquire equipment for such specialty areas can be extremely cost prohibitive however, compliance with the OSH A standard must be achieved and maintained. A joint venture with a local fire department that already owns the confined-space equipment may be a viable option, considering the capital expenditure for equipment, cost of training, and potential legal risks. Some safety and loss prevention professionals have been able to enter into joint ventures with municipalities or volunteer fire organizations to have such activities as confined-space entry and rescue performed by these organizations. 

Is there carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, or too little oxygen What is in the atmosphere of the confined space the worker is about to enter Workers can t see or feel an improper oxygen level or toxic or flammable gas levels. How are they supposed to know what s in a confined space Approximately SO percent of the time a confined space is hazardous because of an oxygen deficiency. Two out of three deaths in a confined space occur to persons ill-equipped or poorly trained attempting rescue. 

The criterion for permit-required confined space is that it contains or has a known potential to contain a hazardous atmosphere, including chemicals, sludge, or sewage. Hazardous atmosphere means an atmosphere that may expose employees to the risk of death, incapacitation, impairment of ability to self-rescue (escape unaided), injury, or acute illness. Examples of hazardous atmospheres are a flammable gas or vapor, airborne combustible dust at a concentration that meets or exceeds its LEL, unacceptable oxygen levels, or any atmospheric condition recognized as immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH). 

Safe work in a confined space requires teamwork. The confined space entry team is made up of the entry supervisor, the attendant, the entrant, and the rescue team. 

An entry supervisor is responsible to coordinate all activities related to the CS before issuing a CSE permit. They plan the entry and develop rescue plans. They check the LEL or toxic components of the confined space and the list of all LOTO items and signatures. They also assign the hole watch and entry workers. The entry supervisor has the authority to withhold issuing a permit if unsafe conditions have been detected. Since no permit remains valid beyond the duration of a shift, they have the responsibility to initiate work stoppage as the permit nears its duration. 

Confined space training is required for authorized entrants. They must be thoroughly familiar with the space and its hazards, and they should be able to detect warning signs of over-exposure. They should be physically fit to be able to get out of the vessel on their own. This may sound contradictory to the main idea about the buddy system and rescue services. But, if you think about it, the idea is that a physically able person is less likely to get trapped in the CS than a physically challenged person. 

A permits committee was formed and met regularly to draft critical safety permits. New hot work, confined space, general permit to work, and excavation permits were written, approved, and introduced. A special squad of employees was formed into an at-height rescue team able to rescue someone suspended from a safety harness at height, and they were trained and equipped. A special three-story scaffold was erected as a permanent training structure for the team. This team was formed as a result of anployees concerns when working at heights. 

Because of the danger of entering a confined space (Figure 7.7a,b), OSHA has developed strict requirements for responding public safety personnel. There must be careful planning with immediate rescue resources and backup personnel available. Sometimes it is better not to enter underground laboratories by... 

An individual trained in emergency rescue procedures and outside a confined space who remains in communication with those inside for the purpose of rendering assistance or effecting rescue should the need arise from an incident. May also be called a Standby Man. 

Confined space entry This hazard involves an area that is not continuously occupied and has limited means of entry and exit but that is large enough to enter and allow performance of tasks. Examples of confined spaces include the hub and blades and areas inside the monopile or foundation. Confined spaces introduce hazards such as dangerous gases, oxygen-deficient atmospheres, poor ventilation, and limited movement, in addition to the difficulty of rescuing or evacuating injured personnel. 

Station at least one attendant outside during entry and coordinate actions with contractors used to conduct rescue procedures. Establish a written permit system and review the effectiveness of the system annually. OSHA also requires training to ensure that employees involved in confined space work can perform their job functions safely. This training covers specific items for the authorized entrant, the attendant, and the entry supervisor. Training will cover the following authorized entrant responsibilities (1) hazards involved in confined space entry, (2) use of appropriate PPE for confined space entry, (3) communication policies with the attendant, (4) requirement to leave... 

Confined Space Entry — Citations — Air Testing and Rescue (Cmrent R ile)... 

Training for confined space entry should be geared toward your involvement or likelihood of involvement with confined spaces and hazardous atmospheres. The training could range from how to use space heating devices and carbon monoxide buildup, to full blown entry/exit preparation and execution, air monitoring, respirator use, and rescue. 

The employer must ensure that employees that will be in or near a Permit-Required Confined Space (PRCS), for example employees who have duties specified by the applicable sections of this standard (entiy supervisors, attendants, authorized entrants, and rescue-service employees) acquire the knowledge and skills necessary for the safe performance of these duties. This training must result in an understanding of the hazards in the PRCS and the methods used to isolate, control, or in other ways protect employees from these hazards. 

Cover the requirements for harnesses and other confined space rescue eqrupment. 

Implement confined space entry procedures, including testing, ventilation, and rescue ... 

CONFINED SPACE ENTRY — CITATIONS — AIR TESTING AND RESCUE (CURRENT RULE)-1... 

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